Healing, Recovery and Love
All over the world Researchers are finding that pets truly have the power to heal their owners, especially the elderly, depressed, children with special needs. The most serious disease of all is loneliness and unable to express their feelings.
Recently the pets have been recognized to relax and calm. They take the human mind off loneliness, grief, pain and protection. They encourage exercising and broadening one’s acquaintance circle. Animals have a calming effect on humans and benefit mental well-being, especially with children and the elderly. Recently the experts have been relying on pet therapy as a valuable aid in reaching out to the elderly, infirm and ill/abused children.
Small dogs are good because they can be lifted easily and fit on the smallest laps. These therapy dogs have a calm, gentle personality and are people-oriented. They must love attention and petting and not be shy. They provide an invaluable service to those who are lonely, abandoned or ill, indeed, anyone who needs the miraculous healing that can arise from a hug and a gentle touch.
Children, especially those who are abused, neglected or special child, are able to communicate and build relation with animals. A pet offers a safe place for a child with emotional problems. They give unconditional love, providing a security blanket.
A dog can be the bond that glues a family together when upheaval, such as moving, death or divorce, occurs. Often, an animal can reach a child beyond an adult’s touch. They have also found pets lower blood pressure and stress levels, give the patient a reason to interact, offer a chance to exercise and a sense of security and/or intimacy, allow communication, and offer continuity in life.
Therapy sessions are an incredible connection between a dog and a child who had not spoken for months out of depression. Most kids can relate to animals, so seeing and touching the pets brings them a sense of normalcy.
The innocence of animals and their ability to love makes animals special. Human beings want to be a part of their world, to connect with them in a mysterious and powerful way that will strengthen and nurture both humans and animals.
Case study – Elena, a 10 year old special need child.
Elena is a special need child with learning disorder. She has a phobia with dogs. She used to be very blunt, aggressive and antisocial. She could not even stand the barking of a dog. Elena was presented for pet therapy for 4-5 sessions conducted once a week.
During her first session it was noticed that Elena was very rough and abusive towards the dog called Cincin. She threw Cincin as she was afraid. She found it difficult to follow rules, she was uncaring and hyperactive. Later as she learnt how to handle Cincin during her following sessions, she enjoyed petting Cincin and was eager for Cincin’s attention.
At the end of the therapy the following changes were noticed:-
· She liked sitting on the floor with Cincin
· she followed rules
· muscle relaxation was noted
· she became more caring
· her aggressive behavior improved
· Her attention span increased.
She no longer had dog phobia. She enjoyed being with Cincin during her sessions. She even missed her when she was not around during her session. She became very expressive, compassionate, caring, loving and kind towards Cincin by the end of the therapy.
