When I think about animal-assisted therapy I think of "psychic physiotherapy" because it has been used to improve peolple´s social skils. Dolphins have an enthusiastic way of communication. They are extremely friendly and playful. And I do think that this pleasant characteristics would stimulate children or elder people to become emotionaly more available for healing and rehab purposes. As dolphins, horses, cats, dogs and even birds have been somehow trainned for this type of therapy.
Moreover,the companionship of animals has become popular by helping autistic children to reduce any lonely feelings promoting their healthy character development.
Nikki's mother could have raised the money by many ways I think (ex: awareness campaign, saving bank account, a loan). If I needed this amount of money, well I don't know actually. I would have to think about it.