I really do, my grandfather, who is terminally ill was with our dogs for a week and has this glow about him now. He fed them leftovers all week, :-( (now they won't eat their dog food.)
I really feel like they are very special companions and help those who can't go out much. What do you think?
2007-05-01 17:14:03 · 18 answers · asked by kaliroadrager 5 in Pets ➔ Other - Pets
I used to wonder why people often said that they are, as I found it to be so stressfull caring for my dogs in the begining, as puppies, even after their first year. It was such a challenge keeping them out of trouble and training them and it seems I was always stressing out with them, but now that they're older and trained, it's so much easier and I enjoy them more. However, not all pets get the training that they need, so I wonder about the stress involved in an animal you care for the rest of their life if they're not trained to behave well. I'm sure it's pretty therapuetic to just pet and anjoy an animal if you don't have to worry about bad behavior problems, I know I certainly enjoy my dog's company and I love him to pieces, and as far as smaller animals is concerned, there is no question on my mind that they can be therapuetic, as you don't have many worries about bad behavior especially with caged type animals like rabbits, hamsters, ect.
They definitely are therapuetic, according to research they've done on the matter. They even say that having a pet to care for even extends longivity.
2007-05-01 17:35:16 · answer #1 · answered by Faith . 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Pets are really therapeutic. When my Dad was living in an assisted living facility, there were people who brought various pets in to visit with the residents. The residents would make sure that the nurses told them when the pets were coming to visit, and it was really the highlight of their day.
I was taking care of my Dad's dog for him, and would take her to visit him a couple of times a week, and ended up bringing her into a lot of the other residents room because they wanted to spend time with her also.
My Dad even stood me up one night for about an hour, I was taking him out to dinner with some friends and he wanted to visit with one of the therapeutic animal trainers and the animals and did not want to leave.
There have been quite a few studies done into the fact that pets can lower the levels of our stress and actually help lower blood pressure and anxiety as well.
Glad that your grandfather had a great time spoiling your dogs, I'm sure that he loved every minute of it and it brought him lots of love and joy. Sorry to hear that he is terminally ill, just spend as much time with him as you possibly can and bring the dogs; that way he will be really joyful to see you and them.
Have a good night, I'll say a prayer for your grandfather.
2007-05-02 00:29:10 · answer #2 · answered by Sue F 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A pet whether it be cat or a dog are great companions to the elderly & young at heart - It gives the owner a sense of purpose especially if they are ill or even lonely - We got my 78 year old father a 6 year old rescue chihauhau mix - My Dad carries her around & plays with her just like pals - It's amazing that those 2 senior citizens found one another - Clinical studies also show that having a pet is very theraputic..
2007-05-02 00:25:04 · answer #3 · answered by Lords of Stockton 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Of course they are, that is why so many old age homes allow pets, they fisically keep their owners alive and well, and good for you, just shows how much the dogs meant to your grandfather, my dear a pet is very precious indeed, if they let your grandfather feel that way then should you not think otherwise about pets, they may not be special to you but to your grandfather they mean the world
2007-05-02 08:35:37 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have a housefull of animals 3 cats,2 dogs, birds and fish and I think they are very therapuetic. Cause when you are having a bad day there is nothing like have your animal sit on your lap and give you their love. And they are so loyal to you
2007-05-02 00:32:32 · answer #5 · answered by Raven 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, they are very special companions... they can also build a person's spirit when they are feeling down. Many studies prove that pets are beneficial to a person's mental and physical well being! I believe my little spaniel is a doggy/angel. ; ) When I was going through a terrible time, he was the only soul that kept me going. I thank God for that!
2007-05-02 00:28:32 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
It's a well-known fact. Look at dolphins, horses, monkeys, there are lots of animals that really increase longevity of an older person since they have companionship and something to care for, something to look forward to every day.
They really add something special, without being asked, which is why animal cruelty of any kind really just breaks my heart.
2007-05-02 01:29:11 · answer #7 · answered by Unicornrider 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, definitely they are. It's been proven many times. They are good stress relievers too. Just sitting and petting or scratching a dog/cat is calming.
2007-05-02 00:42:13 · answer #8 · answered by Anissa B 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Scientific studies have proven that animals have therapeutic effects on humans. Especially cats and dogs. I have found that my pet helps me focus more. He is a truly special bunny! Hope this helps! :-)
2007-05-02 00:59:08 · answer #9 · answered by Sunshine G 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Oh, YES!
They are wonderful to perk up those who are ill.
Dogs are brought to assisted living facilities to bring love and joy to these people who's lives are so very sad. It's wonderful to see how older people perk up when visited by young children and loving pets.
In some places you have to gain approval for your dog to be allowed to visit the sick and infirm.
2007-05-02 00:22:22 · answer #10 · answered by Nedra E 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋