Therapy Pets: The Animal-Human Healing Partnership

This is a heartwarming book, the stories are told with great compassion and it is nice to hear about all the postive outcomes. The pictures add to the joy in the tales...or I could say, it is nice to see such joy with those wagging tails. As a social worker and partner with a therapy dog, this book helped me believe in my mission to do the same kind of work. WELL DONE! Kate Nicoll, MSW of Soul Friends

Therapy Pets: The Animal-Human Healing Partnership, She provides many examples of how animals are emotionally good for us as well as physiologically (they help to lower our blood pressure, cholesterol, lessen feelings of physical pain, decrease feelings of social anxiety, etc.). This is a respectful, intelligent book about a bond that many of us feel, but few of us understand. I WAS ESPECIALLY TOUCHED BY THE STORY OF A ROTTWEILER NAMED 'TIMMY' & AND THE BOND HE FORMED WITH A PATIENT NAMED SCOOTER, IT BROUGHT TEARS TO MY EYES !!! You only hear BAD stories about these animals ! You never hear about such stories as it was a Rotty That worked / volunteered the longest hours & Saved more lives then any other DOG's at the Oklahoma City bombing... I trully believe there are NO 'bad' dogs - Just BAD Owners !!!! This is also a fantastic book if you like to read heartwarming stories about some amazing animals! This book is scientific and gives the evidence that proves the healing power of pets. It is not speculation, fiction or theory IT IS FACTUAL INSTANCES ! The appendix includes a state-by-state listing of AAT organizations and a chapter on how to get your pet started in the field. If you're someone who enjoys curling up with your pets, get ready for a heartwarming read. The authors also provide true-life stories of pets enhancing the lives of their owners often in miraculous ways that science does not understand in spite of gathering high statistical relationships between health and owners. This well-written book is clearly for pet lovers who know inside their hearts the meaning of "harnessing the amazing ability of pets to make and keep people healthy ". LINDA SMITH TEXAS

Jacqueline Crawford and Karen Pomerinke have truly found words to express both the realistic descriptions and the emotional experiences involved in pet therapy. They have hit on so many of the miraculous benefits of this activity, demonstrating how the joy of participation goes both ways - to the recipient as well as to the donor. The book is well organized and documented with many descriptive photographs. It covers the surprisingly wide range of species involved in theraputic activities, proving that the animal-human bond extends beyond the canines, and therefore enlightning its importance. This book is a "must" for everyone involved in the healing professions.

I purchased this book because I have seen first hand the miracle of pets as therapeutic healers. My daughter gained much confidence about her Cerebral Palsy during Therapeutic Horseback Riding, eventually enough to own the most wonderful "therapist" named Penny. Their connection was so strong that Penny took great care of Ashley while on their "venting rides", where Ashley told her the most special of thoughts. I am also a member of the Visiting Pet Program and the bond between our volunteers and their animals and what they hope to accomplish at every visit is extraordinary. Molly is a very special animal, a breed of her own, a "Gaffneyhound" who brings love and smiles to all she visits. Our VPP group is proud of Molly and Lee, and you will enjoy the "tails" in this book about all of the special animals and their humans.

This is a wonderful compliation of stories about a variety of therapy animals and the people they help. The story of my therapy dog (Marley) is featured in this book as well!! :) I have shared this book with collegues and it is a must have for people that would like to get animal assited therapy programs started. This book shows many examples of how animals can help people overcome a variety of challenges. I also think this book would be great for parents or realtives of those with special needs. It will inspire you and encourege alternatives to compliment more tradtional therapies. This is also a fantastic book if you like to read heartwarming stories about some amazing animals!