GOLDEN
Margaret’s Corner
A MESSAGE FROM OUR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Life can be bit of a rollercoaster, right? And nowadays, with constant notifications on our phones and breaking news in our inboxes, any given day can be downright stressful! That’s why taking care of our mental and physical well-being is more crucial than ever.
Lucky for us, Hand in Paw is wagging its tail and showing us just how pawsome our furry friends can be! Our mission is to improve human health and well-being through Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT). Our programs are improving lives with the magic of our furry friends. So, we wanted to highlight how these tail-wagging interventions are making an impact in Central Alabama and Tuscaloosa.
Stress Relief
Animals have this amazing superpower to make us feel better. Research has found that spending time with a therapy animal can help lower those stress hormones (bye-bye, cortisol!) and boost our happy chemicals (hello, serotonin!). It’s like getting a warm hug from a friend when you need it most, which is fantastic for tackling anxiety, depression, and PTSD.
Health Benefits Galore
Who knew that playing fetch or giving a belly rub could be so good for you? Engaging with therapy animals can actually boost your physical health. Walking, grooming, or even just hanging out with pets gets you moving more, which is great for your heart. Plus, petting an animal can lower your blood pressure and heart rate, giving your cardiovascular health a nice little boost.
Brain Boosters
For those dealing with dementia or Alzheimer’s, animal-assisted therapy can be a real game-changer. Interacting with animals can help stimulate mental activity, spark memories, and improve focus. It’s like a little jolt of mental energy and purpose, wrapped in fur.
Pain Mitigation
Sometimes, the best medicine comes with a wagging tail. Therapy animals can distract from pain and make things a bit more bearable. Studies show that people involved in animal-assisted therapy often feel less pain and need fewer meds. It’s all thanks to the soothing presence of our furry friends.
