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Pet
Therapy - Caring for animals helps people to live longer
When
you think of pet therapy usually a dog or a cat comes
to mind but even watching a tank full of tropical fish
may lower blood pressure, at least temporarily. Studies
have shown that heart attack victims who have pets live
longer. Caring for pets can also help people who are
lonely or depressed. Not all people are able to care
for a pet themselves so there are now many organizations
that offer pet visitations, bringing in a dog or cat
for a regular visit to the person in need so that they
may benefit from the animal's unconditional love.
Why
do dogs and cats make us make us feel better?
Dealing
with a person is often complex and hard for a person such
as a stroke victim suffering paralysis, or a person with
a disfiguring disease. Dogs, cats and other pets provide
comfort, attention and love without judging that person.
Animals also bring out our own natural instincts to nurture
other beings. They also make us feel safe and accepted.
Loneliness is also a huge problem in our society, especially
for the elderly. Dogs and cats are often brought into
nursing homes with positive results. The animals have
a calming effect on people while reducing anxiety and
loneliness. People feel a sense of well being while cuddling
and stroking the animal's fur. This is especially important
if a person is unable to communicate thereby leaving them
more vulnerable to isolation. Medical staff in nursing
homes have reported seeing residents 'come alive' when
handling the visiting dogs or cats. Therapy animals are
also sent to hospitals, juvenile halls, prisons and even
day care facilities with animals being chosen for their
ability to deal with many types of adults and children.
Some
examples of the areas that therapy animals provide great
benefit:
- children
with ADD. The child must give all their attention
to the animal which keeps them present and focused
- people
who are mentally ill. These animals provide gentle
contact and a chance to bond
- elderly
patients. Dogs, cats, even rabbits offer unconditional
love, bonding, stress reduction and even relieve from
the boredom of daily routine.
- people
who are sick. Pets alleviate stress and give people
a reason to live because they now have another being
to care for
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