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Animal-assisted therapy & huskies

A deeply human encounter,

adapted for people with disabilities

At Alpes'Huskies, we offer husky-assisted sensory and relational support for people with disabilities or very limited independence.
Through the calming presence of the dog, nature and non-verbal communication, we create meaningful experiences tailored to each person's pace and needs.

Chien serrant la main

When words are no longer enough,
the bond remains

  • Eyes that light up.

  • A hand that relaxes at the touch of soft fur.

  • An unexpected smile.

  • The calm of a husky lying against a person in a wheelchair.

  • Some encounters happen through words.

  • Others simply happen through presence.

Our sessions create moments of calm, sensory awakening and emotional connection, even for people with significant communication difficulties or very limited independence.

Un enfant qui fait un calin à un de nos chiens
Julien qui installe une personne à mobilité réduite sur notre kart

Our adapted activities

One-to-one support with one of our specially trained huskies, for:

  • people with multiple disabilities

  • residents of care institutions

  • people with cognitive or neurological disorders

  • people with communication disorders

 

Sessions can take place:

  • in the resident's own room

  • in a sensory room

  • in living areas

  • or outdoors whenever possible

 

Each session is built around:

  • well-being

  • the relationship

  • respect for each person's pace

  • living the experience in the present moment

Experiences with the pack

With our huskies, we can offer immersive, adapted activities:

  • meeting the dogs

  • walks

  • adapted dog karting

  • sensory discovery

  • activities in the great outdoors

  • recreational time at your institution or in Champéry

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These experiences encourage:

  • sensory stimulation

  • enjoyment

  • motivation

  • interaction

  • movement

  • a sense of wonder

  • and the feeling of living an adventure away from everyday life

Un groupe de personne qui regarde passer un de nos attelage en été
Une dame fait un calin avec un de nos chiens

Why huskies?

Huskies are very people-oriented, intuitive and sensitive, and naturally seek contact and connection.

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Their presence often encourages:

  • calm 

  • curiosity 

  • physical contact 

  • attention 

  • emotional relaxation 

  • and spontaneous interaction

​​

Our dogs have been used to human contact all their lives and regularly work with people with disabilities.

A safe & professional approach

The well-being of both participants and dogs is an essential priority.

​

All our dogs are vaccinated every year, dewormed four times a year, treated against fleas and ticks, and closely monitored to ensure their physical and emotional balance.

 

Sessions take place in a calm, respectful setting adapted to each participant's abilities.

​

We regularly work with:

  • nursing homes (EMS)

  • residential care homes

  • specialised institutions

  • homes for adults with disabilities

  • day centres

  • educational and care teams

​​

Our sessions can be:

  • one-off

  • regular

  • individual

  • or in small groups

deux de nos collaboratrices qui montrent 2 de nos chiens à une perosnne en chaise roulante
Violaine sur un canapé avec 1 de nos chiens et un chiot dans ses bras

Alpes'Huskies

Violaine Girard Grau, founder of Alpes'Huskies, has for several years been developing dog-assisted relational and sensory support for vulnerable people.

Her approach combines:

  • field experience

  • human support

  • an understanding of complex situations

  • therapeutic sensitivity

  • in-depth knowledge of canine behaviour​

​​

Training and background: ​

  • Master's degree in Work and Organisational Psychology

  • FSEA-certified adult educator

  • NLP Master Practitioner

  • Certificate as a “Reliance” practitioner (relational connection)

  • Experience in the social-education and security sectors

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Author of the book:
"La puissance de l'animal thérapeute. Pratiquer l'accompagnement en Reliance avec le chien" (The Power of the Therapy Animal), Chronique Sociale, 2020 (in French).

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📍 Champéry, Switzerland
📞 +41 78 664 61 61
✉️ violaine@alpes-huskies.ch
🌐 www.alpes-huskies.ch

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