The most common therapy animals are dogs, and at the Well Connect Office, you may encounter our therapy dog named Koa, a reverse brindle Boxer, or an English Cream Golden Retriever named Sarge. Researchers have documented that by observing what is reflected on faces, body language, and tone of voice, domesticated dogs have a high degree of understanding of human emotions. Animal-assisted therapy (AAT) is based on the benefits and effectiveness of therapy being enhanced by a positive relationship between the client and the animal. Studies show that even short sessions with therapy animals participating have benefits, particularly with younger clients. However, the formal use of animals to enhance physical and mental health is not as new as it may seem. The beneficial bond between mental health and animals has been observed for centuries. As early as the late 1600s, philosopher and physician John Locke suggested that small pet animals aided the social development of children’s empathy. The first intentional involvement of animals in a “therapeutic” process is believed to have started in 1792 at a Quaker Farm in York, England. The Quaker Farm was created to treat the mentally ill humanely, in extreme contrast with the practices of the time. The Quakers theorized that care for small animals combined with productive work would greatly assist the patients’ rehabilitation. In the 1870s, French surgeons had patients with neurological disorders ride horses. Patients displayed improved motor control and balance and were less likely to suffer bouts of depression. In the 19th century, Florence Nightingale noted that small pets relieved depression in patients after she had observed the positive effect of a chaplain’s visits with his dog.

At the beginning of the modern therapy era, Freud observed and recorded the benefits of his dog’s presence during sessions. Historians now believe Freud was so uncomfortable with clients that he would bring his dog, Jofi, into the sessions for his comfort. Although not included in his formal transcripts, his personal notes show he observed that the sessions were enhanced by Jofi’s response to the client’s emotions.

Therapy animals are not just in mental health clinics. Since 1976, Therapy animals have been recognized and registered by a national organization named Pet Partners (https://petpartners.org/). The local nonprofit therapy animal organization Paws for Love can be seen visiting patients in local hospitals, long-term care facilities, college campuses during stressful finals weeks, and various law enforcement organizations throughout the city. Training classes are required to become a volunteer, and a fee for classes and evaluations can be reimbursed once one has passed the requirements. If you think you might be interested in volunteering or want more information, you can email them at pawsforlovetherapypets@hotmail.com.

References

Cherniack, E. P. & Cherniack, A. R. (2014). The Benefit of Pets and Animal-Assisted

Therapy to the Health of Older Individuals. Current Gerontology

Odendaal JS (October 2000). “Animal-assisted therapy - magic or medicine?”. Journal of Psychosomatic Research. 49 (4): 275–80. doi:10.1016/S0022-3999(00)00183-5. PMID 11119