HOPE FOR CHILDREN AND ANIMALS ALIKE
Sun City Living, March 2005

Whispering Hope Ranch, which is located in the Payson area, was founded in 1998 to provide a healing environment for individuals with physical and developmental challenges and a home for animals born with physical differences or rescued from difficult circumstances.  It's a special place where animals and people come together to heal body, mind and spirit.

Among those hosted, are individuals facing challenges such as autism, cancer, craniofacial conditions, Crohn's disease, epilepsy, hemophilia, homelessness, kidney disease, spinal bifida, visual impairments and the loss of a loved one.

Children participate in a variety of activities including animal assisted activities, nature hikes, carriage rides, arts and crafts, spinning and weaving from the llamas and goats and photography.

Let's meet just a few of the 100+ animals who call Whispering Hope Ranch their home.

Cocoa is a miniature "house" rabbit that has a disabilitiy that causes his teeth to grow an inch per month, making it difficult for him to eat. Staff clip his teeth every week to keep him healthy. He loves playing with his human friends.

Eeyore is a favorite. The Ranch was contacted about a donkey that couldn't walk. He was lifted into a trailer and brought to the Ranch where he began walking soon after his arrival. He has been a miracle worker for many children with autism.

Miss Kitty is missing a back leg and was rescued by a Ranch Hand. Surgery was required to repair the area where the leg had been. She is an incredible climber and acrobat and is a remarkable example of living life to the fullest regardless of her differences.

Buckwheat, a cashmere goat, is a special healer for the elderly. He was born with a severe side-bite and so he understands when people need comfort and seeks them out.

These are a few of the many animals which include bovines, burros, mules, cats, dogs, deer, emus, fowl, goats, horses, llamas and pigs. They all hae unique histories and are all part of the many creatures that bring joy and healing to the guests, ranch staff and visitors.

Currently Phase I of an expansion project is underway and is scheduled to be completed this summer. The expanded facility will house up to 126 children, adults, counselors and medical personnel for summer camps. Individuals, families and organizations will utilize the facility throughout the non-summer months for retreats and mission-related seminars.

Whispering Hope Ranch is supporty entirely by private funds. The Foundation receives no government support. Financial support, in-kind contributions and support through volunteer programs is needed to bring this experience to children with special needs throughout Arizona.

One way to help is through sponsorship of an animal of your choice. Cocoa's sponsorship is just $4 per month or $40 for a year and Buckwheat's support is only $10 per month or $100 per year. There are many ways which you can help Whispering Hope Ranch continue it's mission of offering special needs children a ranch-style camp environment to nurture interaction with the animals.

You can contact them at 928-478-0339 or email them at whr@whisperinghoperanch.org to receive an Animal Biography Sheet or to find out more about this great organization. Donations can be sent to Whispering Hope Ranch Foundation, HC2 Box 162-V, Payson, AZ 85541. They are a non-profit organization so all donations are tax deductible to the extent the law allows.

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