therapy

Pets are more than just playmates; all about pet therapy and the healing power of animals.

River Walker
I meet a lot of interesting people while living full-time in a 5th wheel RV. But I think Willow the marine and her pack of enormous dogs take the cake as the most obviously colorful. I met Willow in the desert of Quartzite, Arizona, where I spent the winter. Quartzite is a hotspot for snowbirds and other types of nomadic RVers. Willow was living in a trailer with her husband and 9 huge dogs, 7 of them puppies.
By Kaatje Jones7 years ago in Petlife
Service Dogs, Businesses, and the Americans with Disabilities Act
With the the increase of people getting service dogs and an influx of people faking having service animals, it has become very hard for the public to distinguish between a real service dog and a fake service dog. For this reason and the fact that most people do not know the laws that govern service dogs places of business either do not abide by the law by refusing services to service dog handlers or allowing anyone with an animal to enter. These are very big problems for real service dog handlers so it is extremely important to know the laws.
By Kayla Powell7 years ago in Petlife
Canines and Inmates
Introduction The title of “man’s best friend” has been assigned to the canine since the beginning of time. That may be a bit of an exaggeration, but generally the word or image of a “dog” comes to mind. Research shows that the exact origin and time of the first domesticated dog is unknown, but most likely began with a domesticated Siberian wolf. The purpose of domesticating can be traced back to early hunters, beginning 27,000 to 40,000 years ago, although evidence does show domestication may have began 15,000 years ago. (Jacobson, 2016) Genetic studies show that domesticated dogs first appeared in China and the Middle East, most likely occurring from natural selection. “Wolves may have been trying to take advantage of resources humans had at the time, or humans may have just been introduced to the animals in an area in which they didn’t previously live.” (Chan, 2016)
By Aly Ray7 years ago in Petlife
My ESA Changed My Life
I've had pets my entire life. We always had stray cats that we fed and I created bonds with. I've been allowed to have a couple indoor/outdoor cats over the years. But it wasn't until I left for college and got my first pet of my very own that I even realized how much just having an animal for company can effect my quality of living.
By Natalia Darby7 years ago in Petlife
7 Things You Might Not Have Known About Service Dogs
At first glance, my dog Lily just looks like a scruffy little mutt. But she’s actually a service dog. I have autism, and she helps me with anxiety when out in public. One day as I entered a store with my aunt and my dog, a man walked by. He frowned and said, “That’s not a service dog!” He then went and got the manager of the store.
By Angel Mann8 years ago in Petlife
Mental Health and Pet Joy
Approximately one in five US adults suffer from some sort of mental disorder affecting the everyday life they have. Most often we are left wondering why we have no help and ask ourselves why we were made this way. But without thinking pets offer stability and a meaning to our life. We care and love for these animals so much, that the love we offer gets returned without judgement, that we often don’t receive from family or friends.
By Mckayla Gonzalez8 years ago in Petlife
Paws Against Pain
It’s a thief! One with an impressive track record and definitely impressive escape artist abilities. What else would you call a disease that robs over 50 million people worldwide of their life-long memories and turns their mind into an empty prison?
By Philip P.8 years ago in Petlife
Mr. Darcy and Me. Top Story - July 2018.
For perhaps the first time in my life, this piece is not an ode to Mr. Darcy of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice. While my Mr. Darcy was given the namesake because of my favorite novel, he is a hero in his own right. Nearly three years ago when I suddenly became very sick I thought that I would suddenly get better. However, that was far from the case. Fast forward through at least ten doctors, six hospitals, fifty-plus medications, six CT scans, two universities, more tests than I can count, and I am still sick. My journey is an ongoing one, it is wrought with fear, sadness, and a very deep loneliness.
By Becca Volk8 years ago in Petlife
Getting a Service Dog
So, you want a service dog! Great!... Or maybe not great. Here are some things to really consider before getting yourself a fuzzy friend to help your life.
By Archer Strelow8 years ago in Petlife
Step-by-Step Guide to Registering Your Pet as a Service Animal
Our pets are more than just animals; they provide comfort, love, and companionship when we need it the most. Officially registering your furry friend provides a number of benefits, allowing the pet to accompany you in public places and even travel with you. The process of registering your pet as a service animal can seem daunting, but it's not as difficult as you think.
By Armando Carrera8 years ago in Petlife
Horse Riding and Fibromyalgia
Horses and riding have been a passion of mine since I was seven-years-old. I'm not sure where the sudden burst of interest came from if truth be told but its lasted over 12 years.
By Melissa Stafford8 years ago in Petlife
My Live-In Therapy Dog
I work in retail and sometimes I feel more like a punching bag than a person. As I drive up to my house after work, I see a little head with tall ears, looking out the front window. As I open the garage, park the car and open the door. I almost trip walking in the house. I look down and see these big round eyes staring back at me and a tail going a thousand miles per hour. "Hey mama, mama, mama, you're back!" I imagine hearing my dog saying. I love coming home to that face. He takes my mind off all the troubles of the day.
By Sarah Villanueva8 years ago in Petlife