Afternoons with Puppy: Inspirations from a Therapist and His Animals
Clinical psychologist Fine (The Handbook on Animal Assisted Therapy) and Eisen (literature, Nazareth Coll.) here collaborate on a book that is partly a treatise on the ways dogs, birds, and even lizards and fish can be used in therapeutic settings; partly a primer on the life lessons that animals teach; and partly a paean to Fine's pets. Fine sees his animals as "co-therapists" whose quiet presence and nonjudgmental demeanor make his patients comfortable, encourage them to confide, learn patience and self-control, and feel needed. The authors recount many heartwarming and heart-wrenching success that were initiated by Fine's birds and dogs, particularly Puppy, an abused golden retriever that he rehabilitated. Throughout, the writers expound on the virtues animals teach, e.g., "keeping life simple," "learning how to fail," and "shaking it off," which humans would do well to emulate. A good purchase for public libraries.—Florence Scarinci, Nassau Community Coll., Garden City, NY