Comments on: Dogs and Mental Health

By: H

Mon, 10 Aug 2015 22:24:57 +0000

Dogs help enormously, beyond the limitations of words. Especially if you find interactions with humans difficult. They understand,like nobody else can, and still accept you, without judgement. They become a lifeline. If only everybody had the opportunity to experience this.

And some are the most amazing of ‘gentle fellows’

Thanks for sharing this

By: rachel

rachel — Sun, 02 Aug 2015 21:41:38 +0000

I would love a therapy dog full time. I hear they exist for Aspergers but they are really expensive to train so it would be unlikely I’d be able to get one. I loved reading about the ideas behind it so thank you x

By: Penny Boreham

Penny Boreham — Mon, 05 May 2014 09:54:02 +0000

In reply to Teresa Hewett-Hicks. Dear Teresa, thanks so much for this and for your valuable reflection on trust. Very best wishes, Penny

By: Teresa Hewett-Hicks

Teresa Hewett-Hicks — Mon, 05 May 2014 00:40:37 +0000

Dear Penny,
We as humans so often underestimate the intelligence of our fellow animals. I
personally have been privileged to share my home with both dog and cat friends throughout my life. I am therefore pleased to hear your recognition of the benefits to humans of relationships with dogs (and in my own experience with cats). The feel good factor that comes from the unconditional love given by a dog or cat, often surpasses that of human relationships in many cases. I believe that trust is the basis of any strong relationship and that trust promotes emotional strength and wellbeing.

Animals who have suffered cruelty at the hands of humans and are therefore traumatised are hypersensitive and sense the same fear or apprehension in a traumatised human.
In my opinion it is this mutual need for trust that creates the healing relationship and helps recovery from PTSD in humans. The recognition of mutual vulnerability and the need for each others trust builds this strongs human and dog \ cat relationship.

Thank you for this interesting article.

Teresa Hewett-Hicks BSc (Hons)