Canine Counselors and Kitty Candy Stripers

by Shannon M. Pecora, M.A.

Stream Valley Veterinary Hospital

            Life happens.  Illness.  Injury.  Job loss.  Family or relationship troubles.  And sometimes, all of these worries may befall us at once.  Through it all, it helps immensely to have a steady companion, a rock on which to rely.  For many of us, no one else is quite as reliable as our pets.

            From personal experience to gut feelings to scientific research, there is evidence that our pets are in tune with us.  There are stories of pets who have detected cancers or predicted imminent seizures in their owners.  Attributed to a keener sense of smell, to a stronger connection to nature and the body, or to a mysterious sixth sense, this acute medical awareness shows that our pets can help keep us healthy.

            Aside from alerting us to illness, our pets can have a calming, stress-reducing effect on our hectic lives.  After a tough day at the office, a long commute in Metro-area traffic, and an evening of household errands and chores, try walking the dog, snuggling with the cat, chatting with the Macaw, or playing chase with the ferret.  Often, that is all it takes to melt away a lot of the tension and anxiety that we carry.  Those of us with experience with therapy or service pets know that these animal allies can be a huge help to disabled or seriously ill patients, sometimes leading toward unanticipated progress or recovery.

            There are undeniable benefits from the unconditional love we can receive from our pets.  Through our struggles, injuries, and illnesses, they offer us comfort and the strength to face each day.  Just give your pet love, attention, and care in order to get the same in return.

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