Use Pets As Therapy!

The inclusion of pets into hospital and rehabilitation environments has long been considered very therapeutic, and pets continue to be an important part of life long after rehabilitation has ended. In addition to filling lonely hours with companionship, pets can be trained, much like the more familiar Seeing Eye dogs, to perform tasks and assist persons with disabilities in many different ways. The responsibility for pet care can enhance cognitive functioning in ways that are more subtle and enjoyable than traditional therapies. Fun activities often stimulate individuals with low motivation in ways that are not often achieved by sitting in front of a television set for hours on end. Pets are very good companions and help people feel less lonely. They also respond with feedback which can negate inappropriate behaviours, and interest in a pet may redirect egocentricity that may arise from frontal lobe deficits. Selecting a pet can be turned into a cognitive exercise of planning. The choice of a pet should be fun, not fraught with discord. It

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