Posted on Friday, April 18th, 2008
There is no doubt now among progressive professionals in the fields of human phsycology and animal behavior—animals can touch a human being in ways that often can’t be done through traditional means. And for everyone whose life has been touched by an animal, they don’t need a professional to tell them so.
It is often profound and powerful.
Children that can’t or won’t read in front of a classroom—or even on their own, will read to a therapy dog. Juvenile delinquents will share their deepest and darkest secrets while being comforted by a dog. The aged and confined come out of their dark depressions when given the opportunity to pet, to caress, to exchange affection with a dog, cat or even a miniature therapy horse. And thousands of incarcerated men and women are experiencing breakthroughs in behavior and attitudes because of the connection, love and hope they experience in the many prison dog programs
The stories of miraculous recovery, prolonged and enhanced life, love and hope and rehabilitation and redemption aren’t just odd anomalies. They are everywhere and growing. If you have a story about the human-animal bond—I’d love to hear it.
Tell me your stories!
