Animal Assisted Therapy

I recently attended a seminar on animal assisted therapy and fell in L O V E! I have to share what I learned because it is amazing and inspiring and beautiful.

There is an organization in New York called Puppies Behind Bars. This organization trains prison inmates to raise service dogs for wounded war veterans suffering with PTSD and various other trauma and mental health issues. I can't even explain to you how cool this is. Not only is this cool because of (1) the amazing animals, (2) the drastic change made in the lives of veterans, but also... (3) the rehabilitation that occurs among the prison inmates. Whoa!

The inmates are trained to work with these dogs from the time they are 8-week-old pups to when they are 18 months. They teach them over 90 commands and tasks. Yes, tasks! These dogs can call 911, do laundry, and respond to emotional stimuli. They are taught to "get your back," which means they stand facing the opposite direction to help vets that struggle with surprises from behind or triggers from hearing sounds they can't see. They are taught to "check the corners," which means they will go ahead of a vet and look both ways to ensure safety and no surprise encounters around the corners or outside a room. They can enter a room and turn on a light to help the vet feel safe and secure upon entering. They also respond to vets that are struggling with depression and offer affection and comfort. These are all triggers and symptoms of PTSD that many vets encounter when they return from the war.

For the inmates that train these pups, they are given an opportunity to contribute to something, learn something unique and useful, and have a purpose. They then meet the vets and train them in the commands and how to work with their service dog. Through this connection, the inmates and vets also form a special bond. In some way, they are experiencing similar things. They may both feel like an outcast, useless, insignificant, trapped, and stuck in this world they don't know how to belong in. But, through these dogs and the mission they are carrying out, something greater happens. Inmates are finding a purpose, and vets are finding healing.

It's beautiful.

And who doesn't love a cute, adorable puppy that takes care of you, shows love and affection, and keeps you safe (and does laundry!). But, this isn't all fluff (haha!), real rehabilitation is taking place, and vets are healing and finding their place in the civilian world.

There are other organizations using animals to assist with therapy as well. A Fair Shake for Youth uses dogs when working with at-risk youth. The dogs help the kids build empathy, social skills, positive speaking, and even address anti-bullying. A rescue dog that limps, is blind in one eye, and can't wag his tail, helps bring up the idea of bullying, treating others with kindness no matter their disability, and not judging people based on appearance. Why didn't I think of this?! Kids in foster care meet rescue dogs and learn about second chances, affirmation, and the power of love. Awesome! For those kids that have been traumatized or abused, they can shout a command and see the dog react. It teaches them that their voice matters and they are valuable.

Dogs are also being used in nursing homes and hospitals. They will sit with someone during chemo therapy, play with someone with dementia and help trigger memories and emotions, and bring a smile to children's faces during pre or post surgery.

I could go on and on, but I think you get the point. There is something special about the animal-human bond and it has been proven to enter people's lives in ways that humans cannot seem to reach. I love it. And I'd love to use it in my own practice someday.

I better watch out, or my job may be taken by a pooch.