For animal lovers, pets can be cute cuddly companions that make your home a bit warmer and your life a bit more fulfilled. But did you know that pets can be good for your health? According to the National Center for Health Research, people who have a pet have healthier hearts, stay home sick less often, make fewer visits to the doctor, get more exercise and are less depressed. Studies show that pet ownership may also significantly help with social support as well as social interactions with other people.
Paws and Think, an Indianapolis-based nonprofit agency, has been helping to improve the lives of others through human-dog interaction since 2001. P&T’s unique focus is on helping both canines and humans who are dealing with difficult times through various programs.
Recently, the Recorder spoke with Paws and Think’s executive director Kelsey Burton and volunteer coordinator Kathy Janes about the significance of the organization and how others can get involved.
Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper: What is the impact of pet therapy on individuals suffering with mental illness?
Burton: Those who are sick, have suffered physical or emotional trauma, or spend their days alone need physical and emotional connections. By bringing therapy dogs in to venues, we provide an opportunity to improve stress levels, decrease blood pressure and increase neurotransmitters that influence mood. Our therapy teams consisting of a therapy dog and his/her handler visit various venues in central Indiana to aid in the emotional well-being of those who need it most. Our teams visit youth and adults at several venues including local hospitals. Dogs reduce stress, anxiety and depression by easing loneliness and providing valuable companionship. They are a source of joy and unconditional love. The human-animal bond directly relates to improving several medical conditions.
How does pet therapy compare to other forms of alternative therapy?
Janes: New alternative therapies that are being seen are art therapy, music therapy, hippotherapy and equine-assisted therapy. All of these are now recognized modalities and are at least partially covered by most insurance companies. The latter two fall under the same umbrella as pet therapy, insofar as they are among the many forms of human-animal interventions, or HAI.
As a science, this field is exploding. Many colleges and universities are adding programs from certificates and minors through doctoral and post-doc. Currently, most forms of HAI are provided by volunteers. However, we are seeing an increase in social workers, psychologists and other medical practices incorporating this type of therapy. Hippotherapy is extremely effective for children on the autism spectrum and many physical disabilities, and has even been credited with providing kids with the skills and strength to learn to walk. Animals provide a safe and non-judgmental partner to all ages, and the chemical reactions to touch are seen in both the human and the animal. Art and music therapies cannot chase away loneliness in an elderly person. They cannot provide the warmth of the body or the beating heart that an animal can. Often we see people suffering with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia re-engage with their memories when visited by an animal. There is a growing awareness of many people beginning to suffer nature-deprivation, and bringing animals into those lives is very healing.
Can you tell us more about the programs you offer?
Burton: One venue is Brooke’s Place, whose mission is to support children and their families through bereavement programs, advocacy, community education and outreach. Our teams visit each week during their evening support groups to provide a much-needed non-judgmental listening ear. We have seen huge breakthroughs from youth who only would speak to the dog about their feelings. Therapy teams also visit The Julian Center on the second and third Monday of every month, seeing 10–12 kids per visit. The Julian Center works with those affected by domestic and sexual violence. Additionally, children who have trouble reading can be taunted by fellow students and made to feel embarrassed about their reading skills. Students who have been determined to be at-risk/vulnerable in their reading performance for a variety of reasons including learning disabilities, such as attention deficit disorder and dyslexia, or other economic and language-based difficulties are more likely to be truant and drop out of school if not given the opportunity to improve their reading skills. Paws and Think is currently running an established reading “Paws to Read” programs for children aged 6–12 in seven Marion County Title 1, NSLP grade schools as well as at several urban and suburban libraries surrounding Indianapolis.
What suggestions or advice would you give to someone who is considering pet therapy as an option for themselves or a loved one?
Burton: We offer Animal-Assisted Interaction (AAI) and Therapies (aka pet therapy) at various locations throughout central Indiana. If someone is interested in receiving visits, they would need to speak with someone at their facility (hospital, nursing home, school, support group, etc.) and speak with them about setting this program up. All of our volunteers visit only Paws & Think-approved venues to ensure liability insurance is in place and logistical arrangements are already set up.
How can people get involved as volunteers, and what qualifications should they have?
Burton: We have several volunteer opportunities for people with and without their dogs. To become a volunteer, interested individuals will need to fill out a volunteer application and background check on our website. Upcoming dates for volunteer orientation are listed there as well. Volunteers need to be able to donate at least two hours per month.
For more information on Paws and Think, visit pawsandthink.org.
