Health and pets

Health, Happiness, and Pets

Nothing compares to the joy of coming home to a loyal companion, and there are potential physical and mental

Adog isn’t referred to as ‘man’s best friend’ for nothing. It is believed that man and, back then, wolves, ago. Since then, humans have welcomed all manner of living creatures into our homes, but why?

“The right pet can improve a person’s life tremendously,” says professional dog trainer, Eileen Thorne. “Interaction with animals lowers blood pressure and can provide an oxytocin rush.”

Oxytocin, also known as the ‘feelgood hormone’, is known to promote attachment, improve social skills and even induce sleep.

“The pet can also provide them with a way of interacting with society that situations,” she continues. “I call animals conduits to human interaction for that reason. A pet can allow them to interact with people without the full social pressure on them.”

Some pets however, you don’t even presence.

There is a reason why doctor’s surgeries tanks. “It’s because they have a very Executive Director of the Bermuda Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA).

Taking it a step further, animals can even provide a form of ‘therapy’ for people with certain medical or emotional needs.

Dr. Laura Henagulph owner of psychiatry and psychology practice, Seaglass Clinical Consulting, alongside Ms. Terceira and Ms. Thorne, runs TheraTails, an animal-assisted therapy programme at the SPCA.

Some of Dr. Henagulph’s clients struggle with ‘traditional’ face-to-face therapy or simply won’t engage at all. But if she suggests working with animals, “immediately there’s engagement!”

“They will attend therapy sessions, thing. When they get into the session, the focus is not on them, it’s on the animal.

Many of the programme’s clients come through the department of child and family services, and are often struggling within the care system, which, says Dr. Henagulph, “is a great mirror for what goes on at the shelter.”

Kate Terceira, Dr. Laura Henagulph and Eileen Thorne

TheraTails works with a wide variety of animals at the SPCA as well as a private barn which has a rescue horse.

“There’s something uniquely powerful about the horses,” says Dr. Henagulph. “Because of their sensitivity and their relationship with humankind over the centuries.

“Working with all rescue animals really resonates with our client group, in particular Pit Bulls. Animals that have had a bit of a ‘reputation’, animals that are seen as being aggressive or badly behaved but in fact neglect or abuse have played a part in the way they behave. Those kinds of presentations are very familiar to some of our adolescent clients who are in residential care.”

Sometimes however, they will ease someone in with smaller animals such as cats, guinea pigs or rabbits, which are less intrusive, giving the person space to observe and feel safe.

TheraTails also helps older people with age-related health issues. “One client who had early onset dementia came weekly to brush the horse,” explains Ms. Terceira, adding that it was the only time she was “enthused to do anything. It assisted with her strength and mobility, and the interest in doing so.”

“You have such a vast gambit of positives working with animals and how they provide unconditional, nonjudgemental love,” she continues. “It’s a massive sense of purpose as well because where you may not want to get out of bed in the morning, you have to because there’s an animal that is relying on you. It lowers blood pressure, but also, from the point of view of activity, it increases your heartrate because you are encouraged to exercise an animal as well.”

Horses and dogs, continues Ms. Terceira, “have distinct personalities. They’re herd animals, so they like to be around people. They look at people as part of their herd.”

While horses and dogs may make great companions, not everyone is in a position perfect pet for your needs and lifestyle?

Important things to consider, explains Ms. Thorne, are your living situation, mobility, available time, other people determined the animal you want, she rescue that is looking at the temperament and health of the animals. If it is a breeder you want someone who focuses on appropriate early socialisation and handling. That is for any pet that you are going to want to handle – guinea pig, chicken, birds, cats.”

She also points out, however, how much she enjoys just watching lizards on her outdoor table during her ‘down time’. “For people who are not in the position to have a pet right now, this kind of ‘backyard pet’ is a viable option.”