Quite simply, a patient's recovery is known
to be swifter and even the most withdrawn patients open up to the
idea of healing. Animals offer respite from the world, but there
is more. We don't benefit solely with regard to health, but by forming
a bond, a link that grows between us. By becoming a part of this
scheme, by allowing others to experience these sensations is to
know that they benefit from healing naturally and that they will
have a chance to see life through different eyes, which is both
rewarding and spiritually uplifting!
A variety of animals are used from hamsters,
dogs, cats and horses, to pot-bellied pigs and even fish. People
learn to give and receive unconditional love and acceptance, igniting
a warmth in even the most withdrawn, as they reach out without fear
to touch and interact with the animal. Animals make us aware of
the fragility of life, always willing to give us second chances,
to curb our aggression and to handle violent reactions under pressure,
as violence is not and can never be a healthy way of communication.
All living creatures respond positively to a caring and loving touch.
Serving as mirrors into our personalities, we are able to observe
and solve problems with an acute understanding, as we become more
in touch with our emotions.
Animal therapy is heading our way.
In the United States and Europe where people
are actively involved in pet therapy, people are aware of the phenomenal
results achieved by Therapy Pets
Children
Abused, mistreated and orphaned children
learn to be confident and even develop leadership skills. The results
are then incorporated into their human relationships! Animals can
also encourage self-esteem in patients.
When observing people with pets, we realise
that the majority of us, particularly younger children, respond
better to animals than to human interactions
Prisons
In the United States, prisoner rehabilitation
programmes using animals are becoming very popular. Prisoners are
allowed to look after abused and mistreated animals. They groom,
care and interact with them, giving them caring and loving homes.
Prisoners become more sensitive, which in turn helps them to tolerate
threatening stimuli, such as exploring their past - usually the
cause of their dysfunctional behaviour. Through their experience,
it is hoped they may become productive citizens. At Cape Town's
Pollsmoor Prison, currently one of the only prisons in South Africa
using animals, birds have been introduced with remarkably inspiring
results!
The final outcome? Animals encourage reminiscences
and social interactions, thus stimulating miraculous recoveries!
We are all born with 'common sense' and animals allow us to translate
this characteristic into something useful. Moulding this talent
helps us with stress - something we can use daily. All the animals
ask in return is to be treated with the same respect.
Source:- Animaltalk, March 2002
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How
do our pets help