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2/7/2008
It was one year ago on Jan. 29 that Barbaro, winner of the 2006 Kentucky Derby, died. Barbaro captured the collective emotion of the nation with his battle to overcome a traumatic injury.
Flowers, cards, prayers, visits and good wishes flooded the Pennsylvania veterinary clinic where he was ultimately euthanized due to his laminitis.
The saga of Barbaro is demonstrative of the inextricable link between animal and human in sickness and trauma. That door apparently swings both ways and history is replete with the anecdotal and researched evidence of the healing powers of animals.
According to a 1999 article in the Journal of Rehabilitation, animals as an intervention have been utilized on many levels, from pediatrics to geriatrics, acute-care facilities to outpatient rehabilitation and community care, from uses in prevention to healing. Intervention is based upon the idea that the human-animal bond can be utilized as an integrated holistic approach to the care and rehabilitation of individuals and their families with chronic illnesses and disabilities.
In fact, it was Florence Nightingale in 1860 who used animals for healing. She noted, “A pet can be an excellent companion for the sick, especially patients who are chronically ill.”
Dr. Anthony Martinez, Scituate native and now assistant professor of Medicine and Public Health at Weill Cornell Medical College, in New York City agrees, “Even at a basic level, animals clearly improve many people’s quality of life.” He also said he believes that as the studies are completed with additional demonstrative evidence, these therapies will be used more and more.
“Animal Assisted Activity (AAA) and Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT) focuses on using the unique relationship between humans and animals for helping patients to reach therapeutic goals, whether physically, psychologically, socially, or emotionally. As more studies are conducted and different therapeutic models are developed, I think you will see that animal therapy will become more mainstream,” siad Martinez.
He continued, “I have no doubt that animals can be utilized in a therapeutic manner in a variety of settings for many chronic illnesses. Our hospital, New York Presbyterian, has started to incorporate dogs as members of the therapeutic team on the Inpatient Rehabilitation Unit.”
Research has also shown that heart attack victims who have pets live longer. Even watching a tank full of tropical fish may lower blood pressure.
A study of 92 patients hospitalized in coronary care units for angina or heart attack found that those who owned pets were more likely to be alive a year later than those who did not. The study found that only 6 percent of patients who owned pets died within one year compared with 28 percent of those who did not.
Cortland Place, a nursing home/assisted living facility in Greenville, has a monthly pet therapy session designed for its elderly residents. An 11-year-old weimaraner named Uncle Miles, who himself is a rescue dog that has health issues and suffers from blindness in one eye and diabetes, brings smiles and joy to the people of Cortland Place.
Miles is certified by the RISPCA’s, Delta Society Pet Training Program and was rescued by his human partner, Erica Ducos.
Together they bring happiness to elderly and ailing people at the facility. According to Cortland’s activities director, Darleen Mangione, the visits are eagerly awaited and the impact is very obvious.
“It is amazing how Uncle Miles brings joy and life to our residents. They lovingly remember their own pets and their faces light up with contentment. They begin to talk and interact with each other and the dog. There are several residents who can’t wait for his monthly visit. The happiness and positive effect are palpable.”
Horses are also hard at work healing humans, through hippotherapy and therapeutic riding for people with catastrophic injuries and illness; paralysis, cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis, mental retardation, autism, behavioral and social issues. Here in Rhode Island, organizations such as Angels on Horseback, Lend-a-Hand Horse Farm and Turning Pointe Therapeutic Riding and In Harmony Therapeutic Riding have all noted tremendous success in treating the riders they serve.
Carla Zimmerman from Nordland Equestrian Center in Foster has several therapeutic riding clients. Carla has seen marked improvement in her clients.
“The children become more confident, more physically fit and it shows,” she said.
Carla is also beginning to study and employ the methods of equestrian facilitated mental health, which targets people who suffer from serious mental conditions and severe mental stress such as profound social anxiety due to bereavement issues, separation issues and children overcoming divorce. Carla notes the success of this method. “Horses don’t judge or laugh at you they are silent strong partners that help these kids shoulder very heavy mental burdens. The results can be remarkable,” said Zimmerman.
Even the politicians agree that pets enrich our lives. The Rhode Island General Assembly by Resolution has designated the second Tuesday in January in perpetuity to be Professional Pet Assisted Therapy Awareness Day in the State of Rhode Island.
