POWERGRAMS

24 COMMUNITY It's a "dog's life" for most pups. But not for six rescue dogs at Storybook Farm in Opelika. These lucky canines and their young visitors will soon have a "fairy tale" place to run, jump and play. Thanks to a helping hand from the Alabama Power Foundation, Storybook Farm will soon expand its programming to include the "Fox and the Hound" playground, a companion play area for dogs and kids. "Research has shown that dogs are nonjudgmental and help build confidence in children in general, but especially in those who struggle with physical, developmental, cognitive, emotional or mental health issues, and those living with a disability," said Dena Little, founder and executive director of Storybook Farm. "Having a space with the express purpose of adding to the organic magical experience that is Storybook Farm provides yet another opportunity for our children to grow, develop and experience great joy and happiness in a beautiful and safe outdoor setting." Storybook Farm is a nonprofit that provides support and programming for children and young adults. It offers a wonderland where they can become more confident by engaging with dogs, horses and farm animals. The 2-acre, off-leash park will feature an agility course, including tunnels, weaving poles, jumps and stands, a game area with a giant tic-tac-toe board and checkerboard, benches and pathways. Since expanding her facility to include a canine program in 2016, adding a designated dog park has been Little's dream. Now the Alabama Power Foundation is making that happen. "Before this, we didn't have a designated place for the kids and dogs to play," Little said. "The park will be a safe place where kids and dogs can run and cuddle." In November 2018, the foundation awarded a $17,500 Elevate Grant to make Little's dream come true sooner than she expected. The Elevate program empowers nonprofits by providing funding over a two-year period to support unique, worthwhile community projects, and offers workshops where recipients can meet to network and share best practices. "We had hoped to add the playground in three years," said Little. "But this grant is allowing us to accomplish our dream in half the time. It means a ton for our programming because it allows us to provide additional opportunities for the kids and really capitalize on the benefits the canines can bring them." The idea of opening Storybook Farm suddenly came to Little 17 years ago while folding laundry. She moved from Atlanta to the Auburn area because she wanted a small-town atmosphere in which to raise her two daughters, then ages 2 and 4. Little had read about equine-assisted therapy and knew that it could benefit people with disabilities. "I had just gotten two ponies a month before, and I thought I could do something like that," said Little, whose passion for horseback riding began as a child when she mounted a friend's Shetland pony. "I was not anticipating doing anything full time, but I was inundated with calls. Before I knew it, there were 60 families knocking on my door. I really felt that I had been called to do this." Little quickly outgrew her small farm. She began her program with three children and two ponies. Within 18 months, she sold her home and moved to a larger farm in Opelika. With her love of reading and books, Little decided to call her farm Storybook. In line with that theme, she has named all the animals after characters in literature, and the barns, paddocks and arenas for literary places. "It has become a ministry for me," Little said. "It's an opportunity to walk alongside these families and give them a place where they can have something fun to do with their kids. These kids' lives are not bracketed by their disabilities. Everyone is equal on the back of a horse." Today, Little's facility serves more than 1,500 families from 10 counties in Alabama and Georgia. The 51-acre farm is the home of 18 horses, six dogs, several cats, a goat and a miniature donkey. Ashley Benson said her three children can't wait for their visits to Storybook Farm each week. "The farm touches each one of my kids in a different way," said Benson, whose family has been visiting the farm for about 10 years. "William and Carter love walking the dogs, and Sunny can't get enough of the ponies. My whole family benefits from their experiences with the animals, and I love watching them being carefree. The days of the week are counted down until it's time to go back again to see their animal friends." Storybook Farm is also special to Ouida Lawrence's daughters, but they particularly love the dogs. "The dogs greeting us at the farm is something the kids look forward to each week," she said. "When Ava started riding at Storybook Farm, she was anxious to climb aboard her horse. Loving on the dogs brought her a sense of calm and reduced her anxiety. "The Storybook canine team is eager to engage with the kids, especially Ava's sisters (Abbie and Virginia)," Ouida continued. "The dogs keep them company while Ava is riding and help them feel special, too." Alabama Power Auburn Office Manager Rod Cater presented the Elevate Grant on behalf of the foundation. "This grant couldn't go to a more worthy nonprofit," Cater said. "For the past 17 years, Storybook Farm has used patient and gentle horses to create an environment that relaxes children, and allows them to learn, grow and overcome. Now through the foundation's generous support, Storybook's staff and volunteers can add canine therapy when serving the children who visit this safe and beautiful farm." By Carla Davis Storybook Ending FOUNDATION GRANT PAVES WAY FOR SPECIAL PLAYGROUND Little with children and pets in Opelika.

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