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Rebekah Peek

Tammy Davis

English Composition 1

4 December 2018

Becoming an Advocate for Animal Assisted Therapy

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

help with the human-animal bond.

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

dog Colonel proved the power of human-animal bonds.

There are many ways to be involved as an advocate for Animal Assisted Therapy. One

way is to join an organization; whether it is local, state, or nationwide. An example of a local

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

of situations that can arise to decrease any concerns.

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

“Addiction” Addiction, Copyright 2018. https://www.addiction.com/a-z/animal-assisted-therapy/

“Board of Directors and Committee Leaders.” Joy In The Cause, ©2018 Joy In The Cause.

http://joyinthecause.org/boardofdirectors/

Diamond, Barbara. “They Introduce Their ‘Lifeless’ Son To A Dog.” LittleThings,

https://www.littlethings.com/caleb-meets-therapy-dog/. Accessed 6 December, 2018.

“Human-Animal Bond.” AVMA, https://www.avma.org/kb/resources/reference/human-

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

Therapy In Schools.” American Psychological Association, 5" edition. June 2006.

Menomonie, Wisconsin. https://www2.uwstout.edu/content/lib/thesis/2006/2006

schultze.pdf

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