Apple Reverie and more…

Our class themes these past couple of weeks have been apples and farm animals. We all know the usual facts about each: that apples make good eating and cows make good farm animals. But did you know that some apples and some farm animals make good therapy? Here are some lesser known facts that may interest you. (I know they did me!)

Apple therapy
Years ago, apples were used to relieve gout, skin eruptions and nerves. They are so popular around the world that they have all kinds of superstitions and traditions attached to them.
• The peasants of Westphalia used apples mixed with saffron as a cure for jaundice.
• There is also a legend in Devonshire, England, that an apple rubbed on a wart will cure it.
• On Easter morning, peasants in a province of Prussia eat apples to insure against fever.
• The Turks believe that the apples have the power of restoring youth.

Canine therapy
Yes, dogs are farm animals, too. For years, sheep and cattle handlers have used dogs to guard and control their herds; they also pull sleds and carts, track lost animals, even churn butter! And after a day's work, they can rest at the farmer's feet by the fire—therapy for both! Over the years, health care professionals have noticed this therapeutic effect of dogs, such as relieving stress, lowering blood pressure and raising spirits. So the demand for therapy dogs continues to grow. In recent years, therapy dogs have been helping children overcome speech and emotional disorders.

From apples on a TAP∙it®

To apples in a book...




If animals are good therapy,


Then so is Rosie's look.*




That old saying, "an apple a day keeps the doctor away", can also be true of dogs. Therapy dogs can soothe our nerves, relieve our stress and even bring us into a state of reverie—a state of "apple reverie", if you will.




* Our thanks to Jeanne Ressner of Canines for Therapy, for bringing Rosie the beagle to us today. It was very much appreciated!