The Healing effects of Pets
Pet owners and other animal lovers the world-over have long
recognised the capability of our non-human friends to cheer
us up when we are feeling down, and conversely, the sometimes
catastrophic effect that the death of an animal can have
on an elderly owner, otherwise living alone.
The healing effects of pets have now been the subject of
many studies and this phenonenon is increasingly being documented
in a wide variety of books [25], [37] and
articles [47], [51].
One well-known example of this realisation put to good use
is the British Charity "Pets As Therapy (PAT)".
PAT has been providing visits to hospitals, hospices, nursing
and care homes by volunteers accompanied by their dogs since
1983. More recently some cats have also joined the scheme
and all participating animals are friendly, temperament tested,
and checked and vaccinated before they join the scheme. More
information is available from their website: www.petsastherapy.org.
Other Animal Links:
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Website is about canines healing themselves, other
canines, and humans: www.healinghelp.org
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Website offering support to people grieving the loss
of a pet, includes tribute boards and chat-room: www.petloss.com
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