patty
2 posts
Jun 20, 2009
2:20 PM
|
I am an avid believer that zootherapy; that is, being in the presence of animals big or small helps not feeling helpless and desperate every day. I am fortunate enough to have a horse and so I ride every day sick or not. My two cats disapperad this year. One died and the other was cat napped. Even though I found this quite difficult to overcome, I am still able to see how these animals give me strength and hope. I also have children and seeing the kids with my animals makes me happy. write and tell me about your animals and how they benefit you.
|
ozy
9 posts
Jun 20, 2009
6:05 PM
|
hi patty,
i agree, animals help us heaps, in fact in america more people go to zoos than to sporting events, so it seems to be a common form of therapy for people.i have 3 dogs and a cat, theyre a huge part of my life and i will soon be starting pet therapy with my youngest dog, going to hospitals, old peoples homes etc. Thanks patty and i hope you can get some more cats soon.
|
Johnnyb
63 posts
Jun 20, 2009
8:13 PM
|
I totally agree, and Ive never even heard of zoo therapy. I have seen animals used to comfort or entertain disabled or invalid people though. I don't know what the psychology is, but I know I would enjoy having a cat, but I have refrained from getting one because I know I cannot take care of one as they should because of my work schedule. I grew up with cats, and I can remember back in my teens coming home after a 3-4 day binge on drugs and stuff, with the shakes, and curling up on my bed with my cat and riding the drug induced what ever out till morning. I like to see human like qualities in animals, and I also feel as though having an animal pet enhances or brings out, my own empathy somehow.
|
moody girL
80 posts
Jun 21, 2009
9:17 AM
|
I have a guinea pig and I love him to pieces. It is so important for me to have another living being in my house besides me; it gives me hope and warm fuzzies, and I know that I am not alone. moody girL
|
nemothefish
23 posts
Jun 21, 2009
10:12 AM
|
I definetly agree animals can be the best therapy some times. I have a chinchilla that I take out every night and let him run around. It is so much fun/relaxing to watch him run throughout the room. Watching him allows me to forget about reality just for a few minutes. Animals definetly do help.
|
fred86
54 posts
Jun 21, 2009
6:56 PM
|
I recieve alot of solace and amusement from my brothers cat stainz the pirate cat and my cat spookers who i inherited from my mom
|
Hydra
148 posts
Jun 23, 2009
8:31 AM
|
My cat Loki gives me lots of pleasure. He is a half white, half tabby cat and just over a year old. I think animals bring out the unconditional love in us. Yesterday I went to the zoo and had a great time. I really enjoyed the bears and white tigers.
|
Kara
91 posts
Jun 23, 2009
11:46 AM
|
hi patty, thanks for the post. i have 2 dogs. one of which i got right when i was dx with bp. i can't tell you how many times i have considered suicide, but then thought of my puppies....and how they would suffer. or who would find them, or take care of them. sounds cheesy i know, but those of us that have pets, understand those feelings. so in a sense, my dogs have saved my life over and over again. :)
|
chef_du_jour
4 posts
Jun 26, 2009
12:06 AM
|
there was a study done that says having a personal pet adds on average 7 years to a persons life. i have seen it 1st hand with my grandma(91) my stepfather who has terminal cancer(76)and my mother who has congenenital heart failure(65) they bought a miniature schnauzer(maggie)5 years ago and she has brought joy to them and greatly improved their quality of living. Zoos on the other hand are cesspools for animals unless they are endangered or have no natural habitat in which to survive. So hit the rescue shelter and improve your life and that of a deserving creature. peace
p.s. i love maggie too shes the greatest!
|
purplet
110 posts
Jun 30, 2009
1:49 AM
|
i have a dog and a cat. my dog is a certified service animal. i have a letter from my pdoc that tells anyone and everyone that i need to have my dog for my mental and emotional therapy. my cat is..well..he's just plain certifiable and i wouldn't give him up for anything.
i'm with kara, they've saved my life.
|
ozy
11 posts
Jun 30, 2009
7:01 PM
|
yay purps, thats great that the government recognises your dogs therapeutic values and legislates accordingly....go washington state, home of nirvana and proggressive policy making !!!
|
Kara
95 posts
Jul 02, 2009
4:40 PM
|
my doggy's having surgery in the morning (friday). he has a tumor. everyone please cross yer fingers or say a little doggy prayer or think good thoughts for andre......and his mommy, cuz im stressin!!!! hopefully it won't be cancerous, and we can go on with our lives!!!!!
|
purplet
111 posts
Jul 02, 2009
7:46 PM
|
aww sweetie i'll be thinking of you and andre tomorrow. all of my fingers are crossed
|
