“Working with the animals has made all the difference for her,” says Mia’s father. “They unlocked something inside of her that allowed her to open up in therapy, and with her mom and me.”
Mia had never been anywhere near livestock, never even had a pet, prior to her arrival at YBGR. Mia quickly became acquainted with therapy dogs Emmy Lou and Cooper. Then with the pheasants during Vo-Ag class. Next it was joining a work crew in the calving barn this past spring and seeing a newborn calf come into the world. Mia also participated in the equine assisted therapy program and started helping care for the horses.
After struggling and falling behind at school, Mia is back on track academically. She is looking forward to her Senior year back home and looking for college programs where she can continue to work with animals.