Thin Line Retreat is proud to announce a unique and powerful partnership with Swing Along Monkey Rescue, a sanctuary owned and operated by Texanne McBride Teahan. This collaboration adds an extraordinary dimension to the retreat’s healing mission by integrating animal-assisted interaction into our weekend programming.
Clinical studies have consistently shown that interaction with animals reduces symptoms of PTSD, lowers stress hormone levels, improves mood, and enhances social connection. Animal-assisted therapy has been proven to promote healing by providing unconditional comfort and breaking down emotional barriers that traditional talk therapy may not reach. For donors, the addition of this sanctuary demonstrates our commitment to innovative, whole-person healing—making the retreat both distinctive and deeply impactful.
Texanne McBride Teahan, the owner of Swing Along Monkey Rescue, is herself a survivor of a terrible crime that was later chronicled in a true-crime book. She has lived with PTSD and understands its profound challenges. Through her work with rescued monkeys, Texanne discovered the extraordinary healing power these animals offer. The playful curiosity and unconditional connection they provide gave her moments of peace, laughter, and renewal that traditional recovery could not. Today, by partnering with Thin Line Retreat, Texanne brings this healing experience to veterans, first responders, and others living with trauma. This partnership embodies hope and connection, reminding every guest that they are not alone.
Sources: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs: Animal-Assisted Therapy and PTSD – Frontiers in Psychology, 2019: The Role of Human–Animal Interaction in Mental Health – National Institutes of Health (NIH), 2020: Animal-Assisted Interventions for PTSD and Trauma Recovery