Healing with Animals

What do animals have to do with helping your overweight child? As mentioned earlier, central issues for anyone overweight include low self-esteem, elevated stress levels, physical and emotional problems, inactivity and fatigue, low self-confidence and social isolation. Research has shown that living with and caring for animals helps remedy all of these conditions. About twenty-five years ago professionals began using animals to help patients with physical and psychological problems and over time the field of study has expanded. It is now well accepted that our animal friends provide us with numerous benefits. Being with them is not only good for us but perhaps necessary for health and happiness.

Many kinds of animals have helped humans in ways we are only beginning to understand and appreciate. There is evidence that people with pets are healthier, less prone to hypertension and heart disease, have lower blood pressure, less anxiety and manage their stress more effectively. They are more active, social, connected, responsible and have higher levels of self-esteem. Pets give unconditional love and help us to focus outside of ourselves. There is no doubt that animals of many species can help us correct imbalances in our systems and ultimately to heal eating disorders.

Blood pressure is lowered when we watch fish swim lazily in an aquarium, or when we talk with our bird, hamster, ferret, goat or turtle companion. Petting an animal can have the same effect -- be it a dog, cat, guinea pig or horse. Pets also provide a sympathetic ear and children, adolescents and adults may confide their most secret thoughts and feelings without fear of being judged or exposed. This is most therapeutic for a child who may feel shunned at school and misunderstood by peers. An animal provides a channel for communication. Children can express their feelings through verbal and physical interactions with their trusted pet. Also, having an animal to care for helps a child develop a sense of responsibility, provides a source of unconditional love and companionship and helps the child feel less isolated.

Be sure your children learn how to respect and care for their pets properly. Children who are frustrated and angry inside may have a tendency to act out their feelings on a smaller, more vulnerable creature. It must be made clear to a child that harming a pet in any way is unacceptable. Teach your children that animals have feelings too. Help them learn that when a puppy or kitten cries, it is asking for something (i.e. affection, attention, nourishment, exercise or to be allowed to rest). The simple act of caring for a pet can help your child identify, clarify and verbalize. As children care for their pets and bond with them, results can be amazing.

To illustrate, I will share a bit about my West Highland Terrier, Sapphi (pronounced Saffy). People laugh when I tell them she is one of my greatest teachers. I’m not joking. My puppy has been sharing her boundless wisdom with me for the five years she has occupied a place in my home and heart. Sapphi lights up when I enter a room. She generously provides the unconditional love and attention that I have always craved. She is my daily companion, my playmate, my confidante and my comforter. She is vital and alive and a constant reminder of what’s important in my life.

Sapphi lives a simple life. Her needs are minimal. She is happy giving kisses and receiving a small bowl of kibble, a walk and a few pats in exchange. This reminds me that life needn’t be so complicated and serious. She doesn’t need “things” to be satisfied. On the other hand, she exuberantly loves a new bone or chew toy. She enthusiastically bounces all over the room, rolls on the floor, and spins in circles when she is the recipient of such good fortune. She is wrapped in the wonder of her experience and launches her whole self into it. When there is no surprise, however, she is content with the simple routine of her life.

Sapphi lives in the present moment and that is one of the most important lessons she has to teach. When she is running, she is running. When she is eating, she is eating. It is that simple. Would that it could be that easy for each of us. Sapphi doesn’t worry about what happened yesterday and I doubt she is concerned about tomorrow. To me, she serves as a constant reminder to be in the present moment and fully enjoy each new experience.

When Sapphi is angry with me (i.e. if I am a few minutes late letting her out of her crate in the morning) and I ask her for a kiss, she turns her head to the side, raises her nose into the air, gazes at the ceiling and refuses my request. This behavior lasts for ten to fifteen seconds and then I am showered with her wet, sloppy loving kisses. She expresses her feelings and then she lets her anger go. She doesn’t spend the day harboring a grudge. Her feelings have been expressed and quickly dissipated. She doesn’t mope about it or let resentment ruin an otherwise perfect day. She has moved on. We can benefit from this example.

Sapphi doesn’t worry about her weight. When she gets weighed by the vet she never frets because the numbers mean nothing to her. She is too busy watching the other people and animals in the waiting room. It is clear she is focused on the activity outside of herself. She knows she is perfect just as she is. She models a healthy attitude.

Animals have much to teach. They help children develop into responsible, empathic and respectful adults. They model patience, tolerance and unconditional love. Animals illustrate the importance of living in the moment and getting outside of our selves. They promote health by making us laugh and taking us for walks. Pets provide a source of comfort for a child. They are faithful, nonjudgmental listeners. Children can relate to their animal companions and benefit simply from having them in the room.

In addition to being my friend, Sapphi is also a registered therapy dog and she spends her days working with me in my office. As I talk with clients, she sits nearby napping or chewing her bone. If asked, she will happily sit on a client’s lap and accept attention. If clients cry or become upset, she tries to comfort them. She lets them hug her when they need to and accepts their sobbing. She licks away their salty tears if they wish. She seems to understand. When she flips her bone into the air and chases it across the office floor the session lightens and clients focus outwardly for a minute. This often helps clients view their problems differently. A number have remarked that they enjoy seeing me but it’s really Sapphi whom they find most therapeutic. They quickly follow this by saying they’re joking, but I doubt that they are.

Be thoughtful when selecting a pet. Not all animals are suitable for all situations. Talk with knowledgeable people about animals and educate yourself before introducing a pet into your family. Some pets need space to run. Others are content to nap the day away in a small space. Some are friendly and affectionate, others aloof and independent. Do not rush into the pet shop and come home with a puppy or kitten simply because it iadorable and you have fallen in love with it. Find out as much as you can about it and seriously consider whether or not it will be the perfect size and temperament for your situation.

Be cautious. Have your local veterinarian examine the animal you are considering. If you are choosing a pure bred dog, ask the breeder to show you the American Kennel Club papers and medical records. If they can’t produce a record of puppy shots and health certificate, walk away.

Remember, there are often wonderful, loving pets of all kinds waiting for adoption at animal shelters. These often make ideal choices. If you are unable to bring a pet into your home, you or your child might volunteer to help at your local shelter. People are needed to brush or walk dogs, nurture and cuddle cats and help in other ways with animals they may have in residence. You, your child and the animals will benefit greatly. This activity will help your child feel needed, get exercise and companionship and improve self-esteem at the same time. It’s a win/win situation!

Copyright 2004. Denise Lamothe. Dr. Denise works with organizations who encourage wellness so they have happier, healthier and more productive people. She is the author of The Taming of the Chew: A Holistic Guide to Stopping Compulsive Eating (a Penguin original 2002), a member of The National Speakers Association and is in private practice in Epping NH. She can be reached at 603-679-2432, www.DeniseLamothe.com or Denise@DeniseLamothe.com