North Texas animal therapy ranch provides ‘healing of the mind, body, and spirit’

Melode Seremet’s dream came true.

Literally.

In 2004 she had a dream that she said included a complete vision of what lay ahead for herself and her husband, Stan. It even included the name of their upcoming venture, Paws for Reflection Ranch.

“I was so moved that I took a blank paper and roughly drew what I saw. It made such an impact on me that my husband and I immediately began research and training to pursue the dream,” she said.

That dream is now a reality as they operate Paws for Reflection Ranch in Midlothian, a place that provides healing and recreation through horses and animal assisted therapies. Along with enhancing the quality of life for their clients, they provide a loving home for animals.

“In 2007, we found the property where the ranch now resides. It was a direct match to the drawing of the facility that I drew in 2004,” she said. “With tears and goose bumps, we knew that we had found the home.”

The property has two nature trails for walking and horseback riding, and also a trail that provides activities to help with sensory processing disorders. The covered party porch provides a convenient meeting place and area for events.

“Riding is beneficial both physically and emotionally, including easing stress, anxiety, depression, and PTSD,” Seremet said. “Riding is especially beneficial for clients with autism, ADHD, and Down Syndrome.”

Seremet recounts many heartwarming memories of clients who have benefited from the ranch.

“One of our favorite stories involves a veteran client. Suffering from PTSD, nightmares, anxiety and depression, he had become homebound, unable to work or further his college degree, and relationships were shaky,” she said. “As he actively participated in equine assisted counseling, his symptoms were lessened. He was able to venture out. The nightmares were less frequent.”

As time went on, the veteran transitioned into civilian life. He was able to return to school and finish his degree before finding a job. He later announced his engagement, Seremet said.

“We were honored when they asked if they could have their wedding at Paws for Reflection Ranch, since that is where he got his life back and the future became a possibility,” she said. “Of course, we said yes, and they had an absolutely beautiful ranch wedding.”

Volunteer opportunities

Volunteer programs are a mainstay at the ranch. Along with providing therapeutic horseback riding, they also help with feed, care, and mental enrichment of the animals.

“Volunteers learn new skills and gain confidence, which can assist them in the job market,” Seremet said. “Volunteers make new friends with similar interests, as well as participate in heart-warming events.”

One of the biggest challenges facing the ranch is securing funding for programs. About 85% of their clients need partial or full scholarships to receive services.

“We continuously seek funding for their scholarships through grants, donations, and fundraising,” Seremet said, noting that the cost of operations, including the feed, care, and veterinary fees for the animals, is an ongoing expense that fluctuates very little.

And now there’s the challenge of COVID-19. Doing their part to reduce the spread, they suspended the therapeutic riding and horsemanship programs, as well as youth and adult education programs.

“We are slowly restarting the riding and horsemanship programs under restrictions as these therapies are of utmost importance to the overall physical, mental, and emotional well-being of our clients,” Seremet said.

Counseling services have continued to be available either on-site or through Telehealth.

The pandemic also forced the cancellation of the 2020 spring fundraiser, making the Oct. 3 Round-Up fundraiser even more critical. They are planning a virtual silent auction in addition to an on-site event.

“With our events being held outdoors, it is easy to abide by COVID restrictions, such as social distancing, to enjoy a strolling dinner and live entertainment under the stars,” Seremet said. “For those who prefer the safety of their home, and for those outside of our local area, the virtual auction provides an opportunity for all to participate.”

‘Lives are changed’

The ranch serves a wide range of clients, including children ages 3 and older, at-risk youth, veterans, first responders and those with special needs. In addition, they serve businesses, the Dallas and Fort Worth Veterans Administrations and substance abuse facilities.

Melode and Stan oversee all ranch operations, and to this day have not received any compensation. The ranch is managed and operated by both paid and volunteer staff.

The ranch also has an active internship program offering hands-on learning. Through a grant partnership with the University of North Texas, they train master’s and doctoral level counseling interns in providing animal assisted services.

The ranch is home to about 35 animals. Currently, living there 13 full-size horses, two miniature horses, a miniature donkey, a miniature longhorn, two mini-pigs, three goats, four rabbits, three chinchillas, two hedgehogs, a tortoise, a bird, two dogs and two cats.

Children make up about 50% of their clients, but those of all ages can benefit from the ranch.

“We know that lives are changed daily at the ranch. Through the self-discovery that is unearthed as clients build relationships with the animals comes healing of the mind, body, and spirit,” Seremet said.

“[The animals] teach our clients about empathy and emotion regulation. All of the ranch animals live in the moment, not caring about yesterday or tomorrow. They help us to stay focused and authentic, true to ourselves.”