Acting on Alternatives II

As I shuffled around my kitchen this morning, waiting for my coffee to drip, I tried to think of a topic for today's blog. I've come to discover that writing a daily, research based blog is quite difficult in that each entry must be different and interesting. So, as I stood there waiting, my 180lb, Rottweiler, Bosko plodded into the room and dropped his soccer ball at my feet for our morning play session. Absently I kicked it into the dining room and watched him chase it as I poured my first cup of the day. He brought it back and I kicked it again, still focused on thinking of a topic, as I walked to the table. Then, after my first sip, I had my “Ah Ha,” moment. Animal Therapy.

Animals, especially dogs, can be a vital component to the recovery process for many ill and aging individuals. They are currently being used as a common mode of therapy in such places as hospitals, residential homes, schools and even prisons. Although it is hard to measure the positive influences of pets scientifically, many doctor's are recommending pet ownership to their patients as an important addition to traditional therapy.

Pets love without prejudice, judgment or rejection. They can be the one constant for a depressed individual, at a time when they feel that their whole world is out of control. Pets, in general, have a calming effect on people. In the article titled “Animal-Assisted Therapy: A Premise and a Promise,” researchers Aaron Katcher and Erika Friedmann are quoted as saying, “Pets are a source of comfort that can be scheduled on demand of the owner, in almost any quantity, without bargaining or supplication.”Beside the emotional assistance that pets can offer, they also serve to assist people socially. Samantha Weaver, writes in her article titled “Animal Therapy for Depression,” “ Animals can be used as part of group therapy programs to encourage communication and increase the ability to focus. Helping to develop a person's self-esteem and reducing their loneliness and anxiety are just some potential benefits of individual animal therapy.”

For me, the responsibility of having pets has served to force me to function during times when I otherwise would not have gotten out of bed. I have two Rottweilers, a cat and a 5 ft long Iguana. They need my care everyday. In the mornings when I don't want to rise, the dogs still need to go out and be exercised. During the afternoon, when I want to go back to sleep, the Iguana needs to be bathed, fed and her cage needs constant cleaning as well as temperature and light regulation. And my cat, well she sits on my chest and smacks my face as I sleep if she wants something from me. Although I can't say that having this menagerie in my house is always calming, I do know that my pets have been invaluable to me as I continue to deal with this disease. If you feel that you have the time, love and money that is necessary for responsible pet ownership, please contact your local animal organization and adopt. There are animals out there who need your help as much as you need theirs.