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In 1962, child psychologist Boris Levinson reported significant improvement in several of his clients when he began bringing his dog Jingles to work with him. In subsequent research, Levinson found that animal companionship facilitated emotional healing in children ranging from infancy through the teenage years. Prior to Levinson's integration of pets into psychotherapeutic settings, French physician Cassaign integrated horses into physical therapy in 1875. And dating as far back as 600 B.C., references were made to the physical and emotional benefits of horseback riding for individuals with disabilities.

Since Levinson's work in the 1960s, extensive research has been done showing both the psychological and the physical healing power of animals. In 1992, a study in Australia with 5741 adults showed a marked difference in cardiovascular health for pet owners versus non-pet owners. Both men and women with one or more pets were found to have both lower blood pressure and lower cholesterol, thus significantly reducing their risk of heart attack or cardiovascular disease. A 1995 study at Virginia Commonwealth University investigated the role of pets for adults who had experienced sexual abuse as children. Individuals reporting a strong bond with a pet during their childhood years were less likely to experience the anger and continued cycle of abuse common to sexual abuse survivors, and were more likely to develop healthy relationships in adulthood. Many of these individuals attribute their survival to the devotion, constancy, and unconditional love of their pets, with the ultimate findings demonstrating a "strong supportive role of pets in the isolated, confusing world of the sexually abused child."

Whether through pet assisted therapy, pet assisted activities, or service animals, individuals worldwide are touched daily by the soothing presence of pets. Adults watching an aquarium experience an instant reduction in their blood pressure; psychiatric patients participating in therapy with caged birds present experience a lessening of anxiety and other related symptoms; prisoners working to train homeless dogs report an increase in feelings of self-worth and a sense of empathy many have never known before. These studies reflect what pet owners worldwide have known all along: Having an animal in our lives makes us feel better. Pets give us a reason to get out of bed every morning and return home every night. They provide love, comfort, and a friendly face on the worst of days. So go play fetch with Fido, revel in the wonder of kittenhood, or pet your parakeet you just might live longer if you do!

Bibliography:

Barker, Sandra B., PhD (1999) Therapeutic aspects of the human-companion animal interaction. Psychiatric Times 16 (2)

Barker, Sandra B., PhD and Dawson, Kathryn S., PhD. (1998) The effects of animal-assisted therapy on anxiety ratings of hospitalized psychiatric patients. Psychiatr Serv 49:797-801. Retrieved August 13 2007 from Psychiatric Services.
http://psychservices. psychiatryonline.org/cgi/conte nt/full/49/6/797

Fischbach, Nora (1999). Riding through history. Retrieved August 13 2007 from STRIDES Therapeutic Riding site. http://www.strides.org/history .html

Supportive Role of Pets in the Childhood of Sexual Abuse Survivors. Retrieved August 13 2007 from http://www.deltasociety.org/Te xtOnly/AnimalsHealthChildrenSu pportive.htm

Warwick, P., PhD et al. (1992) Pet ownership and risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Medical Journal Australia 157: 298-301. Retrieved August 13 2007 from PetNet. http://www.petnet.com.au/baker .html

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