Did you know that animals could be very therapeutic? Animals touch the lives of every generation and can improve one’s health and well-being.
Community programs that brought people and animals together for companionship and therapy were first introduced in the 1970’s. According to “Paws and Hearts,” the introduction of animals into the patients’ environment was a way of humanizing health care. In our world of technology, we must not overlook the greater need for “high touch.”
Many of us have heard stories about an elderly person who hadn’t spoken for days or a troubled child who simply didn’t speak until a dog or cat, or possibly even a horse came into view. It’s like a light was suddenly turned on for these individuals and the healing process began! They say that seniors who own dogs go to the doctor less often than those who don’t.
My dog Scooby Doo and I recently went through 2 months of training at the Southington Care Center with an organization called Peaceful Paws. We are now Delta certified out of Washington State, and our first “gig” was at a local senior living complex in Hamden. Stay tuned for more information and photos, as Scooby and I set forth on this amazing journey of healing and hope together!
Written by Linka Lewis, GRI, REALTOR with Calcagni Associates Real Estate.
