Pets Heal People

By Katie Deem
In 2002, my aunt Hilda Ruth Terrell lost the love of her life of 35 years. Though bereft and forlorn, hidden in mourning for months, she gathered the courage to welcome a new love into her life. He came to her unexpectedly. He was dark and handsome, the scruffy Sam Elliot-type, a typical knight in shining armor. It was undeniable love at first sight.

With the discovery of this new companion, her heart mended, though her past love could never be replaced. She and her darling relax by the pool during the long summer days. They lounge in the living room on matching recliners when fall comes creeping in. They drift into sleep in the wee hours of cold winter nights. He captured and kept hold of her heart, and now they are inseparable.

Who knew that a four-legged creature could have more savoir-faire than Pierce Brosnan? Hunter, a tuxedo cat to rival all other members of the feline species, is the second love of my Aunt Ruth’s life.

Pets have a therapeutic effect on those in need of their presence. Members of older generations experience much heartache as they lose family and friends around them. They run the risk of becoming lonely and despondent. But hope lies in the eyes of a cat or dog eager for a companion as well. Pets can fill voids.

Recent research recognizes a kind of magical healing that takes place when an older person cares for a pet. Pets can calm a person in a matter of moments. At the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Drs. Alan Beck and Aaron Katcher conducted a study in which they took the resting blood pressure of subjects as they spoke to a researcher, who then introduced a dog into the room. The subjects' blood pressure dropped as they petted or spoke to the animal and continued to chat with the researcher.

Some studies have found that people respond to other people better and cope with stress more easily if they are attached to a pet. Dr. Nienke Endenburg, in the article “The Role of Pets in Child Development” in the Society for Companion Animal Studies Journal, explained, “Being attached to a pet is related to positive emotional functioning and positive self-esteem.” Children of divorced parents often experience heightened anxiety and lower self-esteem. Pets help to develop communication skills and relationship skills key to interacting with others and coping with divorce, illness, and death.

Animals enhance the quality of life of older men and women, children, people with depression, or people with disabilities. If you or anyone you know is in need of a cat or dog, contact the Humane Society of Parkersburg at 422-5541 or www.hsop.org.