Animal Assisted Learning Program (AALP) began in 2006 when Henry Wrinkles started visiting a first grade classroom every Wednesday.  His presence provided a safe place for children to read and talk to him.   Photos were created for Henry in different settings and attire to inspire the children to write stories about his adventures.

In 2008 he worked with children in a Junior High School, one classroom had children with special needs and the other was an advanced placement class.  The children in the special needs class drew pictures of Henry, wrote sentences about him and read to him.  The advanced placement class use their character, plot and dialog skills to write a screenplay with Henry and an adult cat adopted from the shelter as the lead characters.  They videotaped the movie for later use. 

This year AALP has been enlisted by the school district to provide a communication enhancement program for children with special needs.  Children have access to Henry and his 'associates' (dogs, cats, horses, pigs, donkeys, sheep, goats) and read books and magazines about these animals at "his" farm to expand their experience and vocabulary base.  They then tell, draw or write stories about their experiences.

• Communication Enhancement Program (CEP)
    The communication Enhancement program is a curriculum developed by HWF staff using shelter or rescue animals to encourage children's communication skills through original books, photos and support materials.
    
• Paws Across Borders  (PAB)
    HWF will work with classrooms in other states or countries to promote animal assisted learning.  Classrooms in other states or countries will have a pet in their classroom that works with children.  These classrooms will share video tapes of each "culture" and webcam visits.
   
• Paws Up for Learning  (PUFL)
    Henry Wrinkles started visiting a first grade classroom every Wednesday in 2006.  His presence provided a safe place for children to read and talk to him.  Photos were created for Henry in different settings and attire to inspire the children to write stories about his adventures.
   
• Adoption Boot Camp
    Adolescents from 'at risk' situations are paired with dogs that have been difficult to place from animal shelters.  The youths are coached in basic dog obedience and then work with their 'dog partner' to transfer those skills and increase the dog's adoptability.
   
• We'll Take You There Program
    The We'll Take You There Program combines the Adoption Boot Camp Program (disadvantage dogs are rescued from shelters and paired with disadvantaged children.  the children then train the dogs in basic obedience and get them ready for adoption.  In essence the children are helping the dogs learn skills that will allow them to function in a home.) and Equine Assisted Learning Program (EAL is an emerging treatment that utilizes horse handling activities to generate powerful therapeutic metaphors.  The children gain insight into their fears, habits, and unconscious ways of relating. As issues arise with the equine setting students have opportunities to work toward understanding and healing of these issues.)
   
• Together We Can
     Program for children with special needs are given the opportunity to ride horses which helps them developed motor skills, confidence and self-esteem.