| Now that we have seen several examples of pet
therapy in action, the big question is 'How exactly does it work?' No one has a definitive answer, but advocates proffer the following reasons
why animal interventions work
where others fail:
Trust
Levinson
(1965) noticed that children who were inhibited interacting with adults were
more comfortable interacting with animals. The shy child could assume the
role of an adult or teacher in the relationship. Gonski (1985) postulated
that children could learn to trust the animals, as they are non-judgemental
beings.
Increased
Empathy
Some studies
indicate that children from
homes with pets are more empathetic than children in homes without pets,
possibly because children see animals as peers and can identify with them.
They can identify emotions with animals better because animals don't hide
emotions. This empathy learned early in life enables the children to
become caring individuals in adulthood.
Nurturing
Some AAT
programs have been instituted to help children from violent homes learn how to
nurture and care for others. By being taught to take
care of their pets, the children develop skills of nurturing and learn how to
cope peacefully with issues.
Acceptance
The concept of
unconditional love has more bearing in pet therapy than in any other type of
therapy. A friendly dog is nonjudgmental and accepting of us in any
shape or form.
Socialization
In long term care institutions, interactions between residents can be
facilitated with pets. In several studies, the mere presence of animals
encourages socialization.
Physical contact
Infants deprived
of physical contact are incapable of building healthy and often fail to
thrive. In hospital settings, when patients are touched by staff, it is
usually to start an IV line or perform an uncomfortable physical exam. In
these situations, the touch of an animal is safe, non-threatening, and pleasant.
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