Merlin’s KIDS is a charitable foundation operating solely on donations:

ALL SERVICES AND ANIMALS ARE PROVIDED FREE OF CHARGE TO THOSE IN NEED.

 

SERVICE ANIMALS

• Provides personal service, assistance, and companion animals free of charge to those in need.

DOGS TRAINED SPECIFICALLY FOR THE NEEDS OF THE INDIVIDUAL

• Matches the animal to the family. Each dog is specifically trained to the individual needs of the person requiring the service animal, regardless of the nature, extent, and type(s) of disability.  Service animals are provided to children with ASD diagnoses and other special needs including spinal cord injuries and paralysis.  Service animals are also provided to veterans of the United States military, both active duty and honorably discharged in order to assist them in their daily activities.

• Rescues dogs and other animals, even seniors and those with special needs, and utilizes their unique abilities to connect with humans. Some dogs may live out their lives at our ranch, while others may be available for adoption by special homes.

• Dogs and horses from shelters and rescues will be rehabilitated on the premises and then trained to meet the specific needs of an individual or group. Dogs that have passed the rigorous temperament and health screenings and tests will then be trained and paired with an appropriate family or group FREE OF CHARGE. 

• Provides trained and loving companion animals to the infirmed or elderly. Those dogs that do not successfully complete our rigorous rehabilitation and training programs are offered as companion animals to prospective adoptive families.

• Brings service and companion dogs and animals to visit residents and patients in hospitals, nursing homes, and other facilities to cheer and encourage them.

• Enables children and others in need to find a sense of well-being and stability in their lives by assisting families with their care and enrichment. Also, the home visits can be a segue to a personal service animal in many situations.

• Brings dogs to visit schools and other facilities to enable children with reading or learning disabilities to learn how to read without the stigma of embarrassment or fear of failure they may experience in front of another child or adult. Dogs are not judgmental so children can be free and comfortable without insecurity. Dogs also assist the child in reading aloud and garnering confidence.

• Dogs may be trained for permanent or semi-permanent use in a particular facility such as a “group home” or hospital where there will be more than one individual responsible for the dog and the dog will act as a “mascot” and “buddy” for many.

• Merlin’s KIDS is building a western-themed town complete with stores, restaurants, shops, a library, a general store, and livery, and a functioning wild west town all built on a beautiful ranch in Hunterdon County, NJ.
• Dr. Temple Grandin will be graciously assisting us in the design and planning of the interior and therapy rooms of the ranch and we will have state-of-the-art quarters specifically designed for maximum learning and fulfillment. Several types of therapies including OT, PT, ST, hippotherapy (horses and riding), pet therapy, and others will be available and will also be provided FREE OF CHARGE to families in need. The spacious log cabins in which families will reside will be complete with interactive walls and kid-friendly furnishings to keep our special children free from harm and contained safely.

• Special needs children and their families can vacation with their special needs and typical child(ren) without the stigma and judgement of public and private facilites. All who enter are welcomed into a caring and nurturing environment.
• Children and adults alike will be welcomed to the ranch without judgement and with unconditional acceptance. Families can connect to others in an environment of acceptance and diversity. All who enter our ranch are special and loved. THE SPIRIT OF ACCEPTANCE AND UNDERSTANDING ENCOMPASSES ALL WHO ENTER MERLIN’S KIDS RANCH.

• Families and Individuals will be permitted to partake in activities and therapies regardless of disability or means. We are planning to offer both summer and vacation camps and other prograns to our special kids and their families.

• The farm is conveniently nestled in a quiet village within 60 minutes of the Jersey shore, 45 minutes from historic Philadelphia, 30 minutes from the New Jersey Horse Park, Freehold Raceway, 45 minutes from the NJ Aquarium, and Monmouth Racetrack, 35 minutes from Six Flags, and 60 minutes from NYC. 

TYPICAL FAMILIES AND INDIVIDUALS WELCOMED AS GUESTS OR VOLUNTEERS

• Typical families and individuals are encouraged and welcomed to Merlin’s KIDS Ranch to enjoy the wonderful western theme park and facilites at a nominal charge. Cabins are roomy and food and beverages are available at any of the fabulous vendors in the western town.

• Come visit Merlin’s KIDS Ranch and enjoy our myriad fountains and ponds, babbling brooks, and zen meditation areas with the tranquility and peace of nature abounding. Enjoy our wildlife sanctuary and nature trails, picnic area, and even a miniature golf course! Weekly special events will highlight the calendar, including syposia by Dr. Temple Grandin and other noted personalities!

MERLIN’S KIDS……SAVING 2 LIVES AT A TIME!

 

Who was Merlin?

The founder of Merlin’s KIDS named the organization for her special white Lipizzan stallion, whose magnificent stature and gentle, nurturing manner, changed many lives. His love of children and compassion for those in fear or in pain made him a truly unique horse. True, he was just a horse to those who did not know him, but the power of animals to touch those in need, is well-documented and is recognized by many to give hope to the hopeless.