Meet Sharon Chatlos | Animal Assisted Therapy Partner.

We had the good fortune of connecting with Sharon Chatlos and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sharon, is your business focused on helping the community? If so, how?
J’s Landing provides a safe place for people who want to participate in animal assisted therapy to spend quality time in a relaxing environment. It is also a wonderful place for portraits and family photo shoots lending to a rustic natural look.  People who come to spend time with our animals find a peace and calm that is so often unattainable in today’s world.  Individuals who have disabilities can participate in our learning program.  They learn about animal care, barn chores, often learning to perform tasks that help them to become more independent.  The animals are very motivating to learning.  Our reading program allows children, who may be struggling in school, to read aloud to an animal of their choosing and fosters confidence and success.  We also take our miniature therapy pony and chicken out to visit local schools and community centers.  The senior centers love when we visit with their residents.  The faces of the “seniors” is priceless and they love to talk to and pet our animals.  It is very beneficial to the residents well-being.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
It has not been easy. There is always the issue of operational dollars and labor. The wet weather also poses additional challenges for the animals. I’ve gotten to where I am today with the love and support of friends. I have learned to never give up, even when the road is bumpy, and the direction isn’t obvious. My motto is, “No matter what, keep looking up”!  There aren’t many places where people can interact and have a hands on experience with animals without lots of distractions.  We make appointments so that only one family at a time is on-site and has access to all animals without noise and commotion.

What should our readers know about your business?
It has not been easy. There is always the issue of operational dollars and labor. The wet weather also poses additional challenges for the animals. I’ve gotten to where I am today with the love and support of friends. I have learned to never give up, even when the road is bumpy, and the direction isn’t obvious. My motto is, “No matter what, keep looking up”!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I love visiting the beach, the outdoor festivals, and plant shows. I’d take them to the beach to watch the sunrise, then take a boat ride to enjoy the sights.  After a lunch on the water we would probably spend some time bird-watching and enjoying the Everglades.  Then it would be back to the barn for feeding time and tucking all my critters in for the night.  That would be a fun, relaxing, and perfect day!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
The people who visit J’s Landing, the photographers who book photo shoots, the groups that hold painting classes, the ladies who celebrate birthdays, Make-A-Wish volunteers who host parties for Make-A-Wish Children are all the people who make this place so special. I am just one person trying to share my love of animals and birds with those who appreciate it. J’s is a special little corner of the South Florida Community that is here for those who would like to get to know us. We operate on donations and volunteers. Please consider helping out so we can continue to help others.  There are several folks in the community of Plantation Acres who stop by regularly and spend time here and  always bring treats for the animals.  Once you visit J’s Landing, you’ll want to come back for more!

Website: Jslanding.com

Facebook: J’s Landing LLC

Image Credits
Sharon