Can pets also help in treating illnesses? Some medical experts support this non-traditional treatment known as “animal-assisted therapy,” while others believe that more research is still needed on the subject. However, despite the ongoing debate in the medical field, many residents of Washington are trying to bring some happiness into others’ lives with the help of their pets. In Washington, the presence of pets at a retirement home for former soldiers is bringing noticeable changes to people’s lives.
For a long time, Pat Wells used to visit the retirement home alone to help retired soldiers. But when she learned that playing with pets could also be beneficial for people, she started bringing her friend’s pet dog along. After some time, she even got a pet dog of her own. According to her, people benefited greatly from the arrival of these pet dogs.
She says that they once met a woman who did not leave her room because of paralysis. But when they went into her room, she stood up and talked to them. They realized that it was the first time in many months that she had been so happy. They also visited people who were scheduled to have an arm or leg amputated the next day and were extremely frightened. But seeing them, those patients also smiled. The staff working there benefited as well. One doctor would leave all his work and sit on the floor, talking to the dogs.
Volunteers bring their pet dogs here to meet people three times a month.
Steven Briefs, a therapy specialist, believes that his patients have benefited greatly from the visits of the dogs.
He says that especially people whose hands have become useless due to joint inflammation try to stroke the dogs and express their happiness to the dogs’ owners. This lowers their blood pressure and reduces anxiety. Their sense of loneliness also decreases. They come out of their rooms and into the recreation room. As a result, at least one of their days passes well.
This program is being run by an animal-loving organization based in Washington.