As an animal lover, I have always been interested in the relationship between humans and animals and how we affect one another. While it is not accurate to go so far as to say that it is a symbiotic relationship (thank you humans for pretty much destroying everything we touch), science is showing that the beneficial effect animals have on human is evident and strong.
As this research is popping up and showing more results animal therapy is becoming more popular as well. Animals have been used in medical settings for over 150 years, but it is only since the 1970s where researches have been observing and testing the bond between humans and animals. One of the main effects of animals is mood improvement; the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine has been focusing in particular on oxytocin levels, claiming that animals increase those levels in humans through touch, interaction, and just through general proximity (oxytocin is a hormone which not only helps us feel happy and trusting, but also has some healing power and is known to help regenerate new cells).
Animals such as dogs, cats, and horses are the more popular “therapists” and have shown some of the best results and improvement among children with various disabilities. Some of these improvements include social skills, cognitive skills, increased awareness and processing skills, and just a general increase in happiness levels in patients.
As mentioned above, therapeutic animal places (especially barns) are becoming more and more popular around the country and in our very own Bay Area! One local place is BOK Ranch in Woodside (http://www.bokranch.com/index.html), and if you know of any others please comment and let me know! Feel free to microSCOPE it out (ba doom tsss) and have a great day!
Works Cited
Rovner, Julie. “Pet Therapy: How Animals And Humans Heal Each Other.” NPR. NPR, n.d. Web. 27 Aug. 2014. <http://www.npr.org/blogs/health/2012/03/09/146583986/pet-therapy-how-animals-and-humans-heal-each-other>.
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Marissa,
You share very interesting information. I have always been curious about the therapeutic benefits of animal therapy. Why did you choose this topic for your very first blog? Are you connected to animal therapy in some way or just interested in the topic as I am? Have you ever experienced benefits yourself? Have you been to the place in Woodside that you mention?
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