Similarities and differences - Assignment Example

Due Serving Mankind: Animal Companions Anyone who has a pet, or has ever had a beloved pet, understandshow much love, joy, and good humor that an animal can bring to your life and the warmth that they bring to your home. However, these wonderful contributions can, also, be harnessed in more serious issues that human beings face, such medical conditions, loneliness depression, trauma, even phobias, and improve the lives of people in need just by being present. The use of animals for their therapeutic potential has been engaged in since the 1800s and have aided in the rehabilitation of, both, physical and emotional traumas. (Wagner ) That said research continues to be pursued to determine how beneficial animal therapies are in treating a multitude of disorders, ailments, and other unpleasant issues of the human condition.

One of the current uses of animals in therapy is in treating children you have a fear of reading. Such fears can develop due to several different causes. Individuals with legitimate disabilities or difficulties reading may fear the judgment and criticism of their peers, which can manifest in them suffering low self-esteem. Animals, however, unlike people, never pass judgment and can be a comforting and encouraging presence on children, particularly dogs. Multiple reading programs have been developed that involves matching children with dogs and asking these children to read to the dogs.

This can, not only improve, their desire to read, but, also, provides them a sense of comfort and relaxation. Ideally such a program’s overall goals are to associate reading with positive experiences and animals can participate in that in unique and endearing ways. ("TDI: Therapy Dogs International") Children are not the only ones that benefit from the inclusion of animal therapy in their lives. The elderly, particularly those that live in institutionalized settings, are occasion to very high rates of loneliness, depression, and a huge detachment, very often, from the world around them.

For both alert and non-alert patients, distinct differences are apparent in their behaviors. The physical contact and gentle interaction and companionship of an animal grants these individuals that sense of necessary comfort.(Ptak 10) One of the most saddening side-effects suffered from the brave men and women who serve in this country’s military is Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. This is a very serious condition that can have hugely negative effects on the psychological, emotional, and physical day to day existences of our veterans.

Research is showing that canine therapy companions are proving to be beneficial in providing emotional support, as well as, a sense of responsibility; both of which are essential for that recovery from PTSD. In more severe cases, where the veteran could potentially require even more immediate aid, some of these dogs are trained to snap a veteran out of a “war-time” flashback, sense the beginnings of panic attacks, and even dial 911 should the situation become an emergency.(Nauert) The PTSD suffered by veterans is not the only application of animal therapy in psychiatric environments.

People can have a difficult time, for a plethora of reasons, in expressing their true feelings to one another. However, animals can bring out emotions that we normally cannot, or will not, express. In clinical settings the statistics have shown that animals brings out genuine emotions and sense of compassion.(Wagner ) Animals are more than cute and cuddly. The relationship between humans and animals is timeless and continues to prove itself relevant to our well being, mentally, emotionally, and physically.

They enrich our lives, warm our hearts, and make us laugh; but they can, also, inspire us to care and, even, help keep our blood pressure low. (Wagner ) We often underestimate animals and take their presence for granted. However, if they can improve our lives and improve our health then perhaps they are deserving of greater respect and much more gratitude.Works CitedNauert, Rick. "Canine Therapy for Military PTSD." PsychCentral. PsychCentral, 9 2010. Web. 4 Dec 2012. .Ptak, Andrea Leigh. "Interactions.

" Interactions. 13.1 (1995): 7-10. Web. 4 Dec. 2012. .Wagner , Susan. "Animal-Assisted Therapy for Physical and Emotional Disorders." Pittsburgh PetConnections. Pittsburgh PetConections, n.d. Web. 4 Dec 2012. .TDI: Therapy Dogs International. Therapy Dogs international, n.d. Web. 4 Dec 2012. .