ANIMALS ASSIST WELL BEING OF HUMANS - 1
By Nancy Hicks

More and more people are realizing that their well being is helped a great deal by the love that is shared with them by their pets. Fortunately more healthcare facilities are allowing and encouraging the possibilities of loving animals to help people get well quicker and easier by being able to pet or be loved by an animal. There is nothing like the “Unconditional Love” that a pet can share.

Why take animals visiting in health care facilities?
Animals help people feel less lonely and less depressed. Visits from dogs and cats can provide a welcome change from a patient’s daily routine. People become more active and responsive both during and after visiting with animals. They have something to share with their friends and perhaps even something to look forward to if an animal gets to come back for another visit.
An animal visit can offer entertainment, or a welcome distraction from pain and discomfort. Less medication has to be consumed by many patients. People often talk to the dogs and cats; and they share with them their thoughts, feelings and memories. People can vent their emotions. Research shows that stroking a dog or cat can reduce a person's blood pressure, and even help make a recovery from surgery be quicker. Petting animals is a type of physical therapy that encourages the use of hands and arms while patients stretch, twist, and turn.
A pet often makes it easier for two strangers to talk. It gives people a common interest and provides a focus for conversation. Many people in hospitals or group homes have had to give up pet ownership, which is a great loss. Missing a pet can often be devastating and depressing. Patients can also be worried about the care their animal is getting while they are in the healthcare facility.
 

A dog or cat pays little attention to age or the physical ability of someone. They accept humans as they are. Animals can uplift a spirit of someone. Peoples’ attitudes and their desire to live life to its fullest are often inspired by interacting with an animal.
Animals often seem to have an innate ability to assist a person in whatever they need. Animals can often sense a seizure about to happen, or go for help if someone has fallen and needs assistance.

The health of people can often be helped by animals. It is therefore very important that an animal guardian realize that they are responsible for the health of their pet. A pet will live longer and be with them longer if the owner gives the pet the proper nutrition, provides a healthy environment, and helps keep up their immune system.

Many owners think it is as simple as going to the grocery store and buying a bag of pet food; or filling the shelves with canned foods. ‘Responsible guardianship’ of the well being of an animal does lie with the owner. What do you know about what goes into that dog, cat, or horse food? How is it made? What are the ingredients? What requirements does your pet have to maintain health? Do you do research or do you just pick the food by the commercial you watched on T.V. or by which food is the cheapest?
 

Your animal gives you all that love and helps your well being.
Are you doing the most you can to return that love back to them by providing a proper diet and a healthy environment?
 

Nancy Hicks, B.S. Ed., R.N. is an internationally known holistic health consultant and medical intuitive for animals and people .

If you want to learn about many choices about animal health, visit: http://www.holistichealthforanimalsassociation.com and http://www.incrediblejourneysofhealing.com