Research into animal intelligence is making great advances and we are finding that animals are finely tuned and highly sensitive to people and their surroundings. They know instinctively that their own energy and presence can influence an imbalance, and bring comfort or relief to another animal or human.
Through observation it has been noted that some dogs are able to detect when a person may be going to have a seizure or a heart attack. The animal will instinctively stay close and try to keep the person safe. There are stories of a worker whose dog saved someone from heart failure. A man noticed one day that his dog, which stayed with him in the office, had disappeared. Aware of the dog’s ability, he tracked him down to the office of a colleague. He explained his concern and advised him if he was not feeling well he should go to a doctor immediately. The colleague took his advice and later thanked him for the warning, which probably saved his life.
Research studies show people with pets have healthier hearts, less doctor visits, get more exercise and are less depressed. Children too are calmer in the presence of a pet. Single children with no siblings develop greater empathy, higher self esteem and are more physically and socially active.
Some dogs are great helpers to handicapped people and can be trained to help with washing clothes, using a dryer and putting clothes in drawers afterwards, as well as many other useful tasks which can help create greater independence.
Horses have also been raising their odds in the therapeutic riding world where they help children and adults with physical and mental/emotional problems. Children having difficulties with school as well as with emotional problems seem to find a sense of calm and connectiveness when working or riding horses. Seniors have found that their arthritis/rheumatism or related illnesses are greatly alleviated when horse riding.
Live-in cats now take long shifts at care facilities as they wander the wards, recognizing when someone is especially in need of comfort and company. Now that the health facilities are recognizing this and allowing cats to grow up and live within a facility, people are enjoying the delight of feline company when they need it most. These cats don’t mind if they are not stroked when they visit a sick resident; their love is unconditional. In fact, often they don’t like fuss and prefer to be left just lying on the bed, doing what comes to them naturally.
When care facility staff is stressed with a long list of tasks to be fitted into a limited shift time, they cannot spend the time with a patient they would like and are grateful for the wonderful unselfishness of these intuitive animals. Sometimes a cat will spend days or weeks with a very ill patient, only leaving the bedside when necessary or to check on other patients.
Priscilla is the black cat at Swan Valley Lodge with two beautiful golden eyes who keeps watch in one of the pods. She moved into the Lodge in 2009 as a kitten from PAWS. Shortly after her arrival she disappeared for nearly a week and when she returned it was obvious she had had an accident and injured her lower back. She recovered and began her apprenticeship learning not to get up on tables and what is generally acceptable behaviour in her care facility.
She gets protective of her patients and likes to be left alone, sometimes showing frustration when disturbed from duty by flashing her tail or meowing. She does enjoy some quiet whispered praise and will often put out a paw to show her appreciation.
Studies show that patients who have pets in their environment often remain calmer and more peaceful. A cat on care duty does need to be cared for with cat food and water, a box cleaned daily and not fed people food which may cause upset stomachs, diarrhea, etc.
