Pet Therapy
Life’s Journey Hospice understands that making every moment into a memory is critical for those facing life-limiting illness. We incorporate music, sounds, smells, and even animals to provide patients the best experience possible in their journey. We have been blessed with many local animal rescues, farms, trained therapy dogs, and even staff member’s personal pets, as well as, allowing patients and family to have the pets at their bedside.
The simple act of petting animals releases an automatic relaxation response. Humans interacting with animals have found that petting the animal promotes the release of serotonin, prolactin and oxytocin- all hormones that can play a part in elevating moods.
Lowers anxiety and helps people relax.
Provides comfort.
Reduces loneliness.
Increases mental stimulation.
Assist in recall of memories and help sequence temporal events in patients with head injuries or chronic diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease.
Can provide an escape or happy distraction.
Can act as catalysts in the therapy process.
May help break the ice.
May reduce the initial resistance that might accompany therapy.
For Physical Health:
Lowers blood pressure and improves cardiovascular health.
Reduces the number of medications some people need.
Breathing slows in those who are anxious.
Releases many hormones such as phenylethylamine which has the same effect as chocolate.
Diminishes overall physical pain.
Relax more during exercise.
Participants were motivated, enjoyed the therapy sessions more, and felt the atmosphere of the session was less stressful during Animal-Assisted therapy.
A big shout out to Jennifer Price for bringing her puppies in, Hamilton Alpacas for bringing smiles through the patios during the COVID pandemic, Kerry Monaghan and her baby chicks, Cathy Oberholtzer and Raven, and many other families who have brought the gift of laughter and love through pet therapy!
