Animal Assisted Therapy Brings Dramatic Changes

Everyone knows what doctors look like: white coat, stethoscope, prescription pad. But healers come in all shapes and sizes. Some are even … furry.

The interaction of animals with elderly, frail, disabled or ill patients has many benefits. Visits from furry and feathered friends have been shown to decrease feelings of depression, stimulate the release of endorphins, encourage communication and limit loneliness for those living with a life-limiting illness. As an avid dog lover and a healthcare worker, I know the perks of interacting with animals and have taken delight in sharing the effects of those encounters with the people I care for. Here’s one of my favorite stories from my time at Crossroads.

Bill was a 70-something gentlemen with dementia who moved into the Special Care Unit early one August. Even after a few weeks, he hadn’t had even one meaningful interaction with anyone at Crossroads. Bill’s face was completely expressionless and he often became aggressive toward staff members providing care.

All that changed the day Maka, my Cardigan Welsh Corgi, came to visit the unit with her tennis ball in tow. When she saw Bill sitting in chair at the end of the hallway, she immediately approached him with her tail wagging.  She dropped the ball at his feet, and I realized then that I was holding my breath in anticipation of what would happen next.

Maka backed away and prepared to race after the ball, giving a short bark. I was amazed to see Bill reach down and toss the ball down the hall. Maka came bounding back enthusiastically with the ball, dropping it at Bill’s feet again. To my shock, Bill grinned and patted Maka on the head. “Good dog!” he said. It was the first time I heard Bill speak in the nearly two months he had lived on the unit.

Then, he tossed the ball again.

Maka and Bill were fast friends and twice a week they could be found happily playing fetch. The change in Bill’s mood and demeanor was obvious on the days Maka came to work with me. The nursing assistants on the unit eventually moved his scheduled shower time to correspond with his interactions with Maka. The staff reported that he was much less aggressive during his showers, which made everyone happier.

There are ample opportunities to share the love of animals with those who are ill, lonely, elderly or in need of unconditional support. Several agencies offer certification in Animal Assisted Therapy, such as the Pet Partners (formerly Delta Society) or Pets for Life. And the fun is not just reserved to dogs either! During my time working in healthcare I have seen cats, birds, pigs, chickens, horses and rabbits making a difference in the lives of people.  The benefits run deep not only for the people receiving the support but also for those who are providing it. There is a special bond formed between a pet and its owner when they work together to increase the quality of life of another.