Dr. Aubrey Fine knew he was onto something when he saw how a little gerbil helped calm a group of learning disabled children. That was 30 years ago, and since then, all types of animals have functioned as co-therapists with this real-life Dr. Doolittle.

Dr. Fine has enjoyed remarkable success using his four-legged friends, particularly golden retrievers. Children who are completely withdrawn open up when a furry friend puts his head in their laps, says Dr. Fine, and unfocused kids with ADHD are suddenly calmer. Again and again, Dr. Fine has seen how an animal’s intuitively soothing nature breaks down walls, and helps him better connect with his patients.

On what promises to be the feel-good show of the season, Dr. Fine will talk about the special human/animal bond, as he reveals heartwarming stories of his own patients’ triumphs. He’ll discuss how:

• A little girl’s breakthrough came when his dog literally— and without prompting — licked her scars.

• He uses subtle hand gestures to communicate with his
“co-therapists” during patient sessions.

• His dog nursed his wife through cancer treatment
and her recuperation.

• Animals have taught him to be a better therapist by being
more “human."

CREDENTIALS: Dr. Aubrey Fine is a licensed psychologist, professor at California State Polytechnic University, and an internationally-renowned expert on Animal Assisted Therapy. He is the editor of the classic book on the subject, The Handbook on Animal Assisted Therapy, and has published other works in the areas of parent/child relationships, learning/attention disorders, and sports psychology. His latest book is AFTERNOONS WITH PUPPY: Inspirations from a Therapist and His Animals, which he co-authored with Cynthia J. Eisen, a parent who brings first-hand knowledge of the benefits of animal assisted therapy for a child with learning disabilities.

AVAILABILITY: California, nationwide by arrangement and via telephone
CONTACT: Becki Corbin, (765) 494-8144 (IN); rlcorbin@purdue.edu