As people with health challenges enjoy the outdoors this summer, many of us are spending time in the sunshine with our beloved pets. On the days we can’t get out because of illness, our companions are there too, stretching out beside us on the couch and showing off their funny antics to make us laugh.
Science has proven that pets canimprove physical andmental health in numerous ways, from lowering blood pressure to reducing anxiety and depression. Service animals can assist people with disabilities with tasks such as retrieving dropped items, alerting to seizures or low blood sugar, and helping people with PTSD stay grounded.
Here are a few of the amazing stories that we found on this subject:
“I have cerebral palsy. Our two rescues Maxx and Fripp are there to help me through the tough times and are there to experience the great times.” — Sarah S
“This is my service dog, Malice! He is trained to detect anxiety and panic attacks as well as changes in heart rate. He also responds to physical behaviors I don’t realize I’m doing or I can’t control at the time. Now that he goes to school with me, I am able to function more normally. If I’m about to have a panic attack in class, he will provide deep pressure therapy until it either subsides or until I need to leave class for a little while to recoup. He’s made my life so much easier; I’m finally able to leave my house without being terrified of everything around me. He’s there for me when I’m having really good days, and he doesn’t leave me when I’m having bad days. I’m very thankful for him and everything he does for me on a daily basis.” — Cheyenne
“I have three therapy animals; two horses and a miniature schnauzer. My Appaloosa is totally blind, I’ve had him for 14 years and he is my life. My Paint is mine because she has said so; when I attempted suicide and survived I was claimed by this girl and we’ve built an unbreakable bond over the last year. And then there’s the puppy, in the last eight weeks with him we’ve become each other’s support. He knows when I’m upset and hugs me until I’m OK and I do the same for him. Animals are the best friends anyone could have.”
“Every cat I’ve owned has left me better than I was before they met me. They all have different gifts but they each make my life happier and more complete. I’ve fought a muscle and skin disease all my life and often have been misjudged for it. My cats have always been there for me unconditionally and they seem to have an incredible understanding of when I’m having a good day or bad day. Because of all this, my heart and mind are much more at peace with them nearby.” — Stephanie E.