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Gifts from the Pet World
By Pat O'Hearn, MSW
Quote of the Month The origin of animals as companions dates back many centuries. It was initially used as formal help for people with disabilities in Gheel, Belgium in the ninth century. Farm animals were used to help them gain independence. The same is true in the 1790’s in York, England. Animals were used for therapy instead of the previous harsh tactics with mentally ill people. In the United States, the first use of pets was with psychiatric patients to help them cope with emotional problems. Now animals are used in many diverse settings such as nursing homes, schools, hospice programs, prisons, hospitals and outpatient programs. Not only are animals helpful in formalized settings they are also helpful to all of us on a daily basis. Much of the current research regarding the positive relationship between human well being and animals has been done by the Delta Society. It was begun by Dr. Michael McCulloch, a psychiatrist and veterinarian. His major belief was that the proper placement of an animal with a person could help in the three primary areas of their lives: social, psychological and physical. Statistics in the US from 2007 show that 37.2% of households have dogs; 32.4% have cats; 3.9% have birds and 1.8% have horses. These numbers do not include all of the smaller pets such as lizards, rabbits, guinea pigs or gerbils. The following information will help us to understand how these wonderful critters help us in so many ways that we do not consciously realize. Unlike people, with whom we can have unpredictable, stressful relationships, animals give us a constant source of comfort making us feel safe and unconditionally loved. We can just be ourselves around them!
Children identify better with animals than with humans because they see them as peers because what you see is what you get. When they grow older this empathy transfers to adulthood. This is particularly true of children who have experienced physical and emotional abuse. Learning to walk in someone else’s paws is a valuable life lesson for all of us to help us understand the experiences and feelings of others. As a result we become more forgiving of each other.
Psychologically, when a person nurtures, the need to be nurtured is returned. Pets are completely dependent on their owners for their care and are eternally grateful with no complaints. Everyone needs to feel needed!!!
When a person struggles with emotional concerns or low self esteem they become inwardly focused. Animals provide kindness that draws us out of ourselves and gives us a sense of being appreciated.
They are nonjudgmental, forgiving and do not play the psychological games of some humans.
Nothing breaks the ice more than a friendly cat that gets up on their owners shoulders and cleans their hair. You have to laugh!
Their antics and play can be very amusing. In a stressful world, this is much needed.
Touch nourishes our mind and our spirit. For people who are not comfortable with the touch of a human, cuddling a furry critter causes them to thrive emotionally and learn to become used to all types of touch.
The closeness provides comfort as an animal will listen to whatever you have to say and accept you with a lick on the face. The majority of animals are sensitive to the emotional state of their owners and will respond by being calm if they sense stress or be playful if encouraged to do so.
A good watchdog allows the owner to take action to protect themselves and their home with advanced warning.
This is often the first time some of the inmates have ever experienced any type of nurturing. In Ohio eighteen prisons have programs allowing inmates to train dogs rescued from the humane shelter to be seeing-eye dogs. It has become a privilege for those chosen because it says they are dependable increasing self- esteem. Also prisons with these types of programs have a lower disciplinary rate.
Medical research shows numerous reasons for having a pet.
Following are two stories of the wonderment of animals and their connection to humans. Marie was as lonely senior living in an extended care facility. She was curled in a fetal position with no interest in living. Friends and family were not a part of her life. Open sores were on her legs due chronic scratching. Handsome the cat became her roommate. When Marie started to scratch he would play with her hands to distract her. Within a month the sores had healed. Marie became so fascinated with the cat she asked the staff how to take care of him. It was not long when she began asking other residents to come to spend time with her cat. As parents, providing a pet to children helps them to understand and respect all living things from the smallest bug to the largest elephant. All of us want to raise children who are honest, respectful, fair, kind, to share and to trust. It is a way to model life long values for our children. So in our stressful, sometimes difficult lives, do not think of a pet as one more thing to take care of but as a source of enjoyment and relaxation to help you and your family through the hard times. If you have a loved one who is isolated and alone, consider the possibility of providing them with a pet. Should a family member be in a medical setting, think about taking your pet to visit if it is well trained. Otherwise inquire if the facility has a pet therapy program. References: www.holistic-online.com/Pets_pet-therapy-health-benefits.htm www.healthline.com Best Friends Animal Society www.bestfriends.org Pet Assisted Therapy: A Loving Intervention and an Emerging Profession Leading To a Friendlier, Healthier, and More Peaceful World by Pearl Salotto The Delta Society The Human-Animal Health Connection www.deltasociety.org |
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