Helping the Little Ones in Need – 20 Pictures
Therapy that includes pets (or animals in general) is becoming a topic of an increasing interest lately. In this article we will deal with treatments that include the help of cats, dogs and some other animal species. If you ask them, pet owners will be happy to tell you about a number of positive effects that their pets have on their lives – from the physical to the psychological. It is this “common knowledge” that has become a subject of interest and studies of scientists and medical professionals in recent years. Logically, in order to start applying certain therapeutic method in serious medical institutions, it is essential that there is evidence of its effect. Some of the most famous organizations doing its best in this field of animal assisted therapy are Pet Partners and Therapy Dogs International.
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When it comes to therapy with the help of small animals such as cats and dogs, beneficial effects on patients are already confirmed, and those include lowering blood pressure, relieving stress and anxiety, and most of the patients state that they feel less lonely and depressed, as well as that animal presence and interaction encourage them to be more sociable even with people from their surroundings. In the process of treating, this kind of therapy doesn't represent any kind of alternative therapy or some magic wand, but has proven benefits for patients. Both with mild and severe diseases, the duration and success of the therapy depends on many factors, so it's essential to take advantage of all positive effects.
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As a body is a whole, everything is connected, so – for example – reducing stress increases appetite, which can be extremely sensitive and problematic thing especially in patients with long lasting and severe diseases. A system applied by Pet Partners (in the USA) consists of several steps. First of all, the owners are tested and trained. They learn how they can visit the hospitals and provide therapy safely. Then they can go to hospitals, health centers, classrooms, etc. Here are some photos from Portland hospital, where this practice is already in use.
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Despite health care problems in every country, it would be nice and very useful for everyone (and a lot cheaper for both medical institutions and patients) if all the states recognized and supported projects like this. In this case, Pet Partners is a non-profit organizations that helps people live better by bringing interaction with animals into their lives. All states and health institution should recognize the benefits of this method of therapy and open the doors of hospitals and health centers to therapy pets. Trained volunteers and their four-legged therapists would probably appear very quickly. Take a look at the following photos, the smiles on children's faces are telling more than the words ever could.
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