How Animals Help People -- The Healing Power of Pets
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Animals Helping People in Many Different Ways
We sometimes forget how much animals help people and even when we greatly love the pets and animals we care for, it's all too easy to take them for granted. We can forget that they, too, care for us.
The truth is, animals help humans in so many ways. For example, you've probably heard about the idea of pets for therapy. Whether dogs, cats, horses, or other animals, pets can be beneficial to our health both via animal-assisted therapy schemes and also though simply sharing your life with a companion animal.
I'm going to share with you some of the ways in which animals help people. And, so that we in turn can help the animals who don't have loving homes, I'm sharing advertising revenue for this page with animal charities.
Image Credits
Photo in introduction by patti haskins, kindly shared on Flickr under Creative Commons attribution license.
A Summer Sunshine Award for Charity
Thanks for your votes!
This was an official Summer Sunshine Award entry.
In other words, thanks to those who nominated this page, TLC Animal Shelter will be sent $99 by Squidoo. That will feed a lot of hungry mouths!
Thank you also to Squidoo for their generous donations that made this possible. Find out more about the Summer Sunshine awards here: Sunshine Award or visit The Official SquidBlog to find the list of winners.
Summer Sunshine design by StarBrightNights
Cats and Dogs bring Comfort
Animal Assisted Therapy with Cats and Dogs
What role do dogs and cats play in helping humans?
We all know that dogs can become an invaluable companion for the blind and partially-sighted, and the 'hearing dog' for the hearing-impaired and deaf is also familiar. However, this is just the beginning of a long list of roles that animals can play in helping humans who are emotionally damaged or physically impaired in some way.
Here are some of the ways in which cats and dogs help humans in need:
Working with abused children and women -- e.g. Katie the Golden Retriever is a ray of sunshine in the lives of residents of a domestic abuse shelter.
Helping to ease the fears of patients in hospitals -- e.g. Maverick the Yellow Lab is a gently reassuring presence at the bedsides of stroke victims.
Being a friend to HIV/AIDS patients and giving them a positive focus -- e.g. Pets Are Wonderful Support (PAWS) helps those with disabling illnesses to obtain the companionship a cat or dog can bring.
Forming a bond with children with autism -- e.g. Clover, an animal shelter cat, became a patient and loving companion for a small autistic boy, and was the one member of the family he could relate to.
Comforting the elderly and working with Alzheimers patients, helping them to access emotions and memories. -- e.g. Lilly, an orange-white long-haired cat, has brought great comfort in a time of pain and emotional distress to a terminally ill patient.
(The most famous nursing home cat is Oscar who is said to have predicted the deaths of many elderly patients.)
Therapy Dogs in the News
The latest on pooches who help people
- Training own service dog has lasting benefits
- Davis Hawn, left, stands with Joseph King, center, and King's service dog Jill. / Ryan Moore | Hattiesburg American Three years ago Joseph King broke his neck when he dove into a swimming pool at a friend's birthday party.
- New program's therapy dogs bring comfort, joy to patients
- Paxil is a registered therapy dog that has been working with patients of Iowa Health Hospice. Now, officials there are trying to recruit more dogs for the Des Moines area's first animal-assisted therapy program focusing on hospices.
- Paw & Order: Staten Island DA Hires "Bronksey" The Comfort Dog
- Bronksey was donated to the office by Canine Companions for Independence (CCI), a non-profit organization that breeds, trains, and places dogs for a variety of uses, including as therapy dogs and assistance dogs for the disabled.
Could your Dog be a Therapy Dog?
Here's how!
Here's a guide to training your dog to be able to bring comfort and healing to others. Based on personal experiences, the book covers the key issues of dog therapy.
Therapy Dogs: Training Your Dog to Reach Others
Amazon Price: $12.38 (as of 06/03/2012)
Used Price: $10.53
This excellent guide to therapy dog work currently has a 5 star average rating on Amazon.com from 16 happy customers.
It covers things such as suitability of dog (and owner!) for therapy work, a step by step guide to training, advice on conducting an effective therapy visit, the benefits of animal therapy, and more.
Read customer reviews of Therapy Dogs: Training Your Dog to Reach Others
Some Pictures of Therapy Pets
Cute AND Caring!
Images of caring animals from a range of therapy schemes, shared on Flickr. Yes, even that beautiful owl, Ozzie, is a therapy animal for people with special needs and disabilities!
Other Animals Help Too!
Pigs in nursing homes and ferrets in hospitals!
While our canine and feline friends are much loved and appreciated for all the joy they bring to those in need, they are not the only animals to play a role in emotional or physical healing.
A UK nursing home has brought smiles to residents with a pet farm that includes rabbits and guinea pigs, a goat and chickens. But the best-loved animals of all seem to be the pigs -- residents find them a lot of fun and enjoy feeding them. What's more, the old folk have noted that their grandchildren are now a lot keener to visit too!
Horses are also recognised for their power to heal. These sensitive and intelligent creatures have helped many people with special needs to develop emotional and physical skills.
Ferrets might not come to mind when you think of a therapy animal, but sick kids in hospitals have found them a source of fun and even helped them to express their fears.
Pigs Put Smiles on Faces!
What do you think of the word 'pet'?
Love it or loathe it?
Happiness Comes in Small Packages
Health Benefits from Pets in our Homes
Animal companions help in all areas of life
Animal-assisted therapy is not the only way to experience the comfort of an animal's quiet and soothing presence. Any of us who gives a home to an animal can also experience the health benefits of pet ownership.
A cat's purr is a uniquely soothing sound, and the wagging tail of a dog can lift your spirits in times of trouble. It has been scientifically proven, too, that pets are a factor in lowering blood pressure.
Rabbits, ferrets, hamsters and birds all offer companionship. And many of us find it wonderfully relaxing to watch fish swim in an aquarium.
Horses Help Us to Heal
A Connection with Horses Helps an Autistic Child
The story of a journey of healing
The parents of this autistic boy discovered the incredible effect that horses had on him, leading them to take him on a healing journey to Mongolia. The father, Rupert Isaacson, has written a book about their experiences and has opened his own horse therapy center for autistic children.
Discover more about The Horse Boy: A Memoir of Healing
Horses For Healing: autism, special needs and more
Helping Horses in the News
- Equine therapy golden opportunity for students, volunteers
- Special needs students from all AISD campuses do just that at the Runnin' WJ Ranch, in Texarkana. Runnin' WJ is a Christian, non-profit organization offering equine therapy for kids with disabilities. Becky Hearn, Rabbit Ranch teacher, ...
- Probing the autism mystery
- ASTM provides educational materials, offers workshops and seminars, and hosts special events. Two popular events are the Pieces of Hope Benefit and Walk Now for Autism. Fred and Shelley's goals are the same as ASTM's goals. They say people need to take ...
- Giant Horses Help Little Girl With Autism Excel Against the Odds (VIDEO)
- Good news for Annabel, but good news for thousands of other special needs kids too. Turns out hippotheraphy is a 30-year-old discipline that doesn't just help kids with autism or isodicentric 15, but kids with learning disabilities, cerebral palsy and ...
So how about a Therapy Duck?
Have we gone quackers?
Further Reads on Pet Therapy
Different Aspects of Animal-Assisted Therapy
Why Help TLC Animal Shelter?
TLC: Giving 100% Tender Loving Care to those in need
Tender Loving Care (or TLC) is an animal shelter based in Illinois in the United States. TLC have been helping animals since 1974.
Although they are one shelter among many throughout the world, it is the hard and sometimes thankless work of such shelters that can make all the difference to the lives of defenceless beings. In recognition of all those who care for unwanted, sick and abused animals, often starting with money from their own pockets, I am donating 100% proceeds of this page to TLC.
TLC won $99 with your nominations!
Thank you so much to everyone who nominated this lens. With your help, hungry, sick and vulnerable animals are getting a little extra tender loving care from TLC Animal Shelter. :)
Show Your Support for Animal Charities
Shelters and Animal Adoption Gifts
What Do You Think of Pets for Therapy?
Do your animal friends help you to feel better?
This is the best part of the page -- it's where you tell me what animals mean to you. People have left some of the most amazing comments here and if you have time I recommend you have a read of some of them.
I love to hear your stories or simply your reactions to the idea of pets as therapy. Thanks so much for taking the time to comment and share.
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media_challenge_productions
May 19, 2012 @ 8:23 am | delete
- Thanks for the lovely lens. I love my two babies and they bring me much joy in time of need
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WinWriter
May 13, 2012 @ 4:30 pm | delete
- Touching lens. Loved it! My first dog was an adorable lab mix. I named her "Dominoe" because she was black and white. Years ago when my father died, I was devastated and felt pretty alone. Dominoe was my constant companion. She got me through a very sad time in my life.
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click2cause
May 8, 2012 @ 12:34 pm | delete
- This is a fun and nice lens, thanks for sharing it.
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AngelDey
May 2, 2012 @ 11:55 am | delete
- My son is dyslexic and he was embarrassed to read to me, but when I had him read to the dog, it was fine. The dog didn't correct him or things like that I guess and my son got better at reading simply by practicing. The dog sitting still and "listening" was a blessing.
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glutenallergy
Apr 27, 2012 @ 5:39 pm | delete
- We had a cat that we not-so-jokingly referred to as our healing cat. Neezer always knew when one of us was sick, and he would come and snuggle with us. We lost him a few years back, and he is missed deeply. We will probably never have another healing cat...
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Vortrek_Grafix Apr 24, 2012 @ 3:20 pm | delete
- Absolutely. Insurance actuaries can show a positive correlation between pet owners and longevity. there have been several documentaries in the media demonstrating that dogs, and even cats, can assist in diagnosis health conditions such as cancer, and may even be able to predict things like epileptic seizures. A famous case involved a dog did everything it could to prevent its owner from walking down a flight of stairs when the do sensed an epileptic episode approaching. We love animals anyway, so the therapy benefits are a bonus blessing.
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vikksimmons
Apr 24, 2012 @ 11:47 am | delete
- With six dogs I'd have to agree wholeheartedly. They do good work for me and for my elderly mom every day. I've often thought a couple of mine would be good therapy dogs but life circumstances make that impossible at this time. Love this page.
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HeidiFoundNemo
Apr 15, 2012 @ 3:21 pm | delete
- My dogs have seen more of my tears than my friends and family combined!
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readabooki Apr 8, 2012 @ 11:31 pm | delete
- I think pets as therapy is a great idea. My daughter volunteered at SIRES a few summers and it was a wonderful experience. I went to watch just because it made feel good to see the horses and kids interacting.
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cenvet
Mar 22, 2012 @ 8:48 am | delete
- Pets are a great therapy!
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Mujjen
Mar 19, 2012 @ 12:51 pm | delete
- I think pets are very important, for both old and young. To care for somebody brings out the best in us, and to be loved is also important. A win-win situation.
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JimDickens
Mar 12, 2012 @ 9:11 pm | delete
- My pets are absolutely and positively good therapy for me. I think studies have shown that just touching a cat or dog can lower blood pressure. I am certain that it is true
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mistyblue75605
Mar 11, 2012 @ 6:54 pm | delete
- It truly does work! :0)
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BiminiBahamas
Mar 11, 2012 @ 6:39 pm | delete
- My dog makes me laugh everyday and as we know, laughter is the best medicine!
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siobhanryan
Mar 7, 2012 @ 7:04 pm | delete
- Very good lens--interesting and true
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JoyfulReviewer
Mar 1, 2012 @ 1:21 pm | delete
- I absolutely believe in pets for therapy ... there are many case studies confirming this. Nicely done lens!
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MarilynBriant
Feb 29, 2012 @ 4:53 pm | delete
- I love your lens! I saw the film of Rupert Isaacson, and his families visit to Mongolia for his son. I do believe that animals have souls which can, and do respond to ours. My friends had a rescued greyhound who I absolutely loved - I am positive he was a wise soul in a dog's body! Yes, I think pet therapy works and is really amazing...
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BLemley
Feb 24, 2012 @ 11:56 pm | delete
- My daughter has two trained certified pet therapy dogs ~ your article is a great one, full of great info and very cheerful! B : )
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BabyCheetah
Feb 23, 2012 @ 12:20 am | delete
- I enjoyed reading this. Animals really do a lot for us and we do take them for granted a lot of the time. Nice to see a lens that shows what they can do for us :)
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CruiseReady Feb 22, 2012 @ 1:24 pm | delete
- I am absolutely a believer in the beneficial company of animals. Witness: the many, many programs whereby animals go through training courses to become official regular visitors at nursing homes.
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Rosaquid
Feb 21, 2012 @ 9:40 pm | delete
- Perfectly natural and desirable!
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AlleyCatLane
Feb 21, 2012 @ 12:10 pm | delete
- I agree that pets help calm us and make us laugh - two things necessary for good health. There have been research articles out in recent years that dogs can sniff out cancer in a person also. Amazing! Congrats on your purple star!
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wheresthekarma
Feb 18, 2012 @ 8:33 pm | delete
- Featuring this on my "FAvorite Lenses" lens.
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Lindrus
Feb 18, 2012 @ 3:00 pm | delete
- I definitely agree that pets are good as therapy. Personally I love cats. Thanks for a nice lens!
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Feb 18, 2012 @ 8:40 am | delete
- My cats help me a lot. I get depressed a lot and my oldest knows when I am. He will come and sleep beside me or in my lap. Petting and/or holding him makes me feel better. He also knows when I did not feel well (cold, flu, or pains). He gets antsy and wants my attention a little more than usual. He is a wonderful cat!
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tlaeno Feb 17, 2012 @ 5:43 pm | delete
- My sister is terminally ill. Her pets get her through rough times. Mine are my therapy as well
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Frischy
Feb 12, 2012 @ 9:55 am | delete
- My daughter and I both have disabilities. The animals who live with us bring us a lot of joy and love. My dog makes sure I get my exercise and sometimes brings me into contact with people if we run into neighbors during walks. I think it is important to get the right match. Because of my limited mobility, I needed a dog who did not need to go on long walks & would be content to stay with me in the house & go in the yard to meet her needs if necessary. I got an adult pug & it has been a wonderful fit. She is the perfect companion!
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ozylizzy
Feb 7, 2012 @ 5:00 am | delete
- My dog causes more stress than therapy! But I have seen how fabulous calm dogs are in old age homes.
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veryirie
Feb 6, 2012 @ 5:02 pm | delete
- I absolutely believe in the power of pet therapy. I also wholeheartedly promote the rescue of animals. This is a wonderfully helpful page and the resource links are so beneficial! Thank you for writing this!!! (I'm linking this page to my lens on making dog bandanas for rescue dogs). :)
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bobbala
Feb 5, 2012 @ 10:28 pm | delete
- Great lens. Our dog is loved and gives us so much in return.
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DeannaDiaz
Feb 2, 2012 @ 3:53 pm | delete
- Your lens really shows how much animal lovers love their pets! They truly do enrich life!
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gods_grace_notes Feb 1, 2012 @ 3:33 pm | delete
- My pets are some of the best medicine I have ever received.... I totally support pets for therapy!
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JessyGene
Feb 1, 2012 @ 2:52 am | delete
- Great lens! My pet rats are definitely a great source of joy in my life.
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NathanLee
Jan 28, 2012 @ 11:14 am | delete
- Great lens... it makes me want to get a dog :)
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JackieSonia
Jan 27, 2012 @ 9:58 pm | delete
- Animals are the greatest thing. I think that God in his infinite wisdom knew that we needed something other than just humans. When you have a dog, cat, bird..whatever animal, they bring such joy to your life. I love my little dog. She makes my day, everyday.
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Tipi
Jan 27, 2012 @ 8:52 pm | delete
- Returning with angel dust to sprinkle over your helpful pets.....
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alwaysjules Jan 27, 2012 @ 7:34 pm | delete
- Well deserved Purple Star lens. My friend has a daughter with severe autism, and has difficulty in relationships with other people, but the relationship she has had with her horse has been amazing to witness. Thank you for sharing this lens with us.
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SilmarwenLinwelin Jan 27, 2012 @ 6:41 am | delete
- I think that pets are a great comfort. Thank you for sharing this lens :)
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davidangel
Jan 26, 2012 @ 7:57 pm | delete
- Pets are great for therapy, a dogs wagging tail, a cat purring or a songbird singing are all reflections of love, a primary ingredient for healing. I've heard of therapists recommending a pet for depression treatment, just the act of caring for another being that loves you in return can lift the depressed spirit. Great lens, very well done.
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transcriptioncity
Jan 25, 2012 @ 6:49 am | delete
- Love the lens, my dog means so much to me. :-)
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kathysart
Jan 23, 2012 @ 1:13 pm | delete
- I will always believe that animals have souls. Angel blessed lens as this lens is so touching.. dear animals ask for so little and give so much.
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miaponzo
Jan 23, 2012 @ 4:38 am | delete
- Back for a blessing :) I sure do KNOW that pets are therapy!!! :)
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Holysheepskin
Jan 12, 2012 @ 8:54 am | delete
- I totally believe that pets help us, and sometimes in ways we least expect. My dog Duff is always there when he senses someone is sad or needing companionship.
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PoeticChristian
Jan 10, 2012 @ 8:06 pm | delete
- Yes, I absolutely love my pet, she is not only therapy for me, but she is like my child. She actually makes me take breaks form being busy so, she helps me tremendously. I don't what I would do without her. Sadly I had to recently put down my first PTSD therapy pet and I know this, had it happened years ago I would have never been able to handle it as well. He knew me so well. I miss still but obviously God felt he achieved his mission and it was time to go home. This is a great thing and I thank God that this lens spreads the word. Animals o all sizes are great therapy for many people. Great lens.
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sarahrk
Jan 6, 2012 @ 8:45 pm | delete
- Pets are the best medicine. My dog knows when I am sad, when I am scared and when I am sick.
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DebMartin
Jan 3, 2012 @ 11:14 am | delete
- There are fish and birds and dogs all over the care facility where my 93-year-old Mom lives. They are so helpful to all the residents. The birds and fish live there. The dogs belong to those who work there. Family members are welcome to bring their dogs to visit once each dog has passed the "test." I love the playful romping in the halls when I go up to visit.
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jadehorseshoe
Dec 22, 2011 @ 3:51 pm | delete
- Nice Lens. It has always puzzled me that horses are not more at the forefront of the "pet therapy" movement. There are no finer or more calming beasts.
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WriterJanis
Dec 19, 2011 @ 9:11 pm | delete
- I wish more people apprciated animals the way that you do.
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acekyle
Dec 14, 2011 @ 4:53 pm | delete
- I love animals, they will make anyone's day better easily!
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desa999
Dec 12, 2011 @ 8:53 pm | delete
- Yes we've certainly seen the benefits of pets in our extended family. Nice lens idea.
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Filling food bowls and paying vets bills is never cheap
I don't work for the TLC Animal Shelter but I have done my research on them and I am confident that they work very hard to find unwanted animals happy homes.
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T.L.C. has served Homer Glen and Will County Illinois as a private, non-profit, humane society, dedicated to the prevention of abuse, neglect, and cruelty to animals. The shelter provides refuge for an average of three to four thousand animals yearly.
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More from this Author
Quick View Guide to Animal Therapy and Healing Pets
Click to jump back up
- Cats and Dogs bring Comfort
- Animal Assisted Therapy with Cats and Dogs
- Therapy Dogs in the News
- Could your Dog be a Therapy Dog?
- Some Pictures of Therapy Pets
- Other Animals Help Too!
- Pigs Put Smiles on Faces!
- What do you think of the word 'pet'?
- Happiness Comes in Small Packages
- Health Benefits from Pets in our Homes
- Horses Help Us to Heal
- A Connection with Horses Helps an Autistic Child
- Horses For Healing: autism, special needs and more
- So how about a Therapy Duck?
- Further Reads on Pet Therapy
- Why Help TLC Animal Shelter?
- TLC won $99 with your nominations!
- Show Your Support for Animal Charities
- What Do You Think of Pets for Therapy?
by WordCustard
Animals help people in so many ways so I made this page in support of TLC Animal Shelter.
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