Amy Hurst: All My Children Wear Fur Coats "Paw-Cast"

Peggy interviews Amy Hurst, Partner at Birds in the Dog House and the founder of the PRISM Bird Program. This podcast focused on Amy's work with birds in therapy and the origin of the Prism Bird Program. 

Amy shared how hand-feeding baby parrots during her chemotherapy provided her with physical and emotional support, which inspired her to explore how birds could help others. She described her experience with Pogo, a Quaker parrot born without feet, who formed a unique connection with a young girl with autism. Amy explained that she pursued certifications in animal-assisted therapy and intervention, eventually creating her own research on juvenile Quaker parrots and autism. She told the story of Boo, a 42-year-old cockatoo who was blind for ten years and later regained his sight through a surgery at NC State. Boo became a certified complex therapy bird and has worked with neurodivergent children, senior citizens, and people in drug and alcohol rehab. Amy also discussed the Prism Bird Program, which places birds in special needs households to help children with transitions and emotional regulation. She described the program's success with a boy named Adam and explained that the program has expanded to address PTSD, anxiety, depression, and grief. Amy detailed the history of Birds in the Doghouse, her partnership with Nathaniel, and the organization's various initiatives, including education, community outreach, and bird location services. She emphasized the importance of long-term care and estate planning for birds due to their long lifespans. Finally, Amy announced that Birds in the Doghouse is becoming a nonprofit and plans to expand its services to include other types of therapy animals.

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