March 2, 3:16 AM
by Deborah Mitchell, Phoenix Alternative Medicine Examiner

George Eliot said, “Animals are such agreeable friends—they ask no questions, they pass no criticisms.” Although we did not have formal pet therapy back in Eliot’s day, this quote accurately describes one of the reasons why animal therapy is so successful.

Indeed, scientific studies show us that when people participate in pet therapy (usually with dogs, but also cats, rabbits, horses, and even fish), they often experience
• lower blood pressure
• relief from depression, tension, and stress
• mental stimulation (especially for people with dementia)
• faster recovery from illness or surgery
• motivation to participate in needed therapy and rehabilitation
• distraction from painful conditions, such as burns and postsurgical pain, especially for children
• relief from feelings of isolation and loneliness
• and many other health benefits

Pets provide unconditional love, and they often elicit responses from patients who are reluctant or find it difficult to communicate. The animals help break down the barriers among staff and residents or patients because they are nonjudgmental and a source of nonthreatening conversation and safe ground. Thus a visit from a warm, loving dog or cat can help patients be more willing to cooperate with health-care staff. Nurses and other medical professionals who have experienced pet therapy in their facilities report that animal therapy visits also boost their spirits and morale.

Many organizations provide pet visitation services for people who are in nursing homes, hospitals, and other health-care facilities, or for those who are home bound. In the Phoenix area, you can contact
• Pets on Wheels of Scottsdale, Inc., which serves about two dozen health care centers in Scottsdale.
• Companion Animal Association of Arizona, Inc. in the Phoenix area has a visitation program.
• The Animal Assisted Therapy Program at Phoenix Children’s Hospital

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