Sep 22, 2003 04:35 PM
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(Updated Sep 22, 2003 04:35 PM)
Pet Therapy works by providing proximity to animals to those who can benefit by it.
What are the benefits we accrue when animals are brought near us?
1. We Develop More Empathy
Children who live in homes in which a pet is considered a member of the family are more empathetic than children in homes without pets.
This could be due to a variety of reasons:
Children see animals as peers. They can identify better with animals than human beings. Animal psychology is very simple. With animals, what you see is what you get. Humans are not as direct. We need to develop talent to read & interpret “body language.” Children can read an animal's body language.
As children get older, their ability to empathize with animals will carry over into their experiences with people.
2. We Develop An Outward Focus
Individuals who have mental illness or low self-esteem focus on themselves. Animals can help them focus on their environment. Rather than thinking & talking about themselves & their problems, they watch & talk to & about the animals.
3. Nurturing
Nurturing skills are learned. Most of us learn this from our parents. Those who do not learn these skills from their parents can learn by taking care of their pets. By being taught to take care of an animal, the children can develop these skills. Psychologically, when a person nurtures, his/her need to be nurtured is being fulfilled.
4. Rapport
Animals can open a channel of emotionally safe, non-threatening communication between client & therapist. The animal's presence may open a path through the person's initial resistance. Children are especially likely to project their feelings and experiences onto an animal.
5. Acceptance
Animals have a way of accepting without qualification. They don't care how a person looks or what they say.(Have you ever heard of your dog deciding to go to your neighbors because he or she feels it is better out there?) An animal's acceptance is nonjudgmental, forgiving, & uncomplicated by the psychological games people often play. They accept you the way you are.
6. Entertainment
The presence of an animal provides a much needed entertainment to those watching it. Even people who don't like animals often enjoy watching their antics & reactions. Especially in long-term care facilities, it seems everyone is entertained by animal visits in some way.
7. Mental Stimulation
Mental stimulation occurs because of increased communication with other people, recalled memories, & the entertainment provided by the animals. In situations that are depressing or institutional, the presence of the animals serves to brighten the atmosphere, increasing amusement, laughter, & play. These positive distractions may help to decrease people's feelings of isolation or alienation.
8. Physical Contact, Touch
It is well established that touch is very important for the nourishment of our mind & spirit. Infants who are not touched do not develop healthy relationships with other people & often fail to thrive & grow physically. For some people, touch from another person is not acceptable, but the warm, furry touch of a dog or cat is. In hospitals, where most touch is painful or invasive, the touch of an animal is safe, non-threatening, and pleasant. There are a number of programs for people who have been physically or sexually abused in which staff and volunteers are not allowed to touch the clients. In cases like these, having an animal to hold, hug, and touch can make a world of difference to people who would otherwise have no positive, appropriate physical contact.
9. Physiological Benefits
Many people are able to relax when animals are present. Decrease in heart rate & blood pressure can be dramatic. Even watching fish swim in an aquarium can be very calming.
10. Additional Benefits
Some people feel spiritual fulfillment or a sense of oneness with life & nature when they are with their pets.
