Pets as healing companion
It is not easy to suffer from an ailment, it may be an ordinary headache or severe deceases like cancer, heart problem or even mental illness. I had my share of serious ailment that taught me that it is very difficult to be sick.
When we are sick we become dependent on others, may it be our family or health care specialist. There are times that sick people are not easy to be with for there are instances that they are cranky and obstinate.
Thus, sick people need extra loving care from family, friends and even health experts. Thanks to the said caring people life of sick people became easier.
During times of sickness, I find solace on Psalm 6 which is a prayer of a sick person. Particularly Psalm 6:3 that says: “Have mercy on me, O Lord, for I have no strength left. O Lord, heal me, for my bones are in torment,” and Psalm 6:10 that says: “The Lord has heard my plea; the Lord will grant all that I prayed for,” are a good source of inspiration for sick persons.
On the other hand, I also find comfort in our pets as healing companions. In our home we have four cats, namely, Whitey, Liit, Lee and Orange. But, among them it’s Whitey I found comforting. He likes it when I pet him. Afterwards, he will lay down in my lap when I’m sitting. I like talking to him as he responds with a meowing sound. During the time when I was sick, and stayed at home for months it’s Whitey who consoles me the most. I believe pets are a good healing buddies.
In Manila for example in an article posted at paws.org.ph, it says that since 1997, dogs such as Pakko and Freckles have been delighting everyone they meet during Dr. Dog visits coordinated by the Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS). Special talents such as “sleeping on the job” and “balancing cookie on nose” mean that dogs like Frankie and Roo are also favorite visitors at the cancer ward of the Children’s Medical Hospital, the Laverna Home for Aging Nuns and with orphaned children.
Withdrawn children speak freely to the dogs during visits and chatter to staff afterwards about their feelings and excitement at seeing the dogs again.
The hospital treats some very sick children, including those who are fighting leukemia, some of whom may never leave the hospital. To these brave children, accompanied by family members and hospital staff, the Dr. Dog visits are a big highlight in their lives.
As for us here, the Davao Dog Lovers Community has enlisted as a volunteer in the city’s drug prevention and rehabilitation program in a bid to help drug reformists totally recover.
That is, with the help of dogs. This was reported by Judiee Vega in an article published in EDGEDavao.net.
In the said article Floyd Bascones, vice president of the community, told the Kapehan sa Davao that they are reaching out to drug reformists and surrenderees because of the positive and life-changing benefits of dog companionship in their journey to complete recovery.
“There are so many benefits in taking care of a dog for the drug reformist, a dog companionship is a great help for the drug reformist experiencing anxiety and depression based on the study that taking care of a dog releases happy hormones,” he added.
He added that this is the first time that dog owners and their dogs will be part of drug rehabilitation and prevention program of the government.
“Our advocacy as a private sector that voluntarily submitted ourselves for a positive impact in our city and formed jointly by the Happy Animals Club and the Davao City Anti Drug Abuse Council that aims to bring awareness to schools, barangays, rehab and care centers and communities regarding responsible pet ownership, benefits of pet companionship, rabies prevention, animal welfare and pet adoption,” said Bascones.
Indeed, pets may it be cats, dogs or any other animals helps in our wellness. It’s up to us on how we take care and interact with them.
On another note, below are selected list of things we can learn from a dog that I gathered from the book “Chicken Soup for the Pet Lover’s Soul”:
- When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.
- When it’s in your best interest, always practice obedience.
- Take naps and always stretch before rising.
- Be loyal.
- Never pretend to be something you’re not.
- If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.
- Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.
- Thrive on attention and let people touch you.
- Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.
- On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree.
Hope you find the above list helpful.
“There is no psychiatrist in the world like a puppy licking your face.” – Bern Williams
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