Many of us have become aware of various types of companion animals. Most of us have heard of dogs and miniature horses working alongside humans who are blind or prone to seizures, suffer from postraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), have Parkinson’s disease, or are in many more situations where having these companions enriches their lives and allows them more independence. It has been proved that stroking the fur of a pet such as a cat, dog, ferret, bunny, guinea pig, hamster, rat or any other beloved critter lowers stress in an individual, thus also lowering blood pressure. Grooming a horse can do this, too.
I recently became aware of several other species that play an integral role in the health and well-being of humans. Rojo, a llama, regularly visits the elderly who live in seniors’ residences and people of all ages in hospitals. The joy in peoples’ faces when they see and touch Rojo is so moving. Apparently, Rojo’s owner used to take him to fairs and agricultural events to introduce people to llamas. After hearing so often, “Rojo should be a therapy animal. He just makes you feel so good!” she decided to do just that and now has a full-time business visiting various establishments with him. They ride up and down the elevators together and cheer the sick and the lonely. From posted images on Facebook, you can see that Rojo truly enjoys his work and is endlessly sociable with everyone.
Monkeys Helping Hands is another example. This organization teaches monkeys to assist people with spinal disorders. The monkey is able to open doors, retrieve objects, even go to the fridge and bring them food, not to mention to offer joy in being a cuddly, affectionate friend. Ferrrets are found to be very effective in alleviating depression. One man says, “What could be better for depression than a spastically silly, soft and fuzzy, cute little character who makes people laugh AND looks good in a hoodie?”
Then we have the African Penguin, Roast Beef, who also visits various institutions to spread joy. One individual’s psychiatrist wrote a letter to the courts saying that her patient’s iguana played a paramount role in his medical treatment for severe depression and that his level of progress would suffer severely were he not allowed to keep his special companion at his apartment. They won! One more amazing being to be recognized is the dolphin. These animals have a unique ability to utilize ultrasonic vibrations for healing purposes, addressing anxiety, depression, and PTSD. Craniosacral therapists are employing dolphins to assist them and are experiencing great results in reducing stress and helping with disabilities stemming from Down’s syndrome, autism, attention deficit disorder, muscular dystrophy, and spinal cord injuries, as well as boosting the production of infection fighting Tcells, helping people with cancer and AIDS.
I feel so privileged to be living in a time when we are becoming more aware of so many wonderful ways in which animals bring valuable gifts of healing.
Cate Drown is the proprietor of Beyond Reason Ranch, where she provides “specialized animal care for all beings large or small.” You can contact Cate at beyond reasonranch@wildblue.net.
