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Rebekah Peek
Tammy Davis
English Composition 1
4 December 2018
The phrase “A Dog is a Man’s Best Friend” refers to the long history of a strong bond
humans have with animals. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, this
human-animal bond is associated with a beneficial and dynamic relationship between people and
animals that is determined by the behaviors helpful towards the health and wellbeing of both
(AVMA). Animals have also been used for therapeutic purposes known to be helpful for the
emotional, physical, and psychological aspects within humans. Animal Assisted Therapy is a
type of therapy that involves animals in the form of treatment. The most common animals used
for this are dogs, cats, and horses, however, other animals have recently been introduced such as
guinea pigs, rabbits, hamsters, chickens, pigs, and alpacas. Becoming an advocate for Animal
Assisted Therapy can change many lives by providing emotional, physical, and psychological
Certified therapy animals are used in schools, hospitals, and even after natural disasters.
There are many forms of interaction with these animals such as direct contact, or observing. The
physiological effects animals have on humans involve a decrease in cortisol levels, as known as
the stress hormone, and release of endorphins, which are mood enhancing chemicals (addiction).
These chemicals allow the human body to increase trust, communication, become calm, and
improve focus, attention, and mood (addiction). For example, in a documentary about the effects
of therapy animals, Diamond writes the story of Caleb Howard, explaining his recovery journey
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with a therapy dog named Colonel. Caleb was in a head-on car collision that left him in critical
condition with a traumatic brain injury. His parents weren’t sure how long it would take him to
recover since the progress was almost unrecognizable. That is when it was suggested by Caleb’s
therapist to bring in a therapy dog named Colonel. Throughout his recovery with colonel’s help,
Caleb immediately starts to show awareness. Later, Caleb gains control over his hands by
playing fetch with colonel and also gained mobility by taking colonel on walks, making Caleb
more active than he had been since the accident (Diamond). The story of Caleb and his therapy
There are many ways to be involved as an advocate for Animal Assisted Therapy. One
organization is Joy In The Cause. The founder of Joy In The Cause, Lisa Bain, was inspired
when her mom was diagnosed with ovarian cancer and later receiving her own diagnosis of an
autoimmune disease (BDCM). Her mission is to provide care, compassion, and joy to those with
life- altering illness and special needs (BDCM). Mavis Pearl is a registered therapy dog that
accompanies Lisa going town to town in cancer treatment centers, hospitals, nursing facilities,
and throughout the community while is also the ambassador for Joy In The Cause (BDCM).
After seeing the impact Mavis had made, Lisa decided to create a stuffed animal that resembles
her (Mavis Pearl). Whoever Mavis visits is given this stuffed animal with a signature bandana,
bow, collar, and tutu (Mavis Pearl). Volunteers have the opportunity to help make tutus for the
stuffed animals to put into care packages for those who will be visited. Joy In The Cause has
grown to have over 600 volunteers, 3 projects (Purpose Project, Joy To The Rescue Project Kids
in Crisis, and Joy In The Adventure), and over 38,000 care packages delivered (BDCM). Mavis
shows the impact therapy animals have on those who are experiencing life-changing events. The
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use of animals within therapy has proven to speed up the recovery process, relieve stress, and
make an impact in the community. Volunteering an at organization such as Joy In The Cause
makes a huge impact not only on who receive care packages but also the families.
Although the stories that were mentioned prove the advantages of Animal Assisted
Therapy, there are also disadvantages. In some cases, people can have a fear of animals due to a
past interaction (Schultz). The best way to address this issue is to gradually introduce the animal
or have others interact with it while the person is near (Schultz). Another disadvantage would be
allergies to the animal. One way that can reduce allergies is properly bathing the animal before
public interaction (Schultz). The most effective way for those with allergies is to have the
handler do demonstrations with the animal either in a large room or outside (Schultz). The
animal biting, scratching, or kicking someone can also be a major concern for safety (Schultz).
Risk for injury can be avoided if the animal handler is notified about any concerns with possible
problems before a session or program (Schultz). Therapy animals are trained to handle all types
There are many ways to become an advocate for Animal Assisted Therapy. From
becoming a handler or getting involved in your community, being an advocate can change many
lives by providing emotional, physical, and psychological help with the human-animal bond.
There are many different species that serve as therapy animals, from the most common being
dogs, to the not so familiar aquatic creature, dolphins. Therapy animals have proven that the
human animal bond can speed up the recovery process of someone who is suffering as well as
have a huge impact on the families. Although there are many concerns about fear, allergies, and
safety, therapy animals go through training to be able to handle any situation and go through
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regular veterinary checkups. Animal Assisted Therapy has made a huge impact in many
people’s lives and I hope one day it will be as important to you as it is to me.
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Works Cited
“Board of Directors and Committee Leaders.” Joy In The Cause, ©2018 Joy In The Cause.
http://joyinthecause.org/boardofdirectors/
animalbond/pages/human-animal-bond-avma.aspx
“Meet Mavis Pearl.” Joy In The Cause, ©2018 Joy In The Cause. http://joyinthecause.org/mav
ispearl/
Schultz, Erin. “Furry Therapists: The Advantages And Disadvantages Of Implementing Animal
schultze.pdf