Dolly Star News Today

When you share space with an animal, “you can just feel the whole energy change,” and not just for those with cognitive problems – animals can make therapy easier and more fun for people with a variety of conditions, from Alzheimer’s to PTSD to learning disorders.

From mini-micro cows to horses, Cronkite News journalists take a look at how different animals around the Valley are helping people with a variety of ailments.

The staff at Oakwood Creative Care’s downtown and East Mesa senior centers welcomed the nation’s first therapy cow for a visit last week as part of its mission to create

Residents at Oakwood Creative Care in Mesa, a nonprofit day center for people with cognitive disabilities, such as Alzheimer's, Dementia, and Parkinson's disease, were greeted by a sweet and friendly visitor on Wednesday -- Miss Dolly Star.

Residents at Oakwood Creative Care in Mesa, a nonprofit day center for people with cognitive disabilities, such as Alzheimer's, Dementia, and Parkinson's disease, were greeted by a sweet and friendly visitor on Wednesday -- Miss Dolly Star.

Residents at Oakwood Creative Care in Mesa, a nonprofit day center for people with cognitive disabilities, such as Alzheimer's, Dementia, and Parkinson's disease, were greeted by a sweet and friendly visitor on Wednesday -- Miss Dolly Star.

A micro mini cow is travelling around the Valley bringing smiles to people's faces in care facilities.

Miss Dolly Star is a micro mini cow providing therapy to patients in memory care facilities in the Gilbert-Chandler area.