By: Hollie Hojek
hhojek@kcautv.com
Out on the Janssen family farm there are over 30 types of household pets, all with one very important job to do.
From the roosters, to the rabbits, to even the mini horses...all the animals on the 4-acre farm help the Janssen family in a unique way.
You see, Steve and Reta always knew they wanted to raise a family out in the country, so when they couldn't have kids of their own, they decided to adopt. And in one years time, they adopted four children. All four children were born with some type of disability, whether it was Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, Attention Deficit Disorder, or Sensory Integration Disorder...And growing up on a farm seemed to be just what the doctor ordered.
"The animals sometimes will even be their calming, when Jesse, like I'll see him go out and he'll have his headphones on and he's singing to the horse and he's just in his own space..." says Reta Janssen.
The Janssens say the animals give their children a sense of calming and companionship that has really helped them develop as special needs children. All four kids participate in 4-H, which has been a rewarding opportunity for all of them.
"They've been able to blossom I think, just by being able to go out and talk to other people and share their animals and they've participate in special Olympics and I think the animals have been part of some of that," says Reta.
For Mr. Janssen, he's just grateful his kids have place where they feel they belong, and can grow.
"They can't go play sports like any other kids, because they can't keep up with the other kids, they got a sense of well-being out here with the animals that way," says Janssen.
The Janssens want other families with special needs children to know just how helpful animal interaction can really be, because they've seen it for themselves.
