Whiskers & Wellness

Whiskers & Wellness ...

Akitten purring in your lap, your dog excitedly welcoming you when you get home from work, the soft fur of a gentle bunny, or watching silly animal videos online. Each of these experiences brings a little bit of comfort and joy to the humans experiencing them. Animals have the unique ability to warm our hearts, lift our spirits, give us comfort, and provide a distraction. It is hard to find a person for which animals haven’t touched their lives in some way. This makes animals, and especially pets like cats and dogs, an amazing and integral part of the human experience - and increasingly, a key component to our health and well-being.

Dogs are nicknamed “Man’s Best Friend” for good reason. They are loyal companions, protective, caring, comforting, cozy and non-judgmental. Throughout history there have been stories of heroic dogs saving humans; be it Timmy from the well, traders in the Yukon, or saving kids from burning buildings, dogs are often the hero of our stories. Yet, it is in the simple moments that the bond really shines. The dog curled up with the newborn or the dog comforting the owner through a death in the family. Dogs and humans have a unique bond. Today, humans are recognizing just how important these animal connections are to our well-being. Service and therapy dogs are fast becoming a valuable tool to help humans cope with stress, anxiety, depression and life’s toughest challenges.

Therapy dogs bring comfort, companionship, strength and support to those they help. Sometimes therapy dogs help one owner, while other times they help large groups of people. These dogs are trained in a variety of ways and for a variety of settings. Many therapy practices offer therapy dogs in office to provide a calming presence and a way to build and practice skills that can also then be applied to the real world. Even the US Navy has invested in therapy dogs. Several therapy dogs are ‘stationed’ on various ships, including Rudder, a therapy dog currently helping sailors on the Coronado based USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) through an arduous deployment. In all these cases, dogs help reduce stress, build connections, learn, grow, and sometimes just give a little hit of dopamine that comes from giving them a pet.

Though dogs are arguably the most well-known therapy animals, cats are not to be forgotten. As I write, my own cat is curled up in my lap purring away, giving me a sense of comfort and calm. There is evidence that the purr of a cat helps humans relax, promotes healing, lowers blood pressure, reduces swelling and inflammation and can even promote bone density. Though cats are often labeled as aloof and independent, felines are also loving companions, faithful friends, and provide a valuable connection to humans. Coronado High School has a resident cat, Draco, who wanders campus bringing joy and love to all he meets. Many offices and businesses have office cats that are beloved members of their community. And nursing homes and assisted living homes frequently have cats to provide companionship and comfort for those needing it.

Cats and dogs hold a special place in the human world, however, therapy animals come in all shapes and sizes. Any living being that provides comfort, relaxation, connection and support when needed is a valuable and important asset to their human companions. Some find therapy through horseback riding and the valuable connections with their horses. Our friends have bunnies that are frequently cuddled and a calming presence for kids in the neighborhood. Guinea pigs, hamsters, turtles, birds and other animals are preferred pets that teach responsibility, help combat loneliness and give a sense of purpose. However, some people find connection to other living creatures. My own daughter has a vinegaroon, which calms her when climbing on her hand and gives her a sense of purpose in caring for her. Whatever the creature may be, the most important aspect is that these creatures provide purpose, companionship, responsibility, and are a source of comfort to those that are in need.

In a more and more isolated society, animals are an increasingly valuable thread in the fabric of society that provide critical social and emotional benefits that may be lacking from other humans. Studies have shown that interaction with animals can lower cortisol levels (a stress hormone) and increase oxytocin (a hormone associated with bonding and well-being). These animals help provide leadership and educational opportunities to learn and grow. They give a sense of purpose and responsibility. And they provide endless love, companionship and support. Be it soft and cuddly, or creepy and crawly, an in person visit, ownership of a pet, or just watching funny animal videos, connections between animals and people help humans be better humans.

If pet ownership isn’t for you, consider fostering an animal. Here on Coronado, we are lucky to have PAWS! And they have wonderful perks of fostering: you can foster as long as you like, PAWS provides everything AND you can day foster, take a dog on a picnic, to a park or a hike.   Both of you will feel better for it!

So pet a dog, love on a cat, or interact with another animal and reap the benefits for yourself!

Safe Harbor Coronado provides comprehensive mental health services to youth and families in Coronado. For more information about Safe Harbor Coronado, their programs and services, visit www.safeharborcoronado.org. (619) 522-6884

PAWS of Coronado has a vision for every animal to have a safe and loving forever home. For more information, visit www.pawsofcoronado.org (619) 435-8247