Because a growing body of research suggests health benefits of the human-animal bond, it makes sense that disrupting that bond by removing a pet permanently isn't advisable. Foster care can relieve owners' anxieties and allow them to focus on recovering or rebuilding their lives. We took her German Shepherd, Lacey, to the rehabilitation facility. And just seeing her dog, Carlson says, seemed to speed the volunteer's recovery. D.C. Yet another program, the Pet Haven at the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals of Texas, began in 1996 to help pets of people in transition or crisis, says Gale Storms, the humane education coordinator.
Volunteers usually provide the pet food.
In a review article published in 1998 in The Social Work Student , the authors cite several studies supporting the claim that a multitude of health benefits are associated with pet ownership. In another, elderly pet owners expressed more satisfaction with life than those without pets. In a third, elderly subjects who interacted with pet parakeets had better attitudes after five months than those who were given begonias to care for, TV sets to watch, or nothing. Other studies have found that pet ownership lessens the likelihood of depression in men with AIDS and can help people with Alzheimer's disease or those with orthopedic disorders. Ala. The pluses for pet owners, volunteers Not surprisingly, pet owners say they are grateful for the pet-sitting programs.