Animal Companions and Their People Blog

Archive for April, 2011

April has been designated by the ASPCA as Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month. The ASPCA urges its supporters and all who love and care about animals to participate and help spread the message that animal cruelty is not unacceptable under any circumstances.

For those of us who love animals, this message is very important. Far too many animals are treated cruelly without any kindness or compassion – without the awareness that animals are sentient, intelligent beings deserving of our respect, appreciation compassion and proper care and nutrition.

All of us can help decrease animal cruelty by being aware and knowing who to contact if we suspect animal abuse. According to the ASPCA, there are also many ways that we can recognize or identify cruelty to animals.

1). Dogs who are left outside chained or tethered in all kinds of weather – extreme heat and intense cold.

2). Dogs who are repeatedly left alone without food or water.

3). Dogs who have flea or tick infestation

4). Wounds on the body.

5). Emaciated or starving animals.

6). Witnessing an owner beating, choking or kicking an animal.

7). Dogs or other animals who are limping.

8). Dogs/Cats with patches of missing hair.

9). Animals with scars or open wounds

10). Dogs or cats that have been hit by a car or truck and are debilitated but have not received veterinary care.

Animals are deserving of our care and compassion. It is very important to be aware of cruelty in our own neighborhoods and communities and to take action when we find that it is occurring.

Dog Behavior Specialist, Dr. Diane Pomerance

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In a world as chaotic, violent, tumultuous, and destructive as ours, with both man-made as well as natural disasters rampant, with minimal contact between humans and the natural world, our animal companions have assumed significance far beyond most people’s comprehension. Our relationship with and appreciation and respect for domesticated animals such as dogs and cats have deepened, and many of us have come to regard our “pets” as beloved family members rather than chattel or beings simply to be used for our convenience or designed to assist us in our work.

We, as humans, have lost virtually all contact with the natural world and the healing, revitalizing, replenishing aspects of nature. Throughout the ages, we have always been a part of an agrarian society which deeply and, of necessity, appreciated the seasons and the power, beauty, bounty and perils of Mother Nature. Today, unfortunately, we underestimate and undervalue the significance of nature in our lives, much to our detriment. We simply have lost our understanding and awareness as to how vitally important – how integral- to our lives (physically, emotionally and spiritually) the world of nature is.

We have lost touch with the profound beauty and the many gifts which nature provides us. We grow increasingly ignorant of and nonchalant about the essential role that nature plays in our mental, physical, emotional and spiritual lives.. We have lost much of our spiritual essence and foundation as we diminish or even dismiss the importance of and relevance of nature and the natural world to our lives. Instead, we have embraced man-made accomplishments and technological achievements.

There has been an enormous amount of evidence based upon numerous scientific studies which substantiate the importance of nature and natural beauty in our lives. There are many reasons that we find peace, serenity and solace in our mountains, oceans, rivers and forests. There are many reasons that we derive pleasure, comfort and support from our animal companions.

There is significant scientific evidence, which supports the emotional and physiological benefits and the healing powers of our animal companions they lower our blood pressure, decrease our heart rate, and decrease anxiety, depression, sadness anger, fear and stress. Their presence has a calming and soothing effect upon us. Odendaal’s study of 2000 measured significant changes in blood plasma levels of various neurochemicals after subjects engaged in a 30-minute positive interaction wit an unfamiliar dog. Neurochemicals associated with a decrease in blood pressure increased; in humans and dogs, endorphin, oxytocin, prolactin, phenylectic acid, and dopamine increased significantly. Cortisol, a hormone associated with increased stress levels, decreased significantly in humans.

A 2007 study by Cole, Gawlinski, Steers & Kotlerman found that visits with a therapy dog improved cardiopulmonary pressures, neurohormone levels, and anxiety in patients hospitalized with heart failure. Human heart failure patients had one 12 minute visit with a therapy dog – lower anxiety, epinephrine stress hormone dropped, blood pressure dropped.

In 2002 Wu, Niedra, Pendergast & McCrindle evaluated the effectiveness of a dog visitation program in helping 30 children and their families adjust to hospitalization on a pediatric cardiology ward. From their analysis of all the data, the researchers concluded that the dog visits relieved stress, normalized the hospital milieu, and improved patient and parent morale.

Richeson 2003 described how the nondirective presence of a therapy dog decreased agitation and increased positive social behaviors in older patients with dementia.

According to Dr Cynthia K. Chandler, a Professor of Counseling and Director of Animal Assisted Therapy at the University of North Texas, ‘Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT) in counseling is the incorporation of pets as therapeutic agents into the counseling process. The therapy animal works in partnership with a human therapist to provide compassionate and stimulating therapy designed to facilitate human client recovery.’ AAT utilizes the special relationship between people and their pets to provide services for persons in need. AAT utilizes the human and animal bond to model and facilitate appropriate and nurturing relationships.’

The emotional, physical and spiritual benefits of animal companionship are incalculable. In the impersonal and highly technologically oriented world in which we live, animal companionship provides us with a link to the world of nature, beauty and the Source of all Creation.

Dog Behavior Specialist, Dr. Diane Pomerance

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All those who have grieved and mourned the loss of a beloved animal companion wish that our dearest and most devoted friends could have lived longer. It is a fact that generally we, as human beings, outlive our pets, and so, we must learn to become accustomed to coping with and recovering from grief over their loss. We can never take time or any life for granted. However, there are various ways that we can increase the likelihood of our pets living long, happy and healthy lives. Here are my top ten tips to help you extend your pet’s life.

1). Have your pet examined at least once a year (if not more) by a veterinarian. A wellness exam is an important component in keeping your pet healthy and discovering any potentially dangerous health issues your pet may have.

2) Have your pet spayed or neutered. Neutering eliminates the possibility of testicular cancer and decreases the chance of developing prostate disease. Spaying your female pet decreases her chances of developing ovarian or uterine cancer. Spay/neuter also diminish your pet’s desire to run away or roam. Pet overpopulation is a huge problem not only in this country but also throughout the world. Too many unwanted animals are born and, thus far too many innocent animals suffer and are euthanised every year.

3). Make sure your pet receives his annual vaccinations including: Rabies, DHPP, Bordatella, Lepto as well as heartworm and fecal tests. These are critically important preventive and lifesaving measures for your pet.

4). Keep your pet clean. Good hygiene including dental hygiene is imperative for his good health. A lack of oral hygiene can result in oral disease, gingivitis and periodontal disease which can be linked to heart, lung and kidney disease.

5). Keep your pet on monthly heartworm preventive as well as a regular flea and tick prevention program.

6). Feed your pet age appropriate nutritious food regularly. Consult your vet as to the food best suited for your pet’s overall health and well-being. Do not overfeed or underfeed your pet.

7). Make sure that your pet always has fresh, clean water.

8). Exercise your pet regularly.

9). Interact with your pet frequently and as often as possible. They love to please us and
require attention and affection. Don’t let your pet be a “latchkey” pet – alone, bored and frustrated.

10. Love, respect and appreciate your pet. These are really the most fundamental requirements of pet parenthood. Do so, and he will repay you a million fold with his love, loyalty and devotion.

Dr. Diane Pomerance

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Of my twenty-two dogs, all are loving, loyal and devoted to my husband and me. There isn’t an aloof, detached, unfriendly or undemonstrative one among them. Their tails wag enthusiastically at the mere sight of us, and they lick and hug us profusely. They are always happy to see us and are overjoyed to spend time with us each and everyday. They love to go for their walks and can’t contain their excitement when they know a ride in the car is imminent. When we take the time and make the effort to play with them, they can hardly control their exuberance.

We, who love our animal companions, do not take for granted their unconditional love, but rather embrace them as they embrace us. Many of us regard our animal companions not only as our best and most trusted and valued friends, but also as be-loved family members. There are countless stories about dogs who save humans from tragedy or even death - a Rottweiller leaping into a burning apartment to save an infant; a German Shepherd saving a woman choking on a piece of fruit; a Labrador Retriever dog plunging into a swiftly flowing river to pluck out a drowning child. Many people who have been rescued from dangerous or deadly situations regard their dogs as “guardian angels.” And, perhaps, they are indeed. Who am I to determine their role or purpose? However, I can certainly personally attest to their healing powers and their seemingly “divine” intervention”, or shall I say, “contribution” to human lives. I have witnessed their abilities firsthand many, many times throughout my life.

One of the most joyous and fulfilling activities in which I have participated is to train and have some of my dogs classified as Canine Good Citizens through the AKC (American Kennel Club) and then, after further training, to have them certified as “Assisted Animal Therapy dogs. They are thus able to accompany me to various hospitals, assisted living centers, hospice care facilities, schools and recreation centers where they bring joy and healing to patients, residents and students and to both children and adults alike. They bring peace, unconditional love and comfort to those in need. They often work with people with special needs such as cerebral palsy, Down’s Syndrome, epilepsy, autism, and so on.

These dogs are devoted to me and to serving those in need. They do not seem to “see” wheelchairs, walkers, IV’s or other medical apparatus. They appear “at home” and at ease with those who are ill or disabled. Depending upon the frequency of visits they make, they truly come to know and love those they serve. They perform “tricks” for and play with them. They enjoy being petted and held. They bring fun, laughter and friendship to so many who suffer and are lonely. They forge a unique bond with them. They are “real” and “genuine” and nonjudgmental. Those they visit seem to lose their embarrassment or self-consciousness during their time with our therapy dogs. For at least a short while, they forget their pain and commune with a creature that is loving and empathetic. These dogs are “all heart” and pure love. I am so grateful to be with them as they bring grace and dignity to those who have been displaced and too often simply forgotten.

Dr. Diane Pomerance

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