There’s a Doctor in Your House
By Kim Cerdorian & Lottie Webster
Wouldn’t you just love to pay off your physician with a pat on the head rather than cash? How about giving your dermatologist a cookie rather than a debit card? Wouldn’t it be great if your doctor would sit on the end of your bed when you are sick just to offer some comfort? How about instant 24-hour access to your psychologist? While this may sound like a surrealistic science fiction movie, you probably don’t realize that this is happening right now and, perhaps, in your own home.
It is becoming increasing clear that the non-humans we share our homes with give back to us in ways that medical science may be loathe to accomplish. If you want to live longer, own a pet. It doesn’t get much simpler than that. Pets of all kinds have been shown to be excellent health insurance for their owners. If you have a major cardiac problem, you are more likely to survive and prosper if you have a pet. Your surgery is likely to go better; your level of stress is also likely to be lessened. Having Fido around can even lower your cholesterol level! There is even some evidence that the mere act of stroking your pet can lower your blood pressure.
Because of these obvious benefits, formal pet therapy is becoming an increasingly common adjunct in the care of clients suffering from social isolation, dementia, mental illness or physical complaints. It has been shown to be effective in decreasing anxiety and depression; it can even help ground people in reality when they are dealing with severe thinking problems. Oftimes, a pet therapist is able to join in a therapeutic relationship even when patients are psychotic, defensive or depressed. The writers have seen instances where an elderly depressed patient who had barely been speaking, had downcast eyes, and often isolated for eight months would get off her chair, kneel on the floor and hug her newfound pet therapist.
Some pet therapy animals even start their day like the rest of us. For example, the canine Rusty learned quickly that when he had a costume on, he was off to working with children. He loved to do this and his enthusiasm spurred his owner to do things that he would never have done before. Due to his trained disposition, Rusty was even able to help raise money for local charities, which he never would have done before.
Pet therapists have also been used to calm those with mania and other mood disorders. Here is a typical day for a four-legged health professional (and 8-year-old standard poodle) called Katie. Each morning she waited avidly at the door, eager to get in the car and start her work day. She worked four days a week for most of this year, doing “rounds” in the morning at an inpatient hospital unit and generally greeting all of the patients. She participated in one-to-one therapy sessions, wandered silently around the room during groups, pausing for interaction, and generally brought a smile to all who saw her. Sherry Lunger, the unit nurse manager, stated “I thought it (pet therapy) had greater impact on more clients than I ever thought it would – even the more depressed clients seemed to respond positively to Katie.” Both patients and staff enjoyed the presence of an extra “therapist” and yet she often reached those who are hardest to engage. One patient said, “It is nice to pet a dog. You have a friend who doesn’t ask too much. We love her. It’s the best therapy – it cheers me up.”
If you want to formally have a furry “doctor” in the family, there is a training and certification procedure that can be completed with a number of local schools. After many hours of training, and passing many tests, your pet can receive certification to do what she does best – unconditionally love anyone whose path she crosses. However, not every pet has the particular characteristics that can make them “therapists.” For example, Rusty had the qualities of a good pet therapy dog. These qualities included being able to: sit quietly on command, come on command, and not respond aggressively to surprising noises or sudden movements. Some tests involved Rusty’s ability to avoid reacting to some pretty obnoxious things- allowing hands in his mouth, pulling his tail, fluffing his ears etc. If your pet can be trained to keep a clear, calm head amid such indignity, you might be able to tell all your friends about the new medical resident of your house.
Some therapy dogs make regular trips to nursing homes to visit the lonely or other residents. Some are used as reading buddies. Children with learning disabilities or insecurities can sit on a blanket with a therapy dog and read to them. They may not have the courage to do this with other children or adults, but do not feel intimidated by the dogs. Some pets are permitted to visit children and adults in hospitals, etc., to cheer them up and brighten their day. After becoming certified, you and your pet can offer your services to Assisted Living Facilities, nursing homes and hospitals in the area. Remember, these places can become a home to people who have had major life changes; they need a safe place to heal, regroup, and stabilize. Having a therapy pet can make the environment a little brighter, a little less institutional, and a little more like a place to live. People can learn to trust in relationships again - both human and animal.
In accompanying Katie on her hospital rounds, it is easy to see, just for a few moments, the power of grace in our lives. In her gentle way, she touched the souls of patients, that part of them that is more than pain, more than illness, more than a defeated personality. She nurtured hope and healing and found the common humanity we all share.
______________________________________________________________________
Kim Cerdorian (and Katie) and Lottie Webster (and Rusty) are both certified pet therapists. They are on staff at Manatee Glens Corporation and have used their services in the care of those with severe mental health problems.