therapy animals

[orangemm]

They are a blessing to elderly folks, people who have brain injuries and don't respond to any other stimulus, abused children and so on. I've heard of them in prisons where hardened criminals care and protect them like precious objects.

I think they can work small and large miracles!

[CalliesMom]

I think it is a truly wonderful idea. If I'm ill, my cats bring me so much comfort.

Though my kitties wouldn't make good therapy cats, one of my old co-workers would take her cat and dog into the hospital to see the patients. She told me numerous stories of the happiness the animals brought.

[momcat]

When Soncat was working as a stable manager at a horse farm, he taught therapeutic horseback riding to physically and developmentally disabled children. We took kids out of wheelchairs and walkers, put them on a horse and were thrilled at the results. No disabled child was ever turned away because their parents couldn't afford it, if the child could benefit from the program they were welcomed. Autistic children started to communicate, kids who couldn't walk learned to control their horse. These kids will never swing a bat, throw a football, or shoot a basketball like their siblings or neighbors but they could ride a horse! Studies have proven that a horse at the walk stimulates the same muscles in the child as if that child was walking on his own. The therapeutic instructors focused on ability, not disability. Along with the physical benefits, these students gained confidence and self esteem. My Mom is currently in a nursing home and about once a month a group of therapeutic dogs and cats come by for a visit. And those pets are a big hit among the residents. Wagging tails, purrs, and meows bring huge smiles from everyone. The residents pet them, talk to them, and sometimes get to hold them. These dogs and cats are very generous with kisses and affection to the residents. All pets are special. But from my own first hand experience therapeutic pets are in a class all their own, an extra special gift from God that brings happiness to those who need it the most. They always will have a very special place in my heart!