Animals as Therapists

Readers share stories about their animal companions that serve as healers. See submissions

Cat purring can ease discomforts such as stomach pain, and also help boost immune systems.

Cats are slowly moving into their own as therapy animals, and are being used in convalescent homes and other institutions for that purpose.

University of Missouri-Columbia researcher has found that interacting and petting animals creates a hormonal response in humans that can help fight depression.

Therapy Cats Give Love Freely - It has become fairly common knowledge that cats are great therapy for nursing home residents, and it is a joy to see eyes light up when a cat is brought in by a visitor. Even more fortunate are those patients of health care facilities who have a cat in residence.

Helping Hands: Monkey Helpers for the Disabled is a national nonprofit serving quadriplegic and other people with severe spinal cord injuries or mobility-impairments by providing highly trained monkeys to assist with daily activities.

A wide range of human health professionals and practitioners recognize what many people in the animal caregiving fields and everyday pet owners have known for years: that pets can be good for our health and well-being.

It's stated that animals work within the context of traditional treatments, and the healing work reveals our connections.