1	Animal Assisted Therapy and the Internet The new age of healing
2	Animals have a soothing effect on people In the last twenty years, medical research has detailed the soothing effect pets have on the elderly, the stressed, and the emotionally disengaged. The other health benefits of pets only become apparent when you get sick. A study of postoperative heart patients conducted by doctors from Duke University found that those accustomed to the routine of caring for a pet had an easier time adjusting to the new rigors of self-care, which in many cases facilitated a speedier and more complete recovery. Elderly people who have pet companions have a lower incidence of cancer, studies find, but pets can be helpful to people of any age who have contracted the disease
3	The New Age of Healing Animal-assisted therapy has been shown to reduce blood pressure in healthy and hypertensive patients Researchers found that a visit from a specially trained four-footed friend helped heart and lung function by lowering pressures, diminishing release of harmful hormones and decreasing anxiety among hospitalized heart failure patients "This therapy warrants serious consideration as an adjunct to medical therapy in hospitalized heart failure patients" Cole said. "Dogs are a great comfort. They make people happier, calmer and feel more loved. That is huge when you are scared and not feeling well." Using dog therapy to soothe people's minds and improve health has been considered more a "nicety" than credible science, said registered nurse Kathie M. Cole, the study's lead author and clinical nurse at the University of California Los Angles Medical Center
4	Equine Assisted Therapy Why Horses? Horses are social animals, very much like humans. Their peer structure is observable and identifiable, with clear leaders and social structures. Horses offers people the unique opportunity to experience first hand the connection and unity that comes with the establishment of a mutually trusting and reverent relationship with the horse and with all of nature. Through the practice of mindfulness and in partnership with the horse, people learn how to live more fully and easily in the present moment, a place of stillness amidst the turbulence of the past, the challenges of the present and the uncertainty of the future. This approach to equine assisted learning and therapy goes far beyond the “practical” and into the realm of what is possible when, guided by the ever present teacher, equus, we open our hearts to the ageless wisdom of the spiritual unconscious and trust in who we are.
5	Animal Assisted Therapy in Detention Centers Used in correctional facilities for offenders who are minors Emotionally disturbed teenagers who have trouble following rules Animals are used to teach responsibility and work related behavior The juveniles in an Oregon Detention Center learn to care for dogs from the Human Society through Project POOCH where they receive instruction in obedience training and careers working with dogs (like grooming or veterinary technician work) The goals are to: Increase trust Improve self-esteem Providing the inmate with unconditional love and affection Provides a diversion from an otherwise boring existence in a tightly controlled environment
6	Dogs – My companions Animals have always been a part of my life A man’s best friend Always there to greet you Unconditional love
7	Works Cited The Healing Power of Pets by Dr. Marty Becker Copyright 2005 Copley News Service Copley News Service Therapy Pets, The Animal-Human Healing Partnership by Jacqueline J. Crawford & Karen A. Pomerinke http://www.horsepowerplus.org/Horse Power Plus, LLC Equine Partnered Learning and Psychotherapy, accessed May 20, 2006 Wanted! Animal Volunteers by Mary R Burch