Patients with AIDS who have pets experience less depression and benefit from reduced stress. The companionship of dogs also helps children cope with the serious illness or death of a parent. Even the toughest guys are moved by the comforting effects of animals. He pulled me through the toughest times. Colleen Copelan, associate professor of psychiatry at the University of Southern California School of Medicine, has made a specialty of pet-provided therapy.
Therapy dogs provide a warm and instantly friendly welcome for the fearful and uncomfortable.
Dogs and other animals make people feel loved, safe and worthwhile. They also provide an unthreatening introduction to the therapeutic relationship. Although Animal Assisted Therapy has been used intermittently for decades, Copelan discovered its utility by pure serendipity when she brought her puppy Jake to the office. He'd instantly connect with them, bring them stuffed animals, and sit in their laps. The therapeutic benefits of Jake's attention and affection soon became clear.