The history of Verein ABRI
Sometimes, it is the quiet companions who support us through difficult times. For Monika Bodmer, it was the animals that brought her comfort and strength.
Her life was marked by violence, abuse, and neglect from early childhood. Even as a young girl, she found a sense of security in animals, which helped her process her experiences and find new hope.
In 2010, Monika Bodmer founded the association ABRI, inspired by her own journey. The organization offers children a safe space where they can have positive experiences through contact with animals. Together with a dedicated team of people and animals, ABRI creates moments of trust and security.
(in German)
Four-legged team
Only thanks to our animal team members do our missions and projects come to life.
Two-legged team
President & Founder of the ABRI Association
Education & career
Certified animal care taker, certified cynopedagogue, recognized trainer for the official dog trainings required by the Canton of Zurich, certified psychological consultant, biosomadynamic respiratory and body therapist, spiritual healing
Today
Mother of two children, founder and owner of Hundetherapie und -schule Bodmer, trainer of family, sports and therapy dog handlers, president of the Hundesportverein ABRI, owner and managing director of Praxis Tangata, dipl. psychological counseling, biosomadynamic breathing and body therapy, spiritual healing
Marketing & Admin
Education & career
MAS Studies ZFH Customer Excellence, Marketing HWZ University of Applied Sciences Zurich
Partner Business Manager HP Schweiz GmbH
Today
Marketing & Admin for Verein ABRI, Hundetherapie und -schule Bodmer, HSV ABRI
Therapy dog handler with Hank and Paula
Sports dog handler with Hank and Paula
Marketing & Admin
Education & career
Bachelor of Economics, University of Zurich
Master of Economics, University of Zurich
Consultant at StrategyOne and project manager at NZZ
Today
Marketing & Admin for Verein ABRI, Hundetherapie und -schule Bodmer and HSV ABRI
Therapy dog handler with Amalia & Glenda
Sports dog handler with Amalia & Glenda
Prospective assistant coach
What makes the Verein ABRI special?
Our animals, their sensitivity, and the many moments of light.
At Verein ABRI, we support children and adolescents – including those who are traumatized, ill, have cerebral palsy, or other special needs – as well as people in nursing homes, care facilities, and the hospice Lighthouse. Our animals offer sensitive companionship in the moment: sometimes quiet, sometimes playful.
Our therapy dogs, the horses, Fred the tortoise, and the guinea pigs help make emotions visible and tangible in a deep and moving way. With few words – but with much heart and mindfulness.
Just spending time with the dogs, watching them, petting them, or running across the field with them. Finding peace in the guinea pig room. Or simply being with the horses – breathing, and feeling a sense of wonder.
Our brochure only available in German
Partners & network
Together, we are stronger.
Through collaboration with our partner organizations, donors, sponsors, and professionals, our network continues to grow – and with it, our impact.
We are grateful for every form of support that sustains and advances the ABRI association.
Would you like to become part of this dynamic network?
We look forward to an inspiring and meaningful exchange with you.
Contact
Administration ABRI Association
Sunnehalde 1
8604 Volketswil
info@verein-abri.ch
www.verein-abri.ch
Donation account:
Zürcher Kantonalbank
8604 Volketswil
IBAN CH72 0070 0110 0025 3567 1
BIC (SWIFT) ZKBKCHZZ80A
We belong together
