The children immediately became motivated. Whereas in class some of them refused to read, they now read entire books that describe how to care for and feed the animals and have met with the housemother to discuss what food scraps they can obtain from the kitchen to meet the animals' needs. They have painted the wooden beams of the rabbits' hut, and have cut large plastic drums in half to create homes for the rabbits and ducks. Apparently, their most hidden wishes for a warm and nurturing home find expression through these activities. Pet Assisted Therapy is especially effective with children who have highly problematic relationships with their parents.
Animals provide an immediate link to which the child can relate.
Often the child sees the pet as a representation of himself. He can tell the therapist what the pet is sensing, thus actually relating his own innermost feelings. When a disturbed child observes the interaction of animals with their young, for example, this opens a door to the child's perception of his own harsh experiences at home. Discussing what he observes helps him work out his often unbearable memories and express his wish for care and nurturing. Psychologists and social workers in the U.S. developed pet Assisted Therapy in the 1960s.