When a young boy with autism experienced a severe panic attack during a therapy session, no one expected a small bunny to make the difference—until she did.
In a quiet corner of a special needs center in Ohio, a soft, gray-and-white rabbit named Nibbles is rewriting the definition of therapy animal. Once neglected and rescued from a hoarding situation, Nibbles now brings peace and connection to children who need it most.
From Rescue to Rescuer: Nibbles’ Unlikely Journey
Nibbles was found malnourished and fearful in a cramped wire cage, one of dozens of animals rescued by a local shelter during an animal welfare raid. After months of care and socialization, the staff noticed Nibbles had a calming, gentle temperament unlike most rabbits.
Recognized for her ability to remain still and accept touch even from unpredictable movements, Nibbles was enrolled in a therapy animal program and certified through a national organization. She now visits schools, group homes, and therapy centers that work with children on the autism spectrum, children with ADHD, and trauma survivors.
A Moment of Connection That Changed Everything
During one visit to the Lighthouse Center for Special Needs in Columbus, Nibbles encountered 8-year-old Lucas, a boy with nonverbal autism who had been struggling with emotional regulation all week.
According to staff, Lucas began to spiral after an unexpected schedule change—pacing, hitting himself, and crying uncontrollably. Traditional de-escalation tools weren’t working.
That’s when the therapist brought Nibbles over.
As soon as Nibbles was placed gently on the soft mat beside Lucas, she instinctively hopped into his lap. Within seconds, Lucas stopped hitting himself. He placed one hand softly on Nibbles’ back. His breathing slowed. His sobbing eased.
“It was like flipping a switch,” said Julia Marks, an occupational therapist at the center. “The energy in the room changed instantly. He connected with her in a way he couldn’t with any of us in that moment.”
For 20 minutes, Lucas sat still, petting Nibbles quietly—his longest moment of calm in days.
The Science Behind Animal-Assisted Therapy
While dogs are most often associated with animal therapy, rabbits offer unique benefits, especially for children who may be overwhelmed by loud noises or hyperactive animals. Therapy rabbits like Nibbles:
- Have soft fur and a quiet presence, ideal for sensory processing
- Are small and unintimidating for children with anxiety or trauma
- Encourage gentle touch, which activates calming neural pathways
- Offer nonverbal connection—powerful for nonverbal or shy children
Research shows that animal-assisted therapy can lower cortisol levels, reduce heart rate, and improve emotional regulation in neurodivergent children.
Making a Bigger Impact—One Paw at a Time
Since the story of Lucas and Nibbles went viral on social media, the therapy center has received hundreds of messages from parents asking how to access similar programs.
“It’s not just about cute animals—it’s about therapeutic connection,” said Dr. Renee Alvarez, child psychologist and director of the facility. “For some kids, that furry friend can do more in five minutes than we can in weeks.”
Nibbles now has her own schedule of weekly visits and is part of a growing animal therapy initiative to bring comfort to children with developmental disabilities across Ohio.
How You Can Support Therapy Animal Programs
Whether you’re a parent, educator, or advocate, here’s how you can help bring animals like Nibbles to the children who need them:
✅ Support local therapy animal organizations through donations or volunteering
✅ Nominate schools or centers to receive animal-assisted therapy visits
✅ Sponsor a therapy bunny to help with food, vet care, and training
✅ Share real-life stories like Nibbles’ to raise awareness
✅ Advocate for inclusive therapy models in education and healthcare systems
Organizations like Pet Partners, Love on a Leash, and Bunnies in Baskets help train and certify animals for therapeutic work across the U.S.