The Healing Power of Animals, Part 2

In a post a few days ago, I talked about the animals that are being trained by prisoners and how this has had a profound impact on changing these individuals outlook on life. Now I want to mention therapy animals who are helping heal people in medical situations, both with mental and physical ailments, and they are helping those in retirement and nursing homes who are in great need of love and attention.

Therapy animals come in many species and sizes. They include dogs, horses, cats, rabbits, birds, and other creatures. Some notable ones are baby kangaroos and miniature ponies. All of these animals are special since they have to be trained and/or have the right personality for this kind of job. The animal must be able to calmly accept unusual circumstances so not just any animal can be a therapy animal. A lot of the animals that work in this industry are dogs, but cats are common as well.

One inspiring story, and there are so many, is the story of Toby and his impact on Veronique, whose recovery was so enhanced by Toby she founded the Hearts and Hooves Foundation. Toby is a miniature horse and is incredibly tiny and was somewhat unique when he was providing therapy for Veronique. Now at Hearts and Hooves, they have a whole tiny herd of therapy horses who travel to help those in need.

The therapeutic use of animals is becoming more popular. We have therapy animals who visit in the Lubbock hospitals. The benefits of these animals are simple and yet profound . . . they uplift people's spirits in hospitals as well as in retirement and nursing homes and this helps in improving or maintaining good health. The presence of constant love and attention from these animals does wonders.

Some animal therapy is considered to be a kind of physical therapy and helps individuals improve the physical or emotional performances of patients. All animal therapy provides motivational and educational improvements for the participants. They help individuals who are mentally challenged learn to be responsible for something other than themselves and to be more independent, simply by feeding and caring for these animals. With autistic people, animal therapy has been very effective, especially dogs and horses, because they calmly introduce sensory experiences to these individuals who are very sensitive to stimuli.

Animals are really amazing and help us in so many ways, from pet owners who are supported by the constant affection of their pet to those with mental or physical illness. They are invaluable part of our society. Hopefully we will see more and more of them in our hospitals, retirement homes and elsewhere.










[for information and photo sources see these sites Therapet, myhealthcollection, Black Mountain Miniature, and ]