Why is AAT (Animal Assisted Therapy) so valuable, so rewarding? Simply put, it's because an animal can touch a human in ways that another person can not. An animal can be a bridge from the confines of the deep internal realm of our being. Here are some fine examples:
At the children's psychiatric unit, a girl was admitted who for the first week did not speak. Not a word. Doctors were at a loss as to how to reach her. The dogs arrived on Tuesday and the girl visited with “Hershey”, a rescued Chocolate Lab who was rather scarred from a car accident. He was a gentle soul who enjoyed playing fetch. Upon seeing Hershey, the girl squealed with delight, threw her arms around him and began talking to him and asking the owner/handler questions about his missing leg, eye and ear. After that, doctors were able to reach and treat her. She was talking, thanks to Hershey.
A young man fresh out of a coma was depressed and unwilling to participate in physical therapy. Mac the Border Collie arrived and he worked hard to roll over to pet him. He'd do anything to pet the dog. He worked hard on his physical therapy so he could better visit with the therapy dogs who were his greatest motivation.
Patients lacking the interest to do physical therapy find joy and motivation in a game of fetch, or walking with a therapy dog. Playing or working with the dog provides some relief from the pressure and physical pain sometimes associated with physical movement, replacing it with the joy of interacting with an animal.
Oncology patients find comfort and can better relax in the company of a therapy dog while undergoing treatments.
Alzheimers patients who can be rather unresponsive are often reached through touching an animal. In some individuals, the only time they respond is with an animal or through music.
Patients who are otherwise intimidated, shy or reclusive may respond better and open up more in the company of an animal. Animals provide a sense of safety as they never judge, reject or condemn. Animals provide acceptance and affection regardless of appearance, disability or capability.
Animals relieve feelings of depression and isolation which can come from being in a facility, whether short or long term. People feel a sense anticipation knowing an animal is coming to visit as well as joy from the visit itself. Staff who care for these people also benefit from visiting with the dog as a healthy, happy outlet. Happy staff provide better care.
Children experiencing difficulty with an activity (such as reading or physical therapy), or have difficulty conversing with an adult, find ease, comfort and reward in sharing these tasks with an animal. A therapy dog creates a calming atmosphere for the child as he will lie still for petting. This is very rewarding for the child.
Animal assisted therapy (AAT) provides a valuable service to so many individuals. The animal enjoys it, the handler enjoys it, the people visited enjoy it and facility staff enjoy it. It's a “win-win” situation.
Elvis & William enjoying some snuggle time
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