Therapies: Animal-Assisted Therapy

The use of animals for therapy is a burgeoning form of treatment for individuals with physical, emotional, or psychological illnesses. It offers a historical overview of the practice, detailing its growth, efficacy, and the many ways it is practiced today. It contains illustrative examples such as successful programs where children with reading problems read aloud to canine companions, and illuminates the nature and effectiveness of animal-assisted therapy. In examining those programs the work explores how the practice is applied both generally and among special populations, incuding children, the elderly, autustic individuals, and the incarcerated. The book also provides specific information of interest to pet owners who want to get involved in these programs and includes information on U.S. government requirements allowing guide dogs in public and private facilities.

Handbook on Animal-Assisted Therapy provides a comprehensive overview of the many ways in which animals can be used to assist therapists. Coverage includes how animals can assist specific patient populations (children, the disabled, AIDS patients, etc.), how animals can aid in specific settings (hospitals, prisons, independent practice, etc.), and how professionals can best select appropriate animals (species, breed, and individual temperament) and design an AAT program. Humans have long had a special bond with animals, initially as work animals, then as pets, and now more frequently as therapeutic companions. Animals help the sick recover more quickly and help the aged live longer and more satisfying lives. Specially trained animals are now helping stroke victims, the handicapped, and others to regain or build lost faculties. Increasingly, animals assist in nonphysical/medical therapies, helping the stressed and angry relax and the shy be more forthcoming. Contributors represent the top people in the field from hospital settings, vet hospitals, animal training centers, and therapists in practice.

When Oscar arrived at the Steere House Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Rhode Island he was a cute little cat with attitude. Occasionally he consented to a scratch behind the ears, but only when it suited him. In other words, he was a typical cat. Or so it seemed. It wasn't long before Oscar had created something of a stir. Apparently, this ordinary cat possesses an extraordinary gift: he knows instinctively when the end of life is near. Oscar's presence on the hospice floor of the nursing home provides comfort to patients and loves-ones, particularly those in the Alzheimer's wing.

Photographer Renee Lamm Esordi accompanied volunteers and their pets on visits to hospitals, nursing homes, schools, a youth camp, and special functions. She talked with healthcare staff, volunteers of various organizations, and many others about their experiences with these special visits. She witnessed and recorded the joyous responses of patients and residents who look forward to the companionship and conversation the visits provide. She also accompanied a volunteer on another type of visit: delivering pet food and supplies on behalf of an organization whose mission is to keep those living with HIV and AIDS from having to choose between taking care of themselves or taking care of their pet. Her documentation of,these interactions illustrate the pleasure people can derive from the simple presence of animals. These photographs tell a story not only of alternative methods of healing but also of compassion, unconditional love, and comfort that these visitors can bring.