Happiness is Pets - their Love is Unconditional

'I may not remember all my friends' names - but I sure remember all my pets names.'
- Author unknown.

The world can seem big and lonely. You can feel small and afraid - but not when you have a pet. Pets need you. They will always listen to you.

Special skills dogs have been used for years in a wide range of contexts. With new discoveries and training their range of support functions continues to grow.

Childhood Memories

She was beautiful.. the fur on her long silky ears had just a hint of a curl. Her big doe eyes gazed expectantly, reassuringly and lovingly into mine.

Bruff was my companion, my confidant, my problem-solver. Having three brothers and three sisters does not guarantee you a listening ear and understanding. My busy parents just didn't have the time - a pet does.

Bruff, a faithful cocker spaniel was the first dog we ever had. I was about six or seven. We'd moved miles away, new house, new school, new existence. I seem to remember she was new too. We only had chickens before and I don't remember them being much company.

They love you unconditionally and ask for little in return - Pets NEED you.

As therapists, pets are superior because they help you to find your own solutions - after all they can't answer back. But this fact does help you to :

• take you out of yourself,
• distance you from the situation.

You are responsible for their wellbeing. In return they offer support, protection, amusement, soothing, relaxation, comfort, love and affection. I could go on, the list is endless. Check out my Happiness is Pets Poem.

Whether you keep fish, reptiles, birds or mammals - Happiness is pets. Of course. it's not a one-way street and your pet's health and wellbeing is of paramount importance - a pet MUST fit with your temperament, your lifestyle and living space.

The Therapeutic Benefits of Pets

The benefits to be gained from our fin, furry and feathered friends can be:

• lower blood pressure
• reduced heart rate
• relaxation
• a mood boost
• increased social interaction - see Dogs and Autism
• develop outward focus
• improve confidence & self-esteem - e.g Horse riding
• they are entertaining and fun to watch

Additionally pets help children (and adults with learning difficulties) to

• develop nurturing skills
• feel empathy
• take on responsibility -e.g.Kids with ADHD
• experience life processes, birth and death

Happiness is Pets - the Research.

A study at City Hospital New York showed increased likelihood of survival longer than one year for heart patients who owned animals compared to those who did not.

Another study demonstrated lowered blood pressure and relaxation from watching an aquarium of fish pre-operatively. These patients were found to be as calm as those who received pre-op hypnosis.

Many schemes now exist to bring pets into nursing homes and hospitals for their beneficial effects. They lift the mood and provide a focal point of interest. It has been found too, that less communicative residents will often talk more when a pet is introduced.

Among heart patients, pet owners have higher survival rates than those with a spouse or friends.

For Depression -interaction with animals, especially dogs causes seratonin levels (brain neurotransmitter) to rise as well as the feel-good hormones prolactin and oxytocin.

'Dogs are better company than husbands and they don't talk back
- or if they do, you can put them out.'
Author unknown.

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