Healing with Rabbits, Snails, and Snake Scales

There’s something special that happens when a rabbit hops gently into a circle of elders. Or when a shy child runs their fingers across the shell of a snail for the first time. Or when someone who usually doesn’t speak whispers, “That tickles,” as a snake winds carefully across their hand.

At The Nature Connection, animals are a vital part of our programs—not just because they’re fascinating or fun (although they are), but because they open doors that words alone often can’t.
Animals meet people without judgment. They don’t rush. They don’t require conversation. They simply are—present, steady, and deeply grounding.

That’s why we’ve thoughtfully integrated animals into our therapeutic nature programs for decades. From rabbits and guinea pigs to chinchillas, snails, snakes, and fish, each of our animals plays a unique role in connecting with people who are often underserved, overlooked, or isolated.

For someone in a memory care unit, the soft fur of a rabbit can unlock a long-forgotten memory. For a child in a therapeutic school, the stillness of a snail might be the first calm moment in an otherwise chaotic day. For an adult in a group home, being trusted to hold a snake—gently, and with respect—can build a sense of confidence and control.

Of course, it’s not just about the animals. It’s about how they are introduced.

Our facilitators and trained volunteers don’t “present” the animals like a show—they build a quiet space where individuals are invited to interact at their own pace. There’s no pressure to hold, pet, or touch. Just invitation. Just presence.

And sometimes, just being near an animal is enough.

The animals in our care are also partners in this work. They are chosen for their temperament, trained with patience, and cared for deeply. Each has a personality, a rhythm, and a way of connecting that makes them a beloved part of the team.

They are not props. They are bridges.

In a world that can feel fast, noisy, or overwhelming—especially for people with cognitive, sensory, or emotional challenges—our animals offer something else entirely: pause. Curiosity. Comfort.
And often, healing.

To support our animal-assisted programs or learn more about how we train and care for our therapy animals, visit www.nature-connection.org. You can also meet some of our animal partners in person—our nature center in West Concord, MA is open to the public Saturdays from 12:00 to 4:00.