Site search
sponsored by
Home
News
When you hear the words healing process, you may think of the recovery period after a surgery, an accident, or a treatment for a disease such as cancer. However, when it comes to the role that animals play in our healing process, the notion can be applied loosely to mean that the presence of an animal can actually enhance the process by either speeding it up or helping it along.
The words ring true in Bern Williams's famous quote, "There is no psychiatrist in the world like a puppy licking your face," as it translates to actual physiological effects that can be measured through reduced blood pressure and reduced heart rate. Here are some facts gathered from a study done in 1999 by Petnet Australia:
•People who own pets typically visit the doctor less often and use less medication.
•Pet owners, on average, have lower cholesterol levels and lower blood pressure.
•Pet owners recover more quickly from illness and surgery.
•Pet owners deal better with stressful situations.
•Pet owners are less likely to report feeling lonely.
Dr. Karen Allen at the State University of New York at Buffalo did another study that puts an exclamation point on this topic. Dr. Allen studied stockbrokers and the effect that pets had on their blood pressure. Dr. Allen found that stockbrokers with hypertension who then adopted a dog or cat had lower blood pressure readings in stressful situations than did their petless counterparts.
In both studies, the presence of a pet brought about real physiological change. It is suspected that having a pet on your side - someone you can always count on that is nonjudgmental - psychologically creates a beneficial atmosphere. In addition, many people who are vulnerable to depression or anxiety suffer less if they have a pet than those living without pets, says Dr. Judith Siegel, a UCLA professor of public health.
See CAPS page A7
For those not fortunate enough to have a pet, I say adopt one. But for those who are enduring an extended hospital stay, the Healing Paws Pet Therapy Program run by the Volunteers Auxiliary at Banner Churchill Community Hospital offers those patients the opportunity to interact with pets while getting those great physiological benefits. The mission of the local program can be paraphrased as "to support the healing environment and improve the emotional well-being and morale of patient and family by offering opportunities for distraction from illness using unconditional love through canine companionship." The patient is often unaware of the benefits from the interaction because it is taking place under the auspices of fun.
Do you have a dog that you think would enjoy joining the Pet Therapy Program? If so, there are a few criteria for joining: Your pet must clean, well groomed, obedient and current on vaccinations. The process to "making the cut" is simple. Initially, you stroll though Wal-mart while being observed to see how your dog interacts with new people. Next, you and your dog are escorted through the hospital on three separate occasions, also being observed. If all your visits are successful, you may join the team. The program requires that you join the Volunteers Auxiliary and commit to visiting the hospital once a week. Call Sue Geipel at 867-5901 for more information on this great program. Sue says that the dogs have a way of drawing people out, especially some of the older patients. It's the happiest part of their day. The dogs work their magic, and the patients forget their problems for a time.
You ask, "Why would I want to participate in this program?" If you have a dog, you most likely enjoy spending time with him, right? What better way to give back to the community while spending time with your best friend? Your dog will love the attention, and the patients who you visit will feel better as well.
Want to adopt a pet? Call CAPS at 423-7500. We have many adult cats and dogs that can help you get on the road to recovery and to your destination quicker.
The words ring true in Bern Williams's famous quote, "There is no psychiatrist in the world like a puppy licking your face," as it translates to actual physiological effects that can be measured through reduced blood pressure and reduced heart rate. Here are some facts gathered from a study done in 1999 by Petnet Australia:
•People who own pets typically visit the doctor less often and use less medication.
•Pet owners, on average, have lower cholesterol levels and lower blood pressure.
•Pet owners recover more quickly from illness and surgery.
•Pet owners deal better with stressful situations.
•Pet owners are less likely to report feeling lonely.
Dr. Karen Allen at the State University of New York at Buffalo did another study that puts an exclamation point on this topic. Dr. Allen studied stockbrokers and the effect that pets had on their blood pressure. Dr. Allen found that stockbrokers with hypertension who then adopted a dog or cat had lower blood pressure readings in stressful situations than did their petless counterparts.
In both studies, the presence of a pet brought about real physiological change. It is suspected that having a pet on your side - someone you can always count on that is nonjudgmental - psychologically creates a beneficial atmosphere. In addition, many people who are vulnerable to depression or anxiety suffer less if they have a pet than those living without pets, says Dr. Judith Siegel, a UCLA professor of public health.
See CAPS page A7
For those not fortunate enough to have a pet, I say adopt one. But for those who are enduring an extended hospital stay, the Healing Paws Pet Therapy Program run by the Volunteers Auxiliary at Banner Churchill Community Hospital offers those patients the opportunity to interact with pets while getting those great physiological benefits. The mission of the local program can be paraphrased as "to support the healing environment and improve the emotional well-being and morale of patient and family by offering opportunities for distraction from illness using unconditional love through canine companionship." The patient is often unaware of the benefits from the interaction because it is taking place under the auspices of fun.
Do you have a dog that you think would enjoy joining the Pet Therapy Program? If so, there are a few criteria for joining: Your pet must clean, well groomed, obedient and current on vaccinations. The process to "making the cut" is simple. Initially, you stroll though Wal-mart while being observed to see how your dog interacts with new people. Next, you and your dog are escorted through the hospital on three separate occasions, also being observed. If all your visits are successful, you may join the team. The program requires that you join the Volunteers Auxiliary and commit to visiting the hospital once a week. Call Sue Geipel at 867-5901 for more information on this great program. Sue says that the dogs have a way of drawing people out, especially some of the older patients. It's the happiest part of their day. The dogs work their magic, and the patients forget their problems for a time.
You ask, "Why would I want to participate in this program?" If you have a dog, you most likely enjoy spending time with him, right? What better way to give back to the community while spending time with your best friend? Your dog will love the attention, and the patients who you visit will feel better as well.
Want to adopt a pet? Call CAPS at 423-7500. We have many adult cats and dogs that can help you get on the road to recovery and to your destination quicker.
