BULLETIN BOARD:
* We invite our therapists and volunteers to join our forum. It is a place to ask questions, tell stories (with names removed/changed for privacy) and share ideas about animal assisted therapy.

Follow this link to get started:

http://myforum.chimoproject.com/User/Discussions.aspx

* Congratulations to our Program Manager, Kristine Wry-Aanderson on the birth of beautiful baby girl Valkyrie.  Little Valkyrie was born on April 30th, weighing in at six and a half pounds.  We are thrilled to report that mom and baby are doing wonderfully!  Kristine will be out of the office on maternity leave until January 2009.  Best wishes Kristine!! 

Teddy
June 7,2007-May 14, 2008
Teddy was a Portuguese Water Dog who served the last 16 months of his 8 years as a therapy dog at the Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital. A fund has been established in his name to support Animal Assisted Therapy at the Glenrose so others can follow in his paw prints. Contributions can be made using credit card by calling 780-735-6024 or by cheque payable to:
Glenorose Rehabilitation Hospital Foundation
10230-111 Avenue
Edmonton, AB
T5G 0B7

The Chimo Project is an innovative, non-profit, charitable organization that assists in the development, planning, and implementation of Animal Assisted Therapy at a wide variety of facilities.  

Many individuals have seen the benefits of Animal Assisted Therapy when a motivated therapist brings their own animal in to help their clients. At The Chimo Project, we strive to bring those same benefits to all clients. We train all interested therapists and employ means of finding suitable animals to work with them, such as certified volunteer animals.  

At the Chimo Project we:

• Recruit and certify therapy animals including dogs, cats, birds, rabbits, and mini-horses 
• Train a wide variety of therapists to use animals to help their clients
• Facilitate ongoing Animal Assisted Therapy programs in our community
• Provide services to assist new facilities in creating and sustaining their own Animal Assisted Therapy programs

Our Mission

Animals Helping People Heal

The Chimo Project’s mission is to develop and make available effective animal assisted therapeutic services to health and social services providers. The Chimo Project supports effective anilmal assisted therapy  through program development, education and research evaluation.

 Our Vision

The Chimo Project’s vision is to be the service provider of choice for animal assisted therapeutic services in Alberta and recognized as the leading research, education and support resource in animal assisted therapy in Alberta.

Our Values

The Chimo Project

1.       Respects the dignity and rights of the people we serve and in particular is attentive the needs of vulnerable individuals.

2.       Values the contributions of volunteers and volunteer animals and provides services that are respectful of the needs and safety of volunteers – people and animals.

3.       Strives to make animal assisted therapy accessible to those who require it and may benefit from these services.

4.       Strives to develop and provide excellent and responsive services that benefit our clients and are accountable to clients, funders and the community

5.       Is committed to learning and sharing knowledge through careful research and effective dissemination of knowledge related to animal assisted therapy.

6.       Works collaboratively and values the contributions of the community and our partners in advancing animal assisted services to those in need.