by Nellie Swale

Created on: March 29, 2007   Last Updated: May 15, 2007

It is a proven fact that dogs can promote better mental and sometimes physical health among the elderly, disabled and dying. Much has been written, and talked about regarding this topic. How does an animal make such a difference?

Some theories suggest that it is the sensations of seeing and touching the animals; they say that it brings back pleasant memories that help the person to relax. The lack of stress then helps the individuals physical and mental health. I don't disagree with that theory at all, but I feel that there is more to it than this simple explanation.

As a child, I lived in a rural area where snakes were a given. My parents constantly warned me never to go outside without the dog or one of them to accompany me. Since I was an only child in an isolated area, the dog was not only my constant companion but my best, and often only, friend. I talked to him constantly and he communicated back to me, not with words but with body language and actions. I felt that I knew his innermost secrets and that he knew mine.

As I grew up and then older, I've had many pets, both dogs and cats. My love and respect for them has contined to expand. Over the years, I've read articles about happy dogs, sick dogs, working dogs and hero dogs. I've seen funny dogs, cute dogs, gorgeous dogs and outlandish dogs. But I've never seen one that can't communicate. They might not be able to speak in our language but they can communicate just about anything you can imagine.

My current pet is more than able to let me know that one-it's time for a snack, teo, she doesn't like dog food, and three, the candy she has such a sweet tooth for is on the dresser behind the kleenex. When we go thtough the bank drive-thru, she can express a thank you for the dog biscuit the lady gave her, express to me that again, she doesn't LIKE "DOG food",and that I've visited long enough and it's time to GO!. All with one look! I wish my communication skills were that good!

And, yes, the dog runs the household. I tell her to be quiet and she keeps barking. I tell her no more sweets and she sits and stares at the cupboard, all the while making little moaning sounds that increase in intensity until I have to turn up the volume on the TV to (try to) ignore her. I say she needs a bath and all four limbs extend 180 degrees and stiffen to an iron like consistency, making it a superhuman effort to clear the door to get into the bathroom. This is , of course, accompanied by pitiful wails and, if all else fails, howls of terror. I've not had the police break down the door yet to investigate, but i expect them at any time!

My dog also lets me know that she loves me, that she cares how I feel, and that I am important to her. She can communicate these things with alook, a snuggle, and/ or a few weel-timed whimpers. I beleive that it is this ability to transmit thought of love, peace, caring and unrequited acceptance that people in need feel from a dogs visits. I also believe that the animal knows instinctively which people they can trust and which ones to steer clear of. They alos know which ones need them the most or the quickest. I don't know the why of these things, but I believe them as surely as I believe that God created us all to help each other. And thank God He made such wonerful creatures to help our world run more smoothly!

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