Pets and Therapy

Here is my personal story how one of my very own special pets has had a positive impact on my life.

During the winter of 2001, it had been a rough year. Many hard times had hit. After being in a serious car accident just months before, I was completely fed up with hospitals, doctors and anyone all the like. (I dont mind being the care-giver, but I absolutely hate to be the patient). I was up on one of the local ski-resort hills when I made a very serious judgment error.

I was up snowboarding, and at a high rate of speed, was heading towards a familiar jump I had done before in the past. This time, I discovered a serious allergy to gravity. I took the jump a little fast and got a little bit too much height. Witnesses (employees at the resort) say I was up at least a good 20 feet in the air. Next thing I remember was going down head first in to the ice below. I dont remember the actual impact since the next thing I remember were two employees by me asking if I was okay. I was unable to catch my breath at first and felt like I had a spear shoved thru me. It turns out that among many injuries, I had fractured three vetebrae in mutliple spots as well as my sternum.

While recovering for the accident I started to feel very depressed. I was unhappy being in the hospital, and couldnt wait to go home and see my loving dogs. While in the rehab unit, I was becoming indifferent to the idea of whether I got better or not. Most likely hospital depression. There are plenty of patients who get it. There seemed to be nothing to look forward to for awhile. The one thing I longed for the most were my dogs, Jafo and Kita. Kita tends to be a little bit spooky around other people, but Jafo is great around everyone. Jafo was allowed to come in the hospital and be with me during the day. Earlier in the day, one of the staffs therpy dogs- Buzz, a loving Golden Retriever had come my way. He hopped right up on the bed with me and the staff could tell I was very responsive to dogs. Hence, the reason they decided to give Jafos coming in a try. (On a site note, Jafo and Buzz got along great!)

From that point on, I started to feel happy again. I was a little slow, but was up walking the halls with Jafo by my side. When I brought her around other rehab patients, they were able to enjoy her presence as well. The hospitals designated golden retriever and Jafo got along great. I wasnt able to walk or go for real far distances, but knowing I had to try and get better for the sake of my girls made every painful trip out of bed worth it.

Its likely, that my recovery would have lasted a LONGER time without the influence of pets in my life.

Life has its bumps and bruises along the way, but the thereputic effect of pets is truly amazing. Even when Ive dealt with more recent situations, having a furry loyal companion (in my case 2 of them) by side is so very special.

At the top of this page, I have included links that have more information on Pets used professionally in therapy. I do not have affilliation with any of the links.