Do you remember your first pet? I was a preschooler while living on a farm, a beautiful white German shepherd that was about eye level to me, to give you an idea how big he was or how little I was. Where he came from, I am not sure, however, I remember he was a handsome dog, and how he carried himself with a stately and dignified manner. His befitting name was Champion. There were three of us boys and I remember the sense of feeling safe because he would follow us everywhere we would go, even when we would cross the country road to play in among the corn fields. The human-animal connection it is irrefutable, they get a sense you are vulnerable; thus, you are drawn together because there is no mutual threat.
It is no wonder there is such a thing as animal therapy as this week’s episode clearly showed when you integrate a dog, cat, or a 1200-pound horse with someone grappling with a mental or physical challenge. I asked my guest about how can horse assisted therapy help. It is amazing how the interconnection works, he said. The horse can immediately sense and will turn and lower its head to the person, as if to say, "don't be afraid." He proceeded to tell me that different breeds have different gaits, so the whole idea is to match up the person's challenge to the specific breed. Hence, it strengthens the body’s core to improve balance not to mention beefing up their legs to improve mobility. This alternative therapy is complimentary to traditional physical therapy, he said. But then, there are other disorders that are not so obvious. Since we are the sum of every moment we have experienced, many times we are left emotionally fractured. There is the trauma of PTSD, which is not limited to veterans, but a whole host of mental disorders that developed after experiencing or witnessing something horrific. Often the case children receive the brunt of what adults create. My guest related the experience of a mere boy witnessing his father take his mother's life and looked for him to do the same, but to see his father take his own life, it is unimaginable. Horse assistive therapy is conducive to providing comfort, and evidence shows it reduces levels of emotional pain. This type of therapy develops a reconnection to social interaction or beneficial behavioral skills to lead a more meaningful life. It tends to increase motivation in participating in activities such as exercise or societal interaction. The process of animal therapy itself is safe and typically involves the horse flanked by four or five individuals including the certified physical therapist. How long is the session? I asked. He informed me that it is predicated on the patient's challenge, but typically it is about fifteen minutes that makes a lifetime of difference. The human-animal bond is very thought provoking in many respects when we think in terms of human-human relationships. The ability and capacity of an animal to be able and willing to connect with someone that is in dire need of help, it should evoke in all of us the desire to look for and assist one another as a humanitarian.
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