The Special Gift of an Animal

[Fig]

nowhere in the field of health service will you find a more gifted, talented, loyal, loving and successful therapist than the service or therapist animal. It is most usually a dog, but cats, small horses. rabbits birds and others are used. These animals are generally trained to be receptive to the public and interact very well with their patients. I have seen the joy and delight on faces when a dog or cat is petted, a tail wags, a parrotstands on a finger or shoulder and speaks a word or whistles. This does so much for the heart and spirit!! More placesneed to learnand usethe value of pet therapy. People willrespond to an animal in ways that they won't to a human.

[Cry Tears]

I've been taking my dog Satin to hospitals, clinics and care places so people can just pet her. Its a lot of work, time and effort and often thankless.
I've taken her to the psyche ward many times. Patients there are usually "off the wall" ...no other way to put it without sounding cruel.
You can see what a difference our visit often makes. People who're totally into themselves...medicated often into a stupor, will pet her without stopping, but eyes still downcast. But you know you're making someone feel better about life or living.
I've had people take Satins head, look into her face and sob...telling her all their problems as if she were some sort of healer and could turn their horrible life around. maybe she can?....Who knows.
I'm getting ready to make my cat Bitty-boo into a pet therapist.
He's got 6 toes, huge feet and sorta mangled back legs...not deformed really....just sorta odd in back. His claws stuck to everything...so I had him declawed when he went in for neutering. I know people say its cruel to de-claw, but I paid extra $ for them to give him extra pain meds. He didn't seem to be in any pain ever. I'm glad for that. It did stop the problems of his claws sticking everywhere AND he will NEVER claw anyone! He's definatly a lap cat and loves even strangers.
We've had guest over several times...he jumps right into their laps uninvited. So I guess you can say he's very freindly even to strangers.
He's been going for short rides in my truck...so far he's done pretty good and not all freaked out. Wouldn't say he loves going for ride but just does well.
We had a cat that loved going in the car...sadly...coyotes...well...anyway. Bitty-boo is on his way! We'll get him certified with Delta this summer.
But like I said..its hard work but so rewarding...and your animal becomes a 100% tax right off!
Blessings, cheryl...Satin, Bitty-boo and the gang!

#1 Cow girl!

#2 first experience in the snow...what is this ma?

#3 No, you're not seeing things! There's just one cat!
the other two are copies! Copy cats!
They help engineer 911 systems for Motorola....
hubby oversee's their job! Ha!
They pester Larry sometimes...he has to toss them all out of the room, then they scratch at the door wanting back in.
#4...Hey...Mr squirell! Wanna come in and.... play??? Tee-hee! Yumm!

[Buttons2]

Cheryl, thanks for sharing the pics! Now I know how the squirrell feeder is so entertaining!

What does Satin think of the squirrells? Guessing not interested or they'd have found a better feeding site huh?

And your cats have beautiful coats!

Buttons