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Name: Sweet Dream Therapy Farm

Type of business: Provides individualized educational services and therapy through interaction with animals.

Address: 826 Green Valley Road, Jackson.

Telephone: (732) 987-6008

Number of employees: 6

Founded: Spring 2008

Top officers: Dr. Jack Muchnick, CEO; Robin Muchnick, founder; Dina Muchnick, director of programs.

Hours: By appointment

How would you describe your business?

"We are a family owned five-acre farm that services special needs individuals ages 3 through adult -- with autism and Down syndrome -- in our community through animal assisted therapy. We offer programs on the farm, including birthday parties with pony rides for youngsters, corporate events, and training youngsters how to farm. We also travel to work with camps, schools, therapists, playgroups, and concerned parents. "We have a variety of animals that we use, including two miniature horses, a full sized trained horse, three goats, two lambs, bunnies, chickens and turkeys, cats, and two King Charles Spaniel therapy dogs," said founder Robin Muchnick. "A lot of our animals are rescue animals -- meaning that people didn't want them. They are the throwaway animals. We retrain them and give them a new purpose in life. We only keep animals who are super gentle. "We also offer one-on-one sessions at parents' request to work with their children who aren't labeled as special needs kids, but don't fit in."

What makes your business special?

"At the School for Children with Hidden Intelligence (SCHI) we bring our animals into every week. The children to learn to care for the animals by brushing and feeding them on an individual basis. The therapist is also there. Our program is a joining of having therapists in with animal experts. The results have been amazing. An autistic 6-year-old, who didn't speak to anyone, has been having conversations nose-to-nose with the dog we bring in every week speaking in complete sentences. We also work on fear management to help children become comfortable with animals, and through their success begin to overcome other fears they may have. Working with animals also helps children to calm down."

What goals do you have for the business?

"My goals for the business are to expand and get sponsored to open it up so more people are able to use our facility."

What was your most important deal?

"Having SCHI (School for Children with Hidden Intelligence) come to me to provide animal assisted therapy. It's an amazing place to be. They have a staff of 200 and work with children one on one."

What changes do you expect in your business in the next 10 years?

"I'd like to expand and add more land to our farm."

What is the most important thing you've learned in your business?

"That anything is possible. We learn from the kids and animals. They teach us constantly."

What advice would you give to someone considering your line of work?

"A way to start is to become acquainted with animal assisted therapy and work with your animal to become a registered therapy pet. There are at least five different organizations that are available so check out their programs. I breed Cavalier King Charles Spaniel dogs and two are therapy dogs. I belong to the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club USA and the Cavaliers of the Northeast Club."

Is there anything else you would rather be doing?

"No. This is so fulfilling. I had a chocolate company called Gourmet Goodies and I sold Judaica art and worked for a corporation as a computer manager, but this is fulfilling my dream -- to be with animals and children."