Animal assisted healing and therapy
To heal your body and touch your soul: a human wellness centre encouraging mindful living, part of ‘The Tranquile’.
The Sandy Side will be part of The Tranquile — a sanctuary for a thousand rescued animals who will live out their second chance in life unfettered and free, healing in the companionship of each other.
It is being built based on the science of human–animal interactions and animal assisted healing by scientist and animal welfare veteran Dr. Shiranee Pereira, who brings 33 plus years of unique experience in living in the midst of, and taking care of, a thousand animals — from horses to hens, from camels to cats and cows, ducks to donkeys, ponies to pigs, buffaloes and birds. As a scientist she has been trying to bring attention to the innate healing power of horses and dogs and other lesser known animals like camels, cats and donkeys in human wellness and alternate therapy.
The Sandy Side will be a residential retreat for sportspersons and athletes, professionals and children — where you can reside in comfort in the green, soothing environs of rural India, far from the noise and pace of city life, to unwind, rejuvenate and heal with animals of your choice: horses, dogs, cats, cows, donkeys, camels or birds. Feed them, groom them, play with them, hug them, or simply spend some silent soulful time with them. The choice is yours. With no rigid rules to go by, we want you to experience and soak in the pure healing energy these animals carry — revitalizing, rejuvenating and healing you.
The Sandy Side is being built in memory of a dear Indian army and police horse who had an abounding power to heal. He healed and enriched the lives of so many during the seven beautiful post-retirement years he lived in the care of Dr. Shiranee Pereira. Sandy was 26 years old when he crossed the rainbow bridge in June 2025.
Uses dogs, trained or otherwise, to help improve people's physical, emotional and cognitive health. It works by using the bond between humans and dogs to reduce stress and anxiety, improve social skills, enhance physical function and endurance, and increase motivation. It is used the world over and often complements traditional methods used in psychiatry and psychology.
Uses horses to treat physical, mental and emotional conditions in adults and children, through activities carried out with and around the horse.
Interacting with animals can significantly lower sports anxiety and burnout — common stressors in athletes — by lowering stress hormones like cortisol.
Animal assisted interventions can reduce overall anxiety, improve mood and increase feelings of happiness.
Studies suggest animal assisted therapy and healing can improve cognitive functioning, focus and motivation, helping athletes stay engaged and perform better.
Interacting with animals can increase physical activity, and some research indicates it may increase muscle strength and motor control.
