The Human-Animal Alliance Celebrates One Year of Healing Through Its Flagship Healing Den in the Florida Keys

The Human-Animal Alliance (H-AA) is celebrating one year since the opening of the Human-Animal Alliance Healing Den at Pawsitive Beginnings, a one-of-a-kind animal-assisted therapy space located within a fox sanctuary in Key Largo. In the 12 months since its launch, the Healing Den has made a measurable impact on trauma recovery in the region—particularly among children and women receiving counseling services.

Built with support from a $10,000 grant issued by H-AA in 2024, the Healing Den provides the opportunity for trauma survivors to heal through the unique bond between humans and animals, specifically focusing on the therapeutic potential of fox-assisted therapy sessions. In sessions, clients draw strength from the foxes’ journeys of survival, offering a powerful mirror for their own healing.

Since September 2024, the Healing Den has hosted 118 individual therapy sessions:

• Florida Keys Children’s Shelter: 97 children have received counseling in the Den.

• Kinder in the Keys: 21 women have participated in sessions with their therapists onsite.

In addition to one-on-one sessions, group visits to the sanctuary have also flourished:

• Florida Keys Children’s Shelter: 109 children have participated in group visits.

• Kinder in the Keys: 96 women have taken part in larger group experiences.

To mark the one-year milestone, H-AA also issued a new $10,000 anniversary grant in 2025 to continue support of the Healing Den. This funding created 300 custom healing kits, gifted to every individual who participates in animal-assisted therapy sessions onsite. Designed to amplify the benefits of therapy at home, each kit includes journals with exercises, books, art supplies, affirmation sheets, a stress ball, a custom challenge coin, and a tote bag—tools that help support continued emotional regulation and reflection long after their visit.

“Our goal with the Human-Animal Alliance Healing Den was to create a safe, private space where emotional healing can unfold in the presence of animals who have overcome tremendous hardship themselves,” said Jackie Ducci, Founder of The Human-Animal Alliance. “One year in, it’s clear this approach is not only working—it’s deeply needed.”

“We’ve seen firsthand how the presence of animals—and the stories they carry—can open doors to trust and transformation,” said Nicole Navarro, Founder of Pawsitive Beginnings. “This partnership with H-AA has allowed us to serve the community in an even deeper way.”

Founded in 2022, The H-AA is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the healing power of the human-animal connection. Through direct grantmaking, public education, and policy advocacy, H-AA helps ensure that people and animals can form and maintain meaningful relationships—particularly during times of trauma, hardship, or crisis.

To learn more about the Human-Animal Alliance or support its mission, visit www.h-aa.org.

About Human-Animal Alliance

The Human-Animal Alliance (H-AA) is a nonprofit organization that deeply believes in the power and value of human-animal connection. Through its grantmaking program, H-AA supports charities nationwide that preserve existing human-animal connections and create new ones. The H-AA also advocates for a more pet-inclusive society and educates the public on the life-changing impact animals can have on human lives.

About Jackie Ducci

Jackie Ducci is the founder of The Human-Animal Alliance (H-AA), a nonprofit dedicated to advocating for human-animal connections that heal and uplift. Since its launch in 2022, H-AA has awarded over $300,000 in grants to grassroots programs supporting people and animals through trauma and crisis. Jackie personally covers all overhead expenses, ensuring that every dollar donated directly funds impactful work. Under her leadership, H-AA empowers exceptional programs and raises awareness for the vital role of animals in human well-being.

Contact Information

Jackie Ducci

Founder

The Human-Animal Alliance

Contact via E-mail