Animal-Assisted Therapy and Emotional Support

Key takeaways

• Seeking Comfort from Creatures

• 5 Health Benefits of Animal-Assisted Therapy

• I almost lost Otis, but thankfully he is OK

• Man’s Best Friend (And Therapist)

Seeking Comfort from Creatures

People in need of support often rely on trusted friends and family. Some may turn to professionals for advice. Still others may snuggle a pet to help ease work pressures, social anxiety, or other types of stress. Learn more about different types of animal therapy and the benefits of seeking comfort from creatures.

Research from the last few decades has shown that animals have a calming effect on their human counterparts. The interaction helps lower blood pressure and levels of the stress hormone cortisol. Additionally, being around animals helps people feel happier and less lonely. And, let’s face it, animals are adorable and know how to make us smile.

This strong bond makes a solid case for animal assisted therapy. The requirements for each type of support animal are slightly different. Whether it’s comfort and companionship or service and security, people rely on four-legged friends for all kinds of assistance and recovery. Being responsible for the care of another living creature also gives people a sense of purpose. This healthy motivation helps to put events into perspective, fixes focus on meaningful things, and allows for a more enjoyable life.

5 Health Benefits of Animal-Assisted Therapy

Has this ever happened to you? You’ve just had a stressful day—maybe projects are piling up at work, or you’re experiencing difficulties in your marriage, with your kids, or over finances — and now you’re on the verge of tears. Then suddenly, a stranger’s dog spots you from afar and trots over to greet you with a gaping smile. And as you start to pet its fur, you notice your stress is miraculously melting away.

According to Psychology Today , the presence of an animal can help you feel more comfortable and safer. And as pets often represent a source of joy and pleasure, they tend to divert our attention away from thoughts or situations that cause us to feel anxious or depressed. Animals are also non-judgmental, which makes it easier to open up to them and be ourselves. For this reason, it’s no wonder why mental health professionals are more open to the inclusion of animals into patient therapy programs.

What is Animal-Assisted Therapy? Animal-assisted therapy — or sometimes referred to as equine or canine-assisted therapy, depending on the type of animal being used — is a form of intervention that’s used to aid patients in emotional, physical, and social recovery. Whether an individual (or group) is recovering from an illness or trauma, living with a developmental condition, or coping with a mental health issue, a therapist may suggest the inclusion of an animal into your current therapy treatment.

I almost lost Otis, but thankfully he is OK

I almost lost Otis May 18th . Not the kind of “lost” where he wandered off though he has been known to do that. The lost as in he could have died because of Canine Bloat, which was accompanied by volvulus; his stomach rotated and twisted. This condition is lethal if untreated within 6-12 hours and many owners are unaware of the signs. I was told by both attending vets that had I not gotten Otis to see his vet who took X-Rays and sent me down to Eden Prairie for emergency surgery within hours, he would have died. He was already going into shock.

The day started out like any other day but then twisted, just like his stomach. He was his normal doggy self but hours later I came downstairs and saw a dog who was in distress. Panting, pacing, restless and a stomach that was distended and as hard as a rock. I looked in his eyes and saw pain.

I went from having a healthy dog in the morning to sitting across from a surgeon, hours later, who was explaining medical risks to the emergency surgery he needed to survive. My head was spinning. I signed papers giving permission for the surgery, somehow knowing I had given Otis the best possible chance by being observant of him. I felt helpless and very alone. For the first time in the 9 years that Otis and I had joined forces, I had to leave him ailing and sick. The house was very quiet without him.

Man’s Best Friend (And Therapist)

As the official MHCS therapy dog, Otis has worked side-by-side with his owner and boss, therapist Cathy Malmon , LICSW, LMFT since the mental health clinic opened its doors in 2010. The Old English Sheepdog is 11 years old and comforts patients in a way no human therapist can.

White and fluffy with a lolling pink tongue, Otis’ career started when he accompanied Cathy to work at a clinic in Pennsylvania. Cathy noticed that Otis’ presence had a calming effect, helping her patients open up more easily. She also noticed Otis’ intuitive sense for knowing when people are upset and how to comfort them.

Since completing the Canine Good Citizen and Therapy Dog Training classes at the Humane Society, Otis has provided love and comfort to patients of all types via family and couples therapy, group and individual therapy. In addition, Otis has spent time at the Kids Connection program in Minneapolis and has regularly visited local nursing homes and classrooms.

When to reach out

If symptoms are affecting relationships, work, school, sleep, or daily routines, professional support can help you sort through what is happening and choose a realistic next step.

MHCS provides therapy and mental health support for individuals, couples, families, teens, and adults.