The Difference between Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT) and Activities (AAA): Part 2 of 2
Last week we looked at animal-assisted therapy (AAT) in the rising field of therapy programs that involve animal participation. This week we will discuss animal-assisted activities (AAA), another branch of these therapy programs. AAA (not to be confused with the American Automobile Association) is where animals visit with residents and/or patients in nursing homes, hospitals, […]
The Dogs of War
Memorial Day is celebrated all throughout the United States to pay homage to those who have served in the armed forces. These celebrations honor the men and women who have fallen, but what about the dogs that have served? They seem to have been forgotten. I’d like to take a few minutes to appreciate some […]
Animals Helping Humans, Part 2: Cats
At first, cats seem like unlikely therapy animals because they are fiercely independent and affectionate on their own terms. However, cats are gaining popularity in the animal assisted activity (hereafter known as AAA) world because of their ability to increase the attention spans of patients with ADHD, autism, and Alzheimer’s disease. Plus, petting a purring […]
Animals Helping Humans, Part 1: Dogs
Dogs are the most popular pets in the U.S. — 36.5% of U.S. households owning at least one dog. When asked why they own a dog, many people answer “for companionship” or “stress release.” Neuroscience studies supports these claims, showing that the presence of a pet correlates with increased release of beta-endorphins and oxytocin (“relaxing” […]