There are times when we can all use a little extra unconditional love and support in our lives. During periods of illness, injury or depression, companionship of the animal variety may be just what the doctor ordered.
According to the Humane Society, studies have shown that people who have pets in their lives are better able to cope with stress, physical disabilities and emotional disabilities. That’s where Pet Assisted Therapy (PET) comes in. Therapy pets are often used in hospitals, hospices and nursing homes to promote therapeutic interaction.
Ann Vaincourt, administrative assistant for an assisted living facility in Surrey, BC said she brings exotic birds to work with her for the benefit of residents. "Many people have had pets all their lives and then aren't able to bring them into a nursing facility," she said. "Having animals in the facility can help ease that loss. It's also a great way to get residents socializing. They'll open up and talk more."
She recalled how her exotic birds helped one resident adjust to moving into the facility.
"The woman had been here for about a week and hadn't really talked to anyone, didn't like coming down to the community area for activities or leaving her room for meals. She was having a very difficult time adjusting," Vaincourt said.
"One day I brought in an African gray parrot and, once she got word, she came down to check it out. It reminded her of the parrot she and her husband used to have. You could see the light come on in her and she started talking to other patients and the staff. Now she comes down every day to see what bird I may have brought in that day."
Dogs are known best for pet assisted therapy, but most animals can be used effectively, said Sadey Guy, founder of the Pacific Animal Therapy Society (PATS) in Victoria, BC. “At present we have some cats and a fantastic llama. We also have some corn snakes that visit children in schools. In the past, we’ve had rabbits, guinea pigs and even a macaw working with us. What’s important is that your pet is an animal that really likes people and is good around people.”
What PATS looks for in pets is a comfortability around noise, travel and strangers. “Sometimes we’re with patients who have Alzheimer’s or who have muscle control problems and they don’t know how rough they’re petting or handling a pet,” Guy said.
Determining what animal will be most suitable depends on who the animal will be used with. Someone may take a dog for a walk as part of their physical therapy. Or the animal could just be providing company and interaction for a nursing home patient.
If you are interested in participating in pet assisted therapy, contact are the Delta Society Pet Partners Program (www.deltasociety.org), Therapy Dogs International (www.tdi-dog.org) or Love on a Leash (www.loveonaleash.org) in the U.S. In Canada, try PATS (http://members.shaw.ca/patspets/) or Therapeutic Paws of Canada (www.tpoc.ca).
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