 WHOLENESS

from Wellspring Spring 2022: What's on Tap at CHWB

Community Education Programs

A Pet’s Permaculture Paradise

Fleet Farming Program Director Caroline Chomanics on gardening with — and for — your pet

Horticultural therapy — green spaces, sunshine and meaningful activity — isn’t an effective tool for just us humans, the twolegged animal . Whether there’s a bone to bury, or trash to compost, digging dirt is also good for Man’s Best Friend . A true, organic garden can pay homage to that special connection between you and your pet . We sat down with Caroline Chomanics, cat lover, pet enthusiast, and program director at Fleet Farming, a coinitiative of IDEAS For Us, to learn more about her upcoming program, “Creating a Pet Garden,” at the Center for Health & Wellbeing . While stroking her cat’s fur (a Maine Coon named Freya), Chomanics happily explained why building a permaculture paradise for you and your pet can support your overall health and wellbeing .

What is the connection between our animals, wellbeing and gardening?

Having your animals outside in a gardening environment helps you to relax . We know that seeing the color green alone is relaxing . I think that animals can provide a positive environment for healing, relaxation, and exercise . I was talking to a friend, and she said that the dog she recently adopted is helping her mental health . She struggles with depression and if it wasn’t for her dog, sometimes she wouldn’t leave the house all day . Her dog is an active dog that needs regular walks . And she says that, in addition to having to take the dog out for these regular walks, having something to care for makes it easier for her to come out of her depression and care for herself, too .

Are there plants you recommend owners provide their pets?

With dogs, they can have gardens full of lemongrass . Dogs can even eat wheat grass . These are so easy to grow and it’s really rewarding . Roses that are not synthetically fertilized, sugar cane, cannon meal are edible to dogs and cats . And for cats, of course we know cat grass and catnip are great, but lemongrass, thyme and mint are, too, because catnip is in the mint family . I will be getting more into all of this during our 1 PM program on Wednesday, June 1 . You can have a low maintenance, aesthetically pleasing garden for you and your pet . The pets

that we will focus on in this program are dogs, cats, birds, rats, rabbits, and reptiles . If you’ve ever owned a Bearded Dragon, you know to feed them blueberries, or to feed them lettuce . There are a lot of pets that share similar edible garden diets .

What are some plants pet owners should avoid?

Valerian and licorice root, peace lilies, Ivy and jade plant, Plant of Steel and Poinsettia are highly toxic to animals . People don’t know how some of their house plants can be toxic to their animals, too .

What’s one misconception about gardening that you want to share?

[Gardening] doesn’t have to be something overwhelming or daunting . Fertilizers and different soil amendments can make it seem overwhelming, but I hope attendees can learn these tips and tricks and that our gardening classes can make gardening a lot simpler than it seems . Pets have the power to make us happier and healthier in mind, body and spirit.

This spring, the Center for Health & Wellbeing is offering special programs focused on the incredible ways our pets support our wellbeing. Scan this QR code below to discover our upcoming “Power of Pets” Community Education Programs .

The Joy of Dogs:

Read Now on YourHealthandWellbeing.org

“Dogs can really help regulate emotions, so can any animal really. It doesn’t have to be a dog. The companionship, the physical presence of an animal is soothing to the nervous system. There is a peace that comes with petting an animal and their closeness. After all you know, Dog spelled backward is God.”

— Joy Henderson fitness instructor at the Crosby Wellness Center, passionate dog owner and foster parent

Scan this QR code or visit YourHealthandWellbeing .org to learn more about The Joy of Dogs . 5

SPRING 2022 SPECIAL PROGRAMS: The Power of Pets

Pets have the power to make us happier and healthier in mind, body and spirit. This spring, the Center for Health & Wellbeing is offering special programs focused on the incredible ways our pets support our wellbeing.

Thursday, april 21, 2 – 3 pM Your Pets & Your Fitness

If you are bored with your regular dog walk, there is a chance your pup is, too. Are you looking to spice up your workout while spending quality time with your pet? In this program, Executive Director of the Center for Health & Wellbeing and proud Golden Retriever owner Matt Noe will share ideas and tips for safely incorporating your pet into your regular exercise routine. Whether you are jogging with your dog or hitting the mat with your cat, you will have the chance to turn playtime into a great workout in no time.

Thursday, May 5, 10 aM – NooN The Power of Pets: Art Journaling Workshop

Art journaling reduces stress and promotes relaxation by increasing our ability to play, experiment, and gain self-guided insight and understanding of our own emotions. In this session led by Atlantic Center for the Arts Community Artist Bethany Bennett, you’re invited to honor the special place in your heart held by your favorite pet. Did you have a beloved childhood dog? Or a cat that keeps you company these days? Maybe you’ve always loved horses. Bring along a photo or two of your favorite animals and celebrate the role these special creatures play in our Emotional Wellbeing.

WedNesday, JuNe 1, 1 – 2 pM Creating a Pet Garden

Join us for this program designed for Florida growers to learn the basics of growing food for your furry friend including the “do’s and don’ts” of edible plants for animals. This class is led by local horticulturist Caroline Chomanics, the program director at Fleet Farming, a non-profit program of IDEAS For Us, where Chomanics also serves as the chief operations officer.

Tuesday, JuNe 7, 11 aM – NooN What We Can Learn from Our Pets: TED Talk Viewing + Discussion

Please join us for a screening of “Depressed dogs, cats with OCD – what animal madness means for us humans” by Laurel Braitman. In this fascinating TED Talk, you’ll discover what humans can learn from watching animals cope with everyday situations, then join us for a discussion facilitated by Sara Wright, the CHWB’s Wellbeing Guide, on how animal behaviors can teach humans how to problem-solve and sort through life’s challenges.

Pets have the power to make us happier and healthier in mind, body and spirit.

This spring, the Center for Health & Wellbeing is offering special programs focused on the incredible ways our pets support our wellbeing. Scan this QR code to discover our upcoming “Power of Pets” Community Education Programs . 7