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Pet Therapy

© T. Darlene Cheek

All of us with pets in our lives know how wonderful and special the relationship can be. Pets provide a source of love and daily smiles as well as the occasional shoulder to cry on. Even though they may only respond with a lick on the face, we somehow know that these beings understand. We think of our pet as an old soul with a knowing spirit and a kind heart. They help us heal. How many of us as children had a special companion that followed our every step as we made our daily travels? When we lose our pets to the Rainbow Bridge, we mourn for them as if we'd lost a child. What is it that makes this relationship so special? I don't know the answer to that one.

I can, however, tell you different ways that the wonder attributes of our pets can help others heal. I'm sitting here right now watching my menagerie bounce off each other. All 200 lbs of Draco lays sprawled across the floor while 11 pound Ayla attacks him with a vengeance. She isn't even as big as his head, but she crawls up behind his neck and barks and growls and nibbles his neck, staying just out of his reach. When he does turn around to grab her, her whole head fits neatly and gently in his mouth. While he's fighting Ayla off, little 2 lb Claw, the kitten, stalks his tail. There's hardly a minute that goes by that I'm not laughing at something they do. It's very healing to me when I feel over-worked or stressed. They have a way of making me stop when I don't think I have time to stop.

They say that our life span is actually increased by owning a pet (or being owned by one). I believe that! The simple act of stroking their fur or bending down to receive a lick on the cheek is a perfect example of hands-on-healing. An equal exchange of energy takes place, as well as unconditional love. I'll tell you one thing for sure, I'm never lonely any more. I believe that all elderly people or shut-in's should have a pet in their home. I've also found a lot of great information on pet therapy where pet volunteers visit sick children and the elderly while they are in the hospital. While I browsed through the pictures of these visits, I could tell by the expressions on the patients' faces that they truly enjoyed the animals' companionship. I do think the pets were having just as much fun as the patients.

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The copyright of the article Pet Therapy in Holistic Therapy is owned by T. Darlene Cheek. Permission to republish Pet Therapy in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.