Can Animals Help People With Disabilities?
Studies have shown that animal-assisted therapy may provide numerous physical and emotional benefits when linked appropriately with a disabled person. According to Josh Fischman’s December 12, 2005 article in U.S. News & World Report entitled “The Pet Prescription,” some hospital patients experienced lower cortisol levels and higher numbers of endorphins, which might have positive effects on hypertension, diabetes, asthma, gastrointestinal disorders, post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). According to that study, animals played a positive role in helping to reduce agitation and to improve appetite in people suffering from dementia as well. Service and guide dogs extend beyond brief encounters as these animals live with the disabled person. The animals are trained to meet the unique needs of the disabled person and can provide companionship and may help veterans to adjust more quickly to life after a disability. Guide dogs and service dogs may not work well for everyone. The dogs requir
