Therapeutic companions

DID you know your lovable fur­ball at home could double up as a healer? Yes, our four­legged friends are making headlines, not just for their Instagram­worthy antics, but also for their powerful therapeutic abilities.

Just imagine, you’ve had a tough day, and when you get home, there’s that wagging tail and those trusting eyes. Right away, it feels like your burdens lighten a little.

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Research shows that hanging out with pets can lessen anxiety, lower blood pressure, and can even help us bounce back from surgery faster. Many schools and hospitals are catching onto this. They’ve been inviting volunteers with their pets for ‘pet therapy’. These pets aren’t your regular housetrained sweethearts. They’ve gone through special training to be patient, friendly and comforting in various settings. Max is a therapy dog

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who works in a hospital. Every Thursday, he’s there in the paediatric ward, working his magic. His handler, Lisa Taylor, said, “It’s nothing short of incredible. Kids just light up when they see Max, and the ripple of that joy spreads to parents and staff. The whole place feels differ­ ent.” The very presence of these furry companions sparks social connections, which is great for mental health. So next time you’re scrolling through pet videos online, remember they are more than just cute; they could be your next therapy session.