People who have domestic animals understand the value that their pets bring to the family dynamic. In many households, pets are treated like children – lavished with love, care and concern. Pet owners are well aware of the unconditional love that their animals can bring into their lives. However, in the last couple of decades, researchers have sought to bring the benefits of that unconditional love to a variety of people who would not ordinarily be exposed to a pet and as a result, miss out on the pet-person connection that can be so powerful.
Pets Promote Healing for All
In the last several years, cats and dogs are seen in places that used to be off limits to them. Now, they can be found in hospitals, rehabilitation centers and nursing homes. The reasons for their welcome are many and varied. Researchers have seen that having animals interact with people in nursing homes respond positively to the animals, boosting their moods and improving their interactions with others.
Nursing home residents are more receptive to taking their medication and eating better after having been exposed to the attention and affection of animals. Bringing pets to people who are sick tends to have them heal faster. Studies have been done that prove a person's blood pressure can be lowered just by petting a dog. (1) People with AIDS, cancer patients, and the mentally ill have all been the recipients of "pet therapy," the name that is given to this phenomenon of exposing pets to those enduring physical or mental health problems. Studies, including one done by the American Heart Association, report those who have had heart surgery not only heal faster when in the company of animals, but are less likely to have a repeat heart attack than their counterparts who live without pets.
Pets Produce Calm and Reduce Stress
Although dogs and cats are the most prevalent animals used in pet therapy, researchers note that fish and birds can also have tranquilizing effects on their owners. Elderly people who are ill or just lonely experience far less anxiety when in the company of animals. Pet therapy also has been successfully used with abused children and widows/widowers who are challenged by the overwhelming loneliness of suddenly losing a spouse. (2) Loneliness that befalls one who finds themselves alone appears to be lessened by interacting with an animal. There is a comfort that passes from the pet to the human and vice versa when they bond, and that comfort is strong enough to positively affect many physical and emotional problems.
Pet Therapy Organizations
Animal assisted therapy (AAT) is one of the mainstays of the Delta Society, a non-profit organization that believes in improving people's health and well-being through positive interaction with animals. The Marin Humane Society visits convalescent centers and schools for the disabled. Their animal assisted therapy also reaches out to seniors and those with AIDS. These are just a couple of examples of the kind of outreach programs that exist for the main purpose of helping those in need experience a better quality of life through consistent positive interaction with animals. Additional information on pet therapy centers located around the country are available in local Yellow Pages or online.
Sources:
(1) Holistic Online.com; Pet Therapy; Accessed 4/20/10
(2) Snik Snak.com; Pet Therapy: Healing, Recovery and Love; Accessed 4/21/10
Luci Blasi - Luci Blasi Luci has dabbled in writing since she was a teenager, writing poetry about teenage love and angst. She is in the process of ...
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