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Pets are often used in animal-assisted therapy where there is a specific goal or treatment plan, or in animal-assisted activities with special needs populations. Pets are often recommended to reduce loneliness, depression, and other emotional problems.

Brilliant article Karen

Would you mind if I linked your article with one I have written on Dogs in Islam? I so want to get the point across that dogs are more than just a furry animal.

I would not be without my English Bull Terrier Summerjam. I know that without his company during the years I decided 'to live alone' that I would have gone insane with depression.

If I feel sad just to snuggle up with him and feel his soft fur makes me feel so much better.

When I worked in a care home for people with dementia they used to love it when I took him to see them. They would make a fuss over him and really enjoy touching him and talking to him. He loved the attention.

I used to have cats but I now seem to be going through a dog and bird phase in my life.

Peace

That would be wonderful, animals are so loving!

My son's grandmother has a therapy dog that visits hospitals and nursing homes. I personally have 5 doggies (1 for each person in the house +1) and they are the greatest therapy!! No matter how bad it is they make me feel better!