Therapy with a Tail

March 11, 2025

by: Zoë McHenry, BFP Writer

What if you could witness Christian generosity in action, transforming lives in Israel? Recently, during a visit to Neve Landy, a home for troubled boys, I had the opportunity to do just that. Neve Landy is unique in its model, mission and the lives it changes. Let me share this extraordinary place in southern Israel with you.

No Place Like Home

Unlike large institutional settings, Neve Landy is designed to create a warm, family-like atmosphere, caring for troubled boys who have suffered trauma, abuse or neglect. Many of these boys have spent significant time in mental health facilities due to conditions like PTSD, severe anxiety, depression and ADHD. Unable to thrive in typical family, orphanage, foster home or school settings, they often pose a danger to themselves and others, leaving places like Neve Landy as their last chance for healing.

Under the leadership of director Shosham, Neve Landy provides a holistic approach to care, combining educational tutoring, mentorship and counseling. The 50 boys who range in age from six to 16 live in dorms, separated by age to foster a sense of belonging and age-appropriate relationships. The community focuses on nurturing each child’s specific needs and helping them overcome their past trauma, all through personalized support and therapy.

Haven in a Storm

Despite its peaceful setting, Neve Landy is not immune to the harsh realities of its location, just 15 miles [24 km.] from the Gaza border. The haven was deeply impacted by the war following October 7, 2023. “The boys struggled,” reflected Shosham. “The sirens were constant. The halls were empty, 80% of my staff were called up for reserve duty.”

Many of the boys at Neve Landy originally come from the surrounding kibbutzim [collective communities], and as Shosham pointed out, “Although they are here, war is everywhere.”

With heightened anxiety among the boys and limited staff, the challenges of maintaining a safe and supportive environment became exceedingly difficult.

On top of that, as with any war, funding became tight. “Organizations now only give money to [the] war effort. It makes sense, but we suffered,” Shosham told us.

The community found itself scrambling for external support to fund its rehabilitation programs and therapy for the boys. Faced with difficult decisions, even something as beneficial as dog therapy was at risk of being canceled.

During this trying time, Bridges for Peace stepped up, fully funding the dog therapy program. “This therapy wouldn’t be possible without your help,” Shosham told me. “Christians like you make a real difference.”

Therapy in the Training

Witnessing the dog therapy program firsthand was a singular experience. As we entered a spacious room, the sound of hushed chatter filled the air. Young boys were gathered around two dogs, eagerly giving commands in Hebrew. The boys were very excited, to the point of jumping and yelling. Their instructor settled the situation by leading them in a breathing exercise, which calmed the group. He then took them outside to a grassy area with a garden, basketball court, fruit trees and a ping-pong table. Even to me as a visitor, it felt home-like.

Despite the language barrier, the boys were ecstatic to tell us newcomers how to train the dogs. I took turns commanding the two dogs; first the bigger one, then the smaller shy one the boys called Angie. She was quite nervous with all the activity around her.

“She’s new but very old,” the dog therapist shared. “Some of the dogs I bring are rescues, others I buy.”

I was puzzled. Weren’t these trained therapy dogs? But then I understood: the dogs themselves are the therapy. I saw the way they responded to the boys’ hyperactivity, cowering or barking at loud noises or becoming gentle in a calm environment. As the boys trained the dogs, the dogs were teaching the boys emotional regulation, responsibility, patience and communication. That in itself was the therapy. What looked like a regular interaction was much more than that.

Like a “mirror,” the dogs reflected the boys’ emotional states. The therapist explained the importance of slow breathing and calming oneself down before interacting with the dogs. This helps the boys understand the importance of controlling their emotions—not only when training the dogs but also in their everyday lives.

I witnessed one boy nudging another boy for the leash. They exchanged some words and finally, the boy passed the leash to his friend. They were sharing! I could see the process of learning responsibility, patience and communication all taking place in the span of a few minutes.

Why Dogs?

But with so many available therapies teaching these same lessons, I questioned what made this therapy so special.

“I think kids feel before they know. Kids don’t want you to know their mind; they want someone to understand their heart. And dogs are the best way to get to a kid’s heart,” the therapist said. “The bond that forms between the boys and the dogs creates an emotional connection that many of these children have never experienced before—one based on love, trust and compassion.”

Looking at the dogs and their wagging tails, I knew he was right. Dogs don’t judge. Instead, “they offer unconditional love.”

A Real Difference

The results speak for themselves. According to the therapist, the boys show an “80–90% improvement” in their emotional well-being.

The therapy session ended with firm handshakes, dog hugs and laughter. The boys ran around, joyful and carefree—a rare sight for those who have experienced so much pain. This is the beauty of Neve Landy—despite the hardships, the boys here are given a chance to be kids again.

And without the support of organizations like Bridges for Peace, none of this would be possible. “We are here to help them all the time—and with your support, we can make a real difference,” Shosham concluded.

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