Just the other day we got a report from the Delta Society.  The Delta Society is an organization that specializes in improving human health through therapy and service animals.  I know all about that healing thing.  It just feels good for the both of us, canine and human. 

Now this report has lots of really cool stories about some of the ways animals are helping people to adapt to traumatic events, feel better, and live more complete lives through the healing power of animals.  I don’t think they’d mind if I shared some of these stories with you.  The following stories are taken from The Human-Animal Connection, Delta Society 2002 Annual Report.  I admit to a little elaboration to clarify a few things.

“CANCER and COMFORT – Statistics show that half of all men and one-third of all women in the U.S. will develop some form of cancer.  One particular person, named Bill, has an aggressive type of leukemia that is treated regularly in a New York Hospital.  Bill battles an incredibly severe debilitating pain. Besides weight loss, sensitivity to touch, disfigurement, nausea and hair loss, patients like Bill battle fear of death, stress, depression, anxiety and isolation while trying to recover.

But these days, a furry visitor often warmly interrupts Bill’s lonely hours spent in a hospital room.  After all the medications and treatments, it’s a gentle pooch that’s helping him make the biggest strides.  Recent studies show conclusively that the human body responds to physical contact with animals, reducing key indicators of stress and allowing more thorough healing to take place.

Through his contact with his canine friend Bill experiences physical touch, non-judgmental affection, encouragement, nurturing, emotional connection.  These experiences in turn translate to reduced heart stress, circulatory system improvement, elevated lymphatic performance, and anxiety reduction.

“IMPAIRMENT AND INDEPENDENCE – More than 52,000,000 Americans are challenged by deafness, blindness, neurological disorders, spinal cord injuries, and numerous other physical disabilities. 

When most people think of a disability, they think of something they can see. But many disabilities are invisible to most people.  These include chronic pain, physical limitations not visible and a wide variety of developmental and psychological disorders.

Paul is just such a person.  When family isn’t visiting, he feels isolated, fearful for his safety, frustrated and stressed.  He is prone to severe depression and panic attacks.  Yet less than 1% of all disabled individuals have the animal assistance that makes life easier, gets them “motivated” and looking forward to the future. Service animals make going out in public possible for persons with both visible and invisible disabilities.

Actual measurable improvements, including lower cholesterol, lower blood pressure, and reduced maintenance medications are commonly recorded in studies.  Service dogs are not just for people with visible disabilities, they are important for people with invisible disabilities as well.

Now these are just two of the stories in this report.  And I bet some of you already knew about how animals help people with illness and disabilities.  But read on because this next story is particularly touching.

“SCARRED AND SCARED" – It’s a sad fact that many children survive home fires only to suffer second and third degree burns over large areas of the body.  Because sensitive underlayers of the skin are exposed, infection is a constant danger, and recovering victims in isolated burn units are often unable to touch anything – including even the softest sheets.

Tonya is one such child.  Kids like Tonya have terrifying memories, loneliness, confusion, anger, depression and nightmares.  Disfigurement hurts their self-esteem and deepens anxiety about recovery and socialization.

Visits by pets have proven a medically sound treatment toward both the physical and emotional recovery of these patients.  While several types of animals have been shown to help burn victims, it’s the smaller ones that work the best.  Smaller animals like small dogs, cats, and rabbits are easily put on the beds making them accessible to the patients.

Tonya will play with whatever pet is brought to her, but she loves the bunnies the best.  She often sits and strokes the soft fur and whispers secrets to them.  She says bunnies don’t care about her face and try to nuzzle her through the mask she wears to keep scar tissue from forming.

Wow, and I always thought rabbits were for chasing.  I guess I better show a little respect from now on.  Try to treat them as soft furry cousins.

Also included in the Delta pamphlet is the story of Stanely, the man with Alzheimer’s Disease who receives comfort, emotional support, and alleviation of loneliness from his shaggy dog, Manfred.  And then Sara, an elderly widow who gets companionship and healing touch from her cat, Missy. 

Once again, pet owners are shown to have reduced health care costs, doctor visits, and hospital stays.  The simple truth is, pets cure loneliness and give elderly people a reason for living.”

Studies have shown that all loving touch is healing.  We all have the ability to let our love and energy flow to others.  It’s just that most animals don’t have all those psychological barriers and defenses that you humans construct around yourselves.  One of the best ways to break down those walls is to have a healthy and healing relationship with a pet. 

            Later ya’ll

            Spay and Neuter

            Elwood