There are many terms used to describe ways in which animals can help rehabilitate and heal people with special needs. These include 'pet therapy,' 'pet facilitated therapy,' or 'animal-assisted therapy.' Pets can help people with a variety of mental, emotional, and physical disabilities. Fish, birds, pocket pets, rabbits, cats, dogs, and horses have all been employed in pet therapy.
What qualities do companion animals have that make them so therapeutic?
Warm and fuzzy: Animals are warm and fuzzy and alive. Being able to hold and pet another living creature can provide a great deal of comfort. You really don't need another human to COMPLETE you.
Nonjudgmental: Pets are nonjudgmental and do not criticize. So what if those jeans make your ass look big? So what if you didn't recycle? So what if you've been divorced 4 times? Your pet will think no less of you. Pets accept us the way we are...warts and all.
Trusting: Animals are often very trusting and can help build trust in ourselves and others. By watching them we learn we also are dependent and must sometimes rely on others. Not too much of course, but perhaps let your guard down just a bit.
Unconditional love: Pets can often tell when their owners are sad or upset and respond in an attentive way. It is really quite amazing how they can pick up on a person's emotions. Personally I have 5 dogs , and let me tell you when I'm upset they are stuck to me like glue. It's truly amazing, their their capacity to love
Listen: Pets are great listeners. They do not interrupt, or talk over you. They do not feel obligated to share their opinions. They are interested in any and everything you have to say, can you say the same for your human partner?
Help us feel needed and important: It helps to know we are needed. Adopting an animal from a shelter can certainly help you feel that way. A pet's welcome upon coming home from a hard day's work, or even a short errand can be the best part of the day. We may have had a horrendous day at work, or unfriended by a facebook friend, but our pets are happy to see us. And they help us feel needed as we provide them with food, water, grooming, and exercise.
Comedians: Some pets, whether they try to or not, can be real comics. We enjoy watching them and joining in with the play. We allow ourselves to act much sillier in front of our pets than in front of our friends. Pets do not play to be competitive, but just to have fun and be goofballs right along with you. I'm certain my crew think I'm nuts, but they won't judge, they just give me that LOOK ..haha
With these qualities, pets can act as co-therapists for a variety of people with special needs.
Developmentally disabled, children with Down's syndrome and other developmental disabilities can benefit from interactions with animals. Many special education classrooms have a variety of animals, and may have visiting pets as well. The pets can help them learn about nutrition, gentleness, following instructions, and how to care for other living things.
Mentally ill and persons with psychological disorders. The Quakers initiated the use of pet therapy for the mentally ill in the 18th century. Hospitalized patients with a variety of psychological diagnoses who have pet therapy respond well and are less anxious. Pet therapy in a Mental Health setting helps build rapport between the therapist and the patient. When the patient sees the therapist with a pet, the therapist already is viewed 'safer' in the eyes of the patient. The animals can also sense the needs and respond to people with mental illness in ways the therapist cannot.
Physically handicapped or Terminally ill patients. Pets can assist the physically handicapped in a variety of ways. Therapeutic riding is being used for persons with cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis, and others with diminished motor control. It helps to improve their posture, balance, mobility, and function. It also provides significant emotional and cognitive benefits.
Physically handicapped pets have been terrific role models for persons with physical disabilities. They help the person understand, 'if a dog can do it, so can . People with terminal illnesses such as cancer, AIDS, and organ failure, and those who are bedridden are less likely to suffer from depression if they have animals around them. The animals bring a level of comfort and support unique to them.
So I say..save your money, get off the antidepressants and go get yourself a Companion Animal.....This advise is FREE my friends.
Peace and Pet Love!
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