therapy

Pets are more than just playmates; all about pet therapy and the healing power of animals.

Canines and Inmates
Introduction The title of “man’s best friend” has been assigned to the canine since the beginning of time. That may be a bit of an exaggeration, but generally the word or image of a “dog” comes to mind. Research shows that the exact origin and time of the first domesticated dog is unknown, but most likely began with a domesticated Siberian wolf. The purpose of domesticating can be traced back to early hunters, beginning 27,000 to 40,000 years ago, although evidence does show domestication may have began 15,000 years ago. (Jacobson, 2016) Genetic studies show that domesticated dogs first appeared in China and the Middle East, most likely occurring from natural selection. “Wolves may have been trying to take advantage of resources humans had at the time, or humans may have just been introduced to the animals in an area in which they didn’t previously live.” (Chan, 2016)
By Aly Ray7 years ago in Petlife
My ESA Changed My Life
I've had pets my entire life. We always had stray cats that we fed and I created bonds with. I've been allowed to have a couple indoor/outdoor cats over the years. But it wasn't until I left for college and got my first pet of my very own that I even realized how much just having an animal for company can effect my quality of living.
By Natalia Darby7 years ago in Petlife
7 Things You Might Not Have Known About Service Dogs
At first glance, my dog Lily just looks like a scruffy little mutt. But she’s actually a service dog. I have autism, and she helps me with anxiety when out in public. One day as I entered a store with my aunt and my dog, a man walked by. He frowned and said, “That’s not a service dog!” He then went and got the manager of the store.
By Angel Mann7 years ago in Petlife
Mental Health and Pet Joy
Approximately one in five US adults suffer from some sort of mental disorder affecting the everyday life they have. Most often we are left wondering why we have no help and ask ourselves why we were made this way. But without thinking pets offer stability and a meaning to our life. We care and love for these animals so much, that the love we offer gets returned without judgement, that we often don’t receive from family or friends.
By Mckayla Gonzalez7 years ago in Petlife
Paws Against Pain
It’s a thief! One with an impressive track record and definitely impressive escape artist abilities. What else would you call a disease that robs over 50 million people worldwide of their life-long memories and turns their mind into an empty prison?
By Philip P.8 years ago in Petlife
Mr. Darcy and Me. Top Story - July 2018.
For perhaps the first time in my life, this piece is not an ode to Mr. Darcy of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice. While my Mr. Darcy was given the namesake because of my favorite novel, he is a hero in his own right. Nearly three years ago when I suddenly became very sick I thought that I would suddenly get better. However, that was far from the case. Fast forward through at least ten doctors, six hospitals, fifty-plus medications, six CT scans, two universities, more tests than I can count, and I am still sick. My journey is an ongoing one, it is wrought with fear, sadness, and a very deep loneliness.
By Becca Volk8 years ago in Petlife
Getting a Service Dog
So, you want a service dog! Great!... Or maybe not great. Here are some things to really consider before getting yourself a fuzzy friend to help your life.
By Archer Strelow8 years ago in Petlife
Step-by-Step Guide to Registering Your Pet as a Service Animal
Our pets are more than just animals; they provide comfort, love, and companionship when we need it the most. Officially registering your furry friend provides a number of benefits, allowing the pet to accompany you in public places and even travel with you. The process of registering your pet as a service animal can seem daunting, but it's not as difficult as you think.
By Armando Carrera8 years ago in Petlife
Horse Riding and Fibromyalgia
Horses and riding have been a passion of mine since I was seven-years-old. I'm not sure where the sudden burst of interest came from if truth be told but its lasted over 12 years.
By Melissa Stafford8 years ago in Petlife
My Live-In Therapy Dog
I work in retail and sometimes I feel more like a punching bag than a person. As I drive up to my house after work, I see a little head with tall ears, looking out the front window. As I open the garage, park the car and open the door. I almost trip walking in the house. I look down and see these big round eyes staring back at me and a tail going a thousand miles per hour. "Hey mama, mama, mama, you're back!" I imagine hearing my dog saying. I love coming home to that face. He takes my mind off all the troubles of the day.
By Sarah Villanueva8 years ago in Petlife
Living with Anxiety & George
Growing up, I always had pets—cats, dogs, fish, hamsters, chickens, rabbits. In my final year at university I was struggling; the work load was too much, relationships were strained, and I was suffering a relapse from my Anaemia. One night, talking with my house mate about pets, she had just had one of her rabbits pass, so after a lot of tears and memories shared, we decided to look into a house pet.
By Ellie May8 years ago in Petlife
4 Reasons Why Faking a Service Dog Is More than Just ILLEGAL
You’ve seen them around, those ladies with their little dog under their arm at the mall, or in the cart at the grocery store. If the building is not a dog-friendly facility, then they must be service dogs right? WRONG. It’s easy to tell: Service dogs should not be carried, but walk neatly beside you, service dogs do not bark (or yap) at or growl at other people, and overall maintain a calm composure. Faking a service dog is a federal crime under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) which real service dogs are protected by. This criminal act does not only affect the individual, but the ENTIRE service dog community.
By Salty Circus8 years ago in Petlife