A Shoulder to Lean On Our Bond with Pets and Service Animals

Animals are wonderful and inspirational souls. Uniting with a pet can greatly impact and enrich our lives, improving health, staving off loneliness, promoting emotional wellbeing, providing service, and even saving lives. A pet is a constant companion, and at times, the most important entity in someone’s life.

The bond between animals and people can be terribly strong, and most pets become cherished members of the family. An animal’s affection is unconditional and nonjudgmental. Their devotion is without bounds.

Better Health
Medical professionals have long observed the many health benefits of pet ownership, in terms of physical, psychological, and social wellbeing. For instance, pet owners have lower blood pressure as well as lower triglyceride and cholesterol levels than those without a pet. The simple act of petting an animal will cause a drop in blood pressure, and interestingly, animals respond similarly by also experiencing a drop in blood pressure while being petted.

A pet owner is three percent less likely to die from a heart attack – and this accounts for about 30,000 lives being saved each year. A study found that individuals with heart problems were four times more likely to still be alive one year after being released from the hospital, than those who did not have a pet.

Pet owners enjoy better physical health from exercising with their pets and also have fewer minor health problems. Senior citizens who own dogs require 21 percent fewer visits to the doctor’s office. Dr. William Thomas, author of The Eden Alternative, created a different type of nursing home environment with plants, animals, and children. He found that after 18 months, the facility had 15 percent less deaths and a dramatic reduction in medication use, particularly in drugs that alter mood or tranquilize.

People with animals exhibit better psychological wellbeing. Pets can reduce feelings of loneliness, isolation, depression, and stress. This is especially true for individuals with chronic illness as well as residents of long-term care facilities. Seniors with pets are better able to sustain their level of daily activity and to cope with stressful life events. In combination with other therapy, animals brought into nursing homes promote social and verbal interaction.

Dogs in particular offer some added benefits for their human companions. For instance, dog owners may experience less fear when with their dog out walking or at home. Dogs provide extra defense against everyday stress and are very helpful for children learning to adjust to difficult life-changing situations, such as the illness and death of a parent. The same is true for adults who have lost a spouse.

Animals have a wonderful affect on children and most families report an increase in happiness and fun after getting a pet. Cognitive development, positive self-esteem, nurturing behavior, empathy toward others, and pro-social behavior, are all enhanced in children who have a pet. Young people with pets are also more involved with activities such as sports and clubs.
For individuals with a disabling illness or condition, service animals can be of dramatic benefit. A randomized, controlled trial found that within six months of receiving a service dog, people with severe physical impairment developed better self-esteem, improved psychological wellbeing, and became more involved in the community. Additionally, study participants required 70 percent less hours of help at home after receiving a service dog. This fact alone should give insurance companies a strong incentive to fund service animals for their clients.

Animal-Assisted Activities & Animal-Assisted Therapy
The Delta Society is a leading international resource for the human-animal bond whose mission is to improve human health through service and therapy animals. Delta has done extensive work in the areas of research, education, public awareness, and services. Anyone wishing to get more information may go to Delta’s website at www.deltasociety.org.

According to Delta, “animal-assisted activities” (AAA) and “animal-assisted therapy” (AAT) are preferred over other terms such as “pet therapy.” These two references have very specific definitions and are important for those in the field to differentiate between the types of services provided.

AAA is a more casual type of service and refers to activities where pets visit people in various settings, such as a long-term care facility, school, hospital, or an individual’s home. Trained volunteers and their pets make visits to residents of a facility or private home and do not have any specific planned treatment goals. Instead, individuals may simply enjoy the company of a pet.

AAT is performed by a professional – such as an occupational or physical therapist, speech/language pathologist, or mental health professional. He or she will have specific goals and objectives for each person visited by a trained animal. These may include physical needs such as improving fine-motor skills, wheelchair skills, and balance while standing. Mental health may be improved through increasing verbal interactions, attention skills, and self-esteem, while reducing anxiety and loneliness. From an educational standpoint, vocabulary, memory, and knowledge of concepts may all be improved. Goals may also be motivational, improving one’s willingness to be involved in activities, improving interactions with others, and increasing exercise.

Occasionally AAA and AAT are not recommended. This includes situations where the animal or individual may be of danger to one another, i.e., the risk of transmitting disease or having an allergy is increased; handlers or animals are not appropriately trained; or an individual may upset the animal or his/herself. Please also note that therapy animals are not service animals, and therefore do not have the same rights of access as individuals with disabilities and their service animals.

Another type of AAT is hippotherapy, which uses horseback riding to promote various physical and psychological improvements. Many individuals with MS have participated in some type of horseback-riding activity. According to the American Hippotherapy Association, specific riding skills are not taught – as in therapeutic riding. Instead, a foundation is established for neurological function and sensory processing.

The Association’s website states, “The horse’s walk provides sensory input through movement which is variable, rhythmic, and repetitive. The resultant movement responses in the client are similar to human movement patterns of the pelvis while walking… Hippotherapy can improve balance, posture, mobility, and function. Hippotherapy may also affect psychological, cognitive, behavioral, and communication functions for clients of all ages.” Please log onto www.americanequestrian.com for more information.

Service Animals
To be considered as a service animal, and to qualify for certain rights as outlined in the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), service animals must be trained to assist in the tasks directly related to a person’s specific disability. Service animals are not considered “pets,” and local laws that prevent pets from entering public places and living in rented housing, do not apply to service animals as stated in various federal legislation. Those with service animals, however, must keep them under control at all times and follow local leash and vaccination laws. Service dog laws vary by state, and a state’s Attorney General’s office will have the current provisions regarding state laws.

Service dogs may be trained to perform several types of duties, including vital roles such as leading a visually impaired person down streets and through buildings, alerting a hearing-impaired individual to the sound of a doorbell or smoke alarm, or warning someone of an oncoming seizure. They can also retrieve items, open and close doors, hit switches, steady someone with balance or strength problems, and help pull a wheelchair. Additionally, service dogs may be trained to assist with other everyday functions, such as taking and delivering items from the refrigerator, helping with the ATM machine, removing clothes from the dryer, or getting dishes out of the dishwasher.

Finding a service dog requires some detective work on the part of the prospective recipient. An individual begins the process by contacting local service dog trainers and training programs. Lists may be found on Delta’s website, and individuals may also find out about local trainers by networking with local veterinarians, shelters, dog organizations, 4-H groups, and pet supply stores.

The quality of training also needs to be investigated. This may be done by asking questions about a trainer’s background, training methods, and placement record. Anyone interested may also ask for references and contact previous customers. A list of recommended questions is available on Delta’s website. Presently, no uniform standards or certifications apply to service dog trainers – many are self-taught and anyone can claim to be a professional trainer. Trainers also have their own criteria for qualifying someone as a candidate for a service dog; but if one trainer does not accept an applicant, he or she should go on to another trainer, who may have different requirements.

Service dogs also need to be an appropriate match for the prospective handler. A dog’s appearance, personality, and “working style” need to be compatible with one’s lifestyle and needs. Some individuals may train or have their own dog trained to be their service animal.

Costs vary as well. Some trainers do not charge for their service dogs and look for donations to cover costs – while others may charge thousands of dollars for the many years of care, training, and follow-up that service dogs require. Some trainers may offer scholarships or financial assistance. Community and charitable organizations, such as Lions Club, Elks Club, or Chamber of Commerce, may be able to help cover the costs associated with a service dog. The Assistance Dog United Campaign (ADUC) may be contacted at aducgift@aol.com. This organization gives a limited number of financial vouchers to individuals with disabilities who are looking for a service dog.

In addition to service dogs, Guide Horses for visually impaired individuals have been very successful. According to the Guide Horse Foundation, these tiny horses have several positive characteristics, such as a calm nature, great memory, excellent vision, good judgment for safety, stamina, manners, and are not easily distracted.

A trained Guide Horse will learn to respond to 23 voice commands. They may be house broken and are trained to ride in cars, taxi cabs, busses, and subway trains. They commonly live to be 25 or 35 years of age, and some may reach 50. These “horses” must be less than 26 inches high (the smallest horse is reported to have been 14 inches tall), and typically weigh 55 to 100 pounds. To keep from slipping on hard surfaces or waxed floors, Guide Horses sometimes wear little specially made sneakers.
Guide Horses are presently only available to those who are visually impaired. For more information, log onto their website at www.guidehorse.com.

Helping Hands is another nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for disabled individuals by providing service animals. Helping Hands trains and places capuchin monkeys to assist quadriplegic individuals. They charge no fees for their services and are largely supported by private contributions and volunteers. Although the total cost of breeding, training, and placement of a monkey helper is $25,000, monkey helpers often have a lifespan of 30 to 40 years. Seeing Eye dogs are estimated to have a 10-year life span with an overall cost of $21,000.

According to the Helping Hands website, “Our monkeys are affectionate, responsive friends whose companionship can brighten a disabled individual’s outlook on life, relieve hours of loneliness, and help him or her to become more independent. Monkey helpers perform simple, every-day tasks, such as getting something to eat or drink, retrieving dropped CDs and books, and turning lights on or off.”

According to Helping Hands Executive Director Judi Zazula, “So far our organization has placed more than 80 monkeys, and some have gone to individuals with MS. We look for people whose situation and disability are stable, since a monkey may provide many years of service to an individual.

“One of our monkeys, named ‘Heidi,’ now assists a gentleman with MS. He particularly has problems with his arms tightening up as the day progresses, making movement and access to wheelchair controls difficult. Among other tasks, Heidi has been trained to pull her handler’s arms down and then cuddle in his arms. The stretching and warmth causes his arms to relax, allowing him greater comfort and movement throughout the day.”

Anyone interested in applying for a monkey needs to first review the criteria listed on the website (at www.helpinghandsmonkeys.org), and then send a letter to Helping Hands, explaining how he or she fits the criteria. Judi warns not to get hopes too high; placing a monkey requires very specific situations, but for those fortunate enough to receive one, a monkey can be a wonderful companion.

Since monkeys live for many years, they have a long childhood. Before coming to Helping Hands for one to two years of training, foster parents are needed to raise young monkeys for up to five years. Anyone interested in becoming a foster parent may call Helping Hands at (617) 787-4419. All expenses are tax-deductible.

Saying Goodbye to a Pet or Service Animal
When an animal comes into our life, he or she is usually young and healthy. Whether the animal is a pet or has a job to perform, she or he quickly becomes a member of the family. For some, a pet may be their only companion – and their sole reason for living.

The unfortunate fact, however, is that when we begin a relationship with an animal, we know in advance that we may well one day have to say goodbye. Sorrow and grief are natural emotions to feel when losing a pet. People grieve in different ways, but they commonly experience denial, anger, guilt, and depression, before moving on to resolution and finally acceptance. For many, the process of grieving will include crying and emotional upset. Loss of energy, stomach discomfort, and difficulty performing daily tasks are all typical symptoms. Some may even feel that they can’t go on without their beloved pet.

Individuals who are elderly, ill, or disabled, are particularly hard-hit by the death of a pet or service animal. Older persons may have experienced the loss of many friends and relatives over the years, and they may not have anyone else in their life. Those who are ill or disabled, depend on their pets to provide support, assistance, and companionship. Often these animals gave back a certain amount of freedom, independence, and socialization for their owners. Losing such a pet or service animal can be devastating, as though a part of them or their identity has died too. Some may even experience a worsening of symptoms when grieving over the loss of a pet.

A very difficult time for any pet owner is when a pet or service animal has become severely sick, hurt, or aged, and the decision must be made to humanely end his or her life. This heartbreaking situation may occur when an animal is experiencing chronic pain or is no longer able to enjoy a good quality of life. Sometimes medical treatment is too expensive and the prognosis is uncertain. Other times an animal has lived such a long life and been so well cared for, that he or she simply can’t continue to function.

The act of putting an animal “down” or “to sleep” is known as euthanasia. A veterinarian performs this procedure using an injection, which allows the animal to be quietly, painlessly, and humanely relieved of his or her suffering.

Giving the go-ahead for this procedure is extremely difficult. Before making a final decision, pet owners need to discuss all options and possible outcomes with their veterinarian. Family members, including children, should also be involved with the decision-making process and the facts need to be presented openly and honestly. Once the decision is made, everyone close to the pet should be given time to say goodbye.

When an animal has passed away or been put to sleep, the veterinarian can provide options such as cremation or burial. Some families may find that having a memorial service, burying their pet in a pet cemetery, or scattering their pet’s ashes in a special place can help them to begin the healing process.

Other types of tributes may also comfort pet owners and their family members. Planting flowers or a tree in the pet’s memory, writing in a journal, creating a photo album or scrap book, setting up a small memorial, or hanging the pet’s collar with wind chimes, are all good ways to recall and openly appreciate the wonderful memories. Some may choose to make charitable donations in a pet’s memory, care for a foster pet in need of a temporary home, or volunteer time at a local shelter, to deal with a pet’s passing constructively.

People who have lost an animal need to know that their pet is worthy of the grief they are feeling. Some may find that getting a new pet helps them to move on with their life, while others may need more time. A new pet cannot completely replace the pet that was lost, but he or she can provide comfort, allowing a new relationship to begin. Care must be taken not to compare the new pet to the previous one, but rather appreciate the attributes and behaviors that make the new pet special.

If an individuals’ grief becomes overwhelming, help is available. In addition to a wealth of books written on the topic of pet loss and bereavement, a vast number of services are available. These include lists of hotline numbers to call, websites, support groups, and counselors. Extensive information and resource listings may be found on Delta’s website at www.deltasociety.org and on the American Veterinary Medical Association’s website at www.avma.org. For anyone without access to the internet, please call MSAA’s Helpline at (800) 532-7667 for assistance.

Beginning a New Relationship
The American Veterinary Medical Association’s website has a great deal of information on animals and pet care. They also stress the importance of choosing a pet wisely, and to have the pet spayed or neutered. The Delta Society estimates the number of dogs in the United States to be 55 million, along with 60 million cats. Another 25 to 40 million cats are stray or wild. Millions of unwanted pets end up at shelters each year, and often do not find another home.

When selecting a pet, everyone’s needs should be taken into consideration. Does anyone have allergies to or fears of a certain type of animal? How much time, space, or money can be devoted to a new pet? Lifestyle and energy levels also need to be considered. A veterinarian may be able to make some recommendations.

Many rental agreements have a “no-pet” clause, which applies to dogs, cats, and other large animals. While service animals may be exempt from such a clause, pets and assistive animals require permission from the landlord. Some may allow a pet provided a refundable deposit and small monthly surcharge is paid. If pets are not allowed, a tenant may ask the landlord to waive or negotiate the no-pet clause. Outlining a plan to care for the pet, stressing the importance of a well-behaved animal and clean environment, providing references, and if necessary, agreeing to pay a deposit and small monthly surcharge, may persuade a landlord or rental company to allow a pet.

Once a pet has been selected, the home needs to be prepared for his or her arrival – making sure breakable items and toxic materials are out of reach. Pet supplies may be purchased in advance. A vet exam will be in order for larger animals (cats, dogs, horses, etc.) and in some instances, the exam may occur before the pet is bought or adopted. These animals should also receive scheduled vaccinations and medical care as needed. Larger animals need to be trained, and if inexperienced, new owners should seek training instruction through books, tapes, classes, or a hired trainer, in order to have a positive pet-human relationship.

All Pets are Heroes
Animals are indeed wonderful and inspiring souls. From the first day with an owner to his or her last, an animal may never stop giving. Some even become heroes – such as Binti Jua, a Chicago Zoo gorilla who rescued a three-year-old child who had fallen into her exhibit area. She carried him to humans while her own baby clung to her back.

Spencer, a seven-year-old pointer mix, woke his disabled owner and alerted him to a fire in the kitchen, saving his life. Shasta, a German Shepherd, was one of the best trained search dogs on the Alaska Search and Rescue Dog team. During her career, she went on 50 search missions and had three “finds” while looking for people missing in the woods, buried in avalanches, or lost underwater.

“Puppies Behind Bars” is a program that gives prison inmates the opportunity to raise guide dogs. Not only are the dogs well trained and cared for, but inmates experience positive changes, often becoming more patient, understanding, and confident. To learn more about these and some other animal heroes, log onto www.myhero.com/hero.asp?hero=binti.

A pet does not need to pull someone from a burning building to be a hero. All pets and service animals are heroes to their “person” everyday. Whether a pet or animal is guiding his or her handler safely across a street… playfully running across the yard and filling an owner with happiness… or just curling up next to his or her best friend and providing vital companionship… they are all heroes to the people who love them.

For more information on any of the pet and service animal information given in this article, please log onto the websites mentioned. For those without internet access, please call MSAA’s Helpline at (800) 532-7667 for more information.
Many thanks to: The Delta Society, The American Veterinary Medical Association, Helping Hands, The Guide Horse Foundation, and others, for their valuable contributions to the animal-human bond, and for providing information and photos for this article.

Pets that Make a Difference: Our Readers Share Their Stories
Several readers mailed in wonderful stories and photos about their favorite four-legged or two-winged companion. Due to space limitations, we couldn’t include everyone’s full story or photo… but we tried to mention each person-and-pet pair.

“Bubblegum” is a Shih Tzu who has been trained to retrieve and protect. She goes everywhere with owner Janet, and the two of them always get lots of attention.

Brenda adopted “Cassie,” a Doberman mix, from the shelter and trained her to provide support while walking and to pull a wheelchair. Cassie’s harness transforms her into a serious working partner.

Jay’s golden retriever is a friend, companion, and service dog. He does many tasks and offers support while Jay is walking or in a wheelchair. His dog also helps to break the barrier with the public who often may not recognize the obstacles that people with disabilities face.

Jodi’s true buddy since 1997 has been “Alex,” a watch dog, trailer mate, and companion.

Bernice is glad that her cat “Jackie” keeps a close eye on her. In the evening, Jackie waits by the bathroom door to escort her owner down the hall.

Through the National Education for Assistance Dog Service (NEADS), John was matched with his dog “Shapleigh,” who has changed his life. She helps with everything and goes everywhere, giving John security, freedom, independence, and relief from social isolation.

Merten claims it was “love at first sight” when he selected his shepherd dog “Pedro” at the shelter. Pedro is a wonderful companion and makes life with MS much easier.

When Donna fell from her wheelchair in the bedroom, her pure white husky “Aspen” forced her way into the room and waited with Donna until someone came home -- then Aspen went for help.

Littermates “Patches” and “Freckles” have provided Mary with a better mental outlook, especially when out in the fresh air and watching them run together. Mary now laughs more and believes fun is a necessity.

Kim had her first horse at seven, but later discovered mules, and quickly fell in love. Kim goes to the farm after work to see her mule “Slick Sue,” who helps fill the void of her beloved late “Mr. Blue,” who became a star by winning ribbons and going in parades dressed in costume.

David has cerebral palsy and epilepsy. He takes his tame snow-white dove, “Daisey,” to churches, schools, and nursing facilities. He often visits a friend with MS, and says that Daisey brings joy and happiness to his life.

Before Laurie was diagnosed, “Oliver” knew something was wrong, supporting her when she became unsteady or weak. He also provided protection for her. Laurie has since worked with a trainer, and Oliver has now become her service dog.

Beverly has trained her cat “Laces” to get her husband when needed. Laces goes across their large yard, rubs against his legs, and meows until he follows Laces to the house.

 

Linda rescued “Smiley” from the pound, and despite the dog’s medical problems, Smiley keeps a positive attitude. She is one of Linda’s greatest joys and inspirations since her diagnosis.

“Jingles” (a Jack Russell terrier) and “Ginger” (a retriever mix) bring comic relief and boundless fulfillment to Keverne, who says that these two follow her around all day. Jingles and Ginger also summoned for help one day when she had a serious fall.

Many thanks to all those who responded; you added a personal touch to this important story about the inspirational bond between people and their pets.

Thanks again to our readers for sharing their pet photos and inspirational stories for everyone to enjoy!

 

 

Pets that Make a Difference: Our Readers Share Their Stories

According to Susan, "George of the Felines" is curious, extremely special, and 18 pounds of muscle and fluff. When Susan takes her injection each night, without fail, George races from wherever he is to be with her. He watches her prepare and administer the medication, and when done, he purrs and walks away.