While the rest of us are horsing around, every week, sophomore Joie Zaehler is spending her time with dogs, ponies and other furry friends with the SOUL Buddies club.
SOUL Buddies is a program through SOUL Harbor Ranch, which is the Barrington area’s most experienced animal-assisted therapy program.
“We work with the animals so we can learn and develop the skills to become registered therapy animal handlers. We work with pigs, ponies, dogs, and a bunny,” Zaehler said.
SOUL Buddies isn’t just for the fun and cuteness of the animals, but it’s also for the bonds that are created.
“My favorite part of SOUL Buddies is being able to work with all the different animals and the community that the SOUL Harbor volunteers and members have created,” Zaehler said.
The club meets every week, and club members are required to attend two meetings a month.
“The meetings are casual with the exception of the visits in the community where we dress in a manner that is respectful and appropriate for the places we visit,” Zaehler said.
The goal of SOUL buddies is to help get students involved with animals and look for a possible future career path.
“The point of the organization is to teach and inspire high school students to become involved with therapy animal work and show us how much joy the animals can bring to others.“ Zaehler said.
The animals they work with are well-trained and are great for learning how to handle them properly.
“Most of the animals we work with are already registered therapy animals, so although we are helping reinforce skills, the animals are teaching and guiding us on our path to become registered handlers,” Zaehler said.

Q&A with Joie Zaehler

Q) What’s your favorite memory from SOUL Buddies?

A) My favorite memory from SOUL Buddies is when I got to work with the new baby mini horses for the first time.

Q) Why are you a part of SOUL Buddies?

A) I want to continue with animal therapy handling and I would like to become a registered handler in the future.

Q) Why did you join SOUL Buddies?

A) I joined SOUL Buddies because I have always loved animals and been interested in animal therapy work.

Q) What’s the best part about being in SOUL Buddies?

A) I get to work with many different animals and I am able to see the joy that the animals bring to others in the community.