Healing power of pets

Chopper received a "special request" in a private message through his face book page. The message read, "Hi chopper its Carae from the Special Olympics game. My twin sister is having heart surgery on the 23rd of this month and she would love it if you could go see her and it would make her so happy I hope you can make if to see her."

In our Cozy at Work section we cover the benefits of allowing pets to come to work with folks.
The benefits are unmistakable and people along with companies are starting to come to terms with that.  But what about the healing power of pets?  As we age or as we face life challenges, pets are often times the healing hands at our side. 

 

Associated press article today covers this powerful topic:

Similar results emerged in a 2014 study of 17 nursing home residents in Germany. These residents, impacted with mild to severe dementia, were observed after spending time with both a dog and a "friendly" person versus time with only a "friendly" person.

The healing power of pets: Research, experience speak to benefits of animal-assisted therapy