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April 16, 2013

Every Pet Is A Therapy Pet

I never cease to be amazed by the talent and effectiveness of service/therapy animals.  I still can’t believe how confidently guide dogs navigate city streets that are too overwhelming for many people.  And the wide variety of successful therapy animals – from horses to birds – reminds me

I never cease to be amazed by the talent and effectiveness of service/therapy animals.  I still can’t believe how confidently guide dogs navigate city streets that are too overwhelming for many people.  And the wide variety of successful therapy animals – from horses to birds – reminds me how powerful the healing abilities of pets can be.

While I have always admired professional service/therapy dogs, yesterday I realized that every pet is a service/therapy animal to some degree.  Eko looks out for me in a number of ways on a daily basis.

Rhodesian Ridgeback, pet adventure

Eko comforts me when I’m feeling down

Rhodesian RIdgeback, dog blog

I pick him up and he picks up my spirits

dog blog, pet adventure

And when I’m sick, Eko has no qualms about keeping me company

The vast majority of pets will never be certified service/therapy animals, but that certainly doesn’t mean they don’t improve our mood, outlook and overall health.  Pets don’t care if you’re sick and they don’t need an explanation when you’re feeling down.  All they need is you.  After yesterday’s events in Boston, all I needed was a hug and thankfully Eko was happy to oblige.

Yesterday’s tragedy also reminded me of one of my favorite quotations from Fred Rogers, “When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me. ‘Look for the helpers.  You will always find people who are helping.'” 

Our thoughts are with the victims and the helpers.

Comments for Every Pet Is A Therapy Pet

  1. harrispen says:

    What a great post! Your photo illustrations are fantastic especially that first one.

    Cindy

  2. That was such a great post! I love the first picture, its so touching. My thoughts are in Boston today too.

  3. emma says:

    Nice! We are all therapists and therapy dogs I think. Good work, Eko

  4. Ingrid says:

    Lovely post and you are so right about all pets being therapy animals. My little Bear was a comfort yesterday as we cuddled on the couch together watching the events in Boston unfold. Your photos always make me smile 🙂

  5. Marcela says:

    Great post. Yes, pets, dogs, cats, etc., are amazing at making us feel better. Alex can assuage my anger very easy. Something no human being has ever been able to do. Are they amazing? Totally. My prayers are with all the people affected by the explosion in Boston.

  6. We totally agree that every pet is a therapy pet. Will if anyone should ever have doubts that there is such a thing as best buddies they should check out you and Eko. You two are encouraging to people and you blog is just amazing! Hugs and nose kisses Chancy and Mumsy

  7. This is perfect. I was trying to decide what was appropriate for posting today in the wake of events yesterday. Certified, trained, or not, pets are always there when you need them; certainly a source of great comfort! And dog hugs are the best hugs 🙂

  8. taylorjen says:

    Insightful and comforting post Will. God bless the families and helpers. Eko’s paw/arm around you and inquiring face is a gem of a photo! I greet Taylor with a “Good to see you, Girl!” & she’s started handing me her paw for a hello shake. No command- it’s her own thing… Yes, every pet is a therapy dog & they seem to know just what you need, too 🙂

  9. Sage says:

    Yes, we do turn to our pets for comfort and you illustrated it perfectly!

  10. Hooray for service dogs and dogs that do a service for their owners! My dog helps me get through the day, and I help him get through his:)

  11. Zena says:

    Our thoughts exactly!

  12. Boomdeeadda says:

    Studies show that people with Pets live healthier lives too! Win Win!

  13. Aww that is soo true! Kirby is always a great “therapy dog” for me I don’t know what I would do without him! Love the the picture with you giving him a frontwards piggy-back ride! XD

  14. Eleenie says:

    Good post. Eko is such a caring dog – totally love the first pic 😉

  15. Great post and message Will, the photos are awesome!

  16. Allison says:

    Great post! If you ever make it to Wi, I would love my dog to meet your bud! I adopted Dexter a year and a half ago at age 9- him, not me:) Love him so much that I wrote a book about him- made him deaf in the book. Che k it out. http://Www.2foreverfriends.com. All pets are therapy dogs, for sure!

  17. Jessica says:

    This is a great post, Will! Taylor helped me through the loss of my Grandpa as well as through the many times I grieve for Hopper, my first dog. As you stated, dogs have a keen sense that helps them detect when something is just not right with their mommies or daddies. Have you noticed that some humans don’t have this ability? Wow..that sounds harsh, but it’s so true!

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