Therapeutic Qualities of Our Pets
/As I have said multiple times, I am beyond tired of hearing about and living COVID-19 and I am sure you are too! However, just because we are tired of it, doesn’t mean it will go away. As I wrote in a previous blog, there are positives to COVID-19. You can read that blog here.
One of the best positives that I have experienced personally is having much more time with my fur babies! As you may have already guessed from my previous blogs and videos, I love my fur babies! Ok saying that I love them is a HUGE understatement, but you get the point!
Have you noticed how our pets, or as I call mine, my fur babies, are now regularly participating in our teletherapy sessions, virtual meetings, and virtual social hours? Perhaps they have been invited; however, more than likely they have decided to make their presence known such as barking or like my cats, climbing onto the keyboard and blocking the camera until they get the appropriate acknowledgment and told how gorgeous they are. Quite honestly, seeing everyone’s fur babies is my favorite part of switching to virtual therapy, meetings, and social events. Of course, being the proud mama that I am, I love showing off my cuties too.
In addition to our pets making virtual meetings so much more entertaining, they have many more excellent qualities and benefits. Research shows how petting an animal can lower the heart rate, reduce symptoms of anxiety, and reduce symptoms of depression. Of course, our emotional state and mental health have a direct correlation to our physical health. Thus, when we relax by cuddling and petting our fur babies, our emotional state improves which leads to health improvements.
Have you ever been having a bad day and just feel sad or irritable yet no one seems to notice? Ok, no one but your pets. Their intuition is amazing. When I am feeling exhausted or sad my cats somehow seem to notice it immediately and come and become even more cuddly that usual. They also know just when I need them. Of course, they also seem to know exactly when I am coming home, even when I change my schedule around. My husband swears that my cats start looking out the window and going to the kitchen door when I am getting close to being home.
I distinctly remember the morning of 9/11. Our pets never like us to leave the house (at least that is what we convince ourselves of). However, that morning, they were blocking the door even more than usual and seemed much more agitated about us leaving. Did they sense that something horrific was going to happen? I am convinced they did! Watch animals….they have seemed to predict natural disasters such as tsunamis. We can learn so much from our pets and animals in general and you can read more about this on my previous blog here.
Of course, we have all seen the service dogs helping their persons from time to time. It is very tempting to reach out and pet them but DON’T. They are there to help and protect their person. For example, they can assist someone who has visual impairment, detect seizures coming on, and detect the change in someone’s blood sugars; thus, preventing diabetic issues of too high or too low of blood sugars. This is absolutely amazing and fascinating. Both dogs and cats have alerted their families of fires in the homes and have also sacrificed their lives to save their owners during fires. I cannot express it enough….ANIMALS ARE AMAZING!!!!!!
I have been very pleasantly surprised that adoptions of dogs and cats needing homes during COVID-19 continue and have gone up. I too adopted an adult cat during COVID. Yes, you read that correctly, “Mrs. Crazy Cat Lady” (I embrace this title proudly!!!) adopted another cat. It truly was not planned but our oldest rescue cat died suddenly, and a rescue group asked that we give Lunar a home and how could we turn away a cat in need?!?! Not only did we open our home to Lunar, an adult cat, but it opened a spot for another cat to be fostered since Lunar moved into his forever home. Win-win! I am so grateful for all the loving people adopting rescues needing homes. I firmly believe in the saying “Who rescued who?” because I know that my fur babies have given me so much more than what I feel I have given them and trust me….my fur babies are SPOILED!!!! I have always said and still say, my only true complaint about my fur babies is that they never live long enough! I know the loss of a fur baby is extremely hard and one of my favorite poems is The Rainbow Bridge. Read it but be sure to have tissues with you when you do, trust me!
Now for my Public Service Announcements (PSA’s): Once you adopt and/or bring a pet into your home and life, they are a lifelong commitment. Kittens and puppies grow up and like us humans, need more medical/veterinary care. Please do not “dump” them when issues arise. It is very hard to find loving homes for older animals; although, I can certainly attest to the fact that my “older” cats and dogs are absolutely WONDERFUL! Also, like Bob Barker from The Price is Right always said, “Don’t forget to have your pets spayed and neutered!”
Times are challenging currently due to COVID-19 while we are still under some quarantine orders, so spend some extra time with your pets. I am sure they will love it. And, don’t forget if you need some extra support, we are also here to help you.
The mental health therapists at our office offer counseling for a variety of issues including trauma using EMDR, depression, anxiety, grief, and couples counseling. We work with teens, adults, and couples. We also offer online counseling services which can be great for people with busy schedules or for people who live in parts of Pennsylvania with limited counseling options. You can check out our website to see the full list of counseling services that we offer. Or, Request An Appointment here.