(Jaryn Vecchio/paNOW Staff)

By Jaryn Vecchio

GOATS

Can goats help improve mental health? One P.A. family believes so

Jun 23, 2022 | 2:00 PM

A Prince Albert couple believes they can help people struggling with their mental health.

It’s less about what Chuck Hawkins and Valerie MacDougall can do, along with their granddaughter, but what their goats and sheep can do.

It’s called goat therapy and multiple studies have proven these farm animals can help combat different illnesses.

“They say it can lower blood pressure, cholesterol, anxiety,” said Hawkins. “Being around them, I can see that.”

Some of those in their herd include Lucy, Lilly, Bella, Thelma, Louise, William the sheep, and the alpha male himself, Chad.

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Despite being very vocal creatures, Hawkins explained there are times when they’re eating and just roaming around that you can barely hear a peep from them.

“They’re very calming.”

The family is hosting a goat yoga event on Sunday. They’ve hosted previous events for charities that all sold out, but this specific get-together was planned by the family along with Paws Here.

This is also being used as a trial run to see if they should hold more events, partner with other non-profits, and see if people are interested in having a goat help them with their mental struggles.

“To watch somebody enjoy them is a really great thing,” added MacDougall.

The two also joked this event is also being held so these goats can stop being freeloaders.

“This will be the first time they actually pay their bills.”

Those interested in taking part in goat yoga can register by visiting Paws Here’s website. Three classes have been scheduled between 11 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. CST.

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Jaryn.Vecchio@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @princealbertnow