As I’m sure most of us pet owners know, a pet can be a great comfort to you at the best of times. The picture below is of my lovely toy poodle who lived until the ripe old age of 15 but we lost her a few years ago. I still miss her today.
Various studies have now shown some remarkable health benefits of owning an animal. It’s what they call the ‘wonderful, wide-ranging biochemical and physiological effects pets can have on those suffering from chronic pain and fibromyalgia’.
Smaller dogs in particular have been of benefit to fibro sufferers who cannot get our much. Through their unconditional love, dogs can encourage you to be a little more active, feel more secure, and help your mood.
Pet therapy is used in some hospitals and care homes; just the simple act of petting a dog can have a calming effect on people and have a knock on effect with lowering stress levels and anxiety.
Pets as Therapy is a national therapy founded in 1983, which provides therapeutic visits to hospitals, hospices, care homes and special needs schools.
If you have a dog who is good with people then they can become part of a PAT Team, they must have been with their owner for at least 6 months, be over 9 months of age and be able to pass the temperament assessment. All pets must be fully vaccinated.
Unfortunately, they cannot support you if you wish to have your dog at the workplace with you as they do not have the assessment process or the insurance to cover this. If you would like to become a volunteer with your dog and would be able to visit within their guidelines then check out the Pet As Therapy website.
There’s a lovely article on The Power of Pets on a site called Holisitic On Line which is well worth reading.
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Our little guys are don’t really have the temperament to be therapy dogs, but they’re certainly good therapy for us. Years ago, we used to take our little miniature pinscher to the nursing home to visit my Grandpa, and all the residents just loved her. They all enjoyed talking to and petting her. Even though she wasn’t certified as a therapy dog, I could tell she had a positive effect on the people who interacted with her. Our local hospital allows people with therapy dogs to visit the patients. When my cousin had a stroke and was in the Neuro Unit, two different people came around with their dogs. It’s a wonderful service!
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It really is such a great idea. If I was fitter I would definitely have another dog. The love you get is very special but that does make it harder when you lose them. Thanks Terri.
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Reblogged this on Barbara McLullich.
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