Snowflake138

Pets As Therapy

Posted on 05/16/08, 07:13 pm

Years ago, when I was physically able to, I took pets to a local retirement home, about every two weeks for a scheduled hour and a half of "visiting" with the residents. The response was overwhelming and the "love" that passed between person and pet, I can't describe. On a personal level, my "guys" make all the difference with my CFS and previously with my depression. I am "down" for awhile with a physical "crash of CFS.......my Jake, a Dobie, will not let me walk anywhere without him to support me, Bert of Bert and Ernie (mini long haired doxies) has started the past few days walking up and down my legs when the pain is unreal like a mini massage and Ernie seems to know whenever my feet are freezing and becomes a live footwarmer :) Unreal.......

• Reply #1 05/16/08  8:09pm
  
  Goblue
  Aren't they amazing? I used to do the same thing at the nursing homes with my animals. The residents just glowed with excitement. I have also seen remarkable results when inmates and dogs combine for socialization and training. Animals are truly a gift. xx
• Reply #2 05/17/08  12:32am
  
  Crazywolf5
  I truly believe that dogs can relate to us. I think they know when we are hurting or sad,and happy.They are amazing creatures.
• Reply #3 05/17/08  12:16pm
  
  KristiKat
  I'm so glad you have your own personal 'private' nursing team! That's great!
• Reply #4 05/17/08  12:36pm
  
  Snowflake138
  Isn't that amazing? And what do they ask for in return? Love and food :) I've always been a firm believer in the power of healing through animals. I know ther have been so many times, I wouldn't have gotten out of bed or "dealt" if it hadn't been for them.
• Reply #5 05/17/08  8:58pm
  
  Joeyrose1107
  i want to do that with zieke! How old do they have to be for you to take them?
• Reply #6 05/18/08  1:48am
  
  Cal8889
  That's such a cool thing to do. That can make both you and the dog feel like you're making a difference.
  
  My sister-in-law works with dogs at shelters, taking them for walks and playing with them. She also participates in a program where she takes a dog from the shelter to a retirement home to visit the elderly people. They are so happy and cheered up to get to see and pet the dogs. And the dogs get a chance to socialize, giving and receiving affection.
• Reply #7 05/18/08  2:17am
  
  Snowflake138
  It's not all age...it's also about personality....you can't have a dog that is hyper, jumps up on people, etc. I used to take dogs and cats but they were all pretty laid-back, could all get along together and were past the "puppy" stage. :)
• Reply #8 05/18/08  3:55pm
  
  BEWITCHED
  They certainly ARE priceless......I hope this practice never ends, it is so helpful and is free for the asking! (but a bit of work transporting the animals)
• Reply #9 05/18/08  10:46pm
  
  Snowflake138
  And that's what crates are for :) If I took more than 3-4 animals, I always had someone go with me and the staff at the home were so helpful with loading and unloading.....I just so wish that I could get some strength back to maybe attempt it again.
• Reply #10 05/19/08  3:34pm
  
  KristiKat
  to those that are interested in this. check out your local shelters and rescues. many offer training and certification classes that your pets can take to be a therapy pet. many of the institutions require that your pet be certified and usually expect them to be up to date on all vaccines as well. if you do endeaver to take this on - GREAT! animals possess such a tremendous healing power. and surely, you will get so much more than you give, knowing you are helping others!

For everybody who loves their pets.