- Petting a furry friend eases sadness.
- Ten minutes of animal interaction reduces stress.
- Pets alleviate social isolation.
All Blog Postings by Mary
Pet Therapy
Archive notice: This is a historical post from Mary’s years of blogging. Some older posts may mention products, courses or shop items that are no longer available, as Mary now focuses her time and energy on supporting widows inside her private Facebook community. The guidance and stories remain here as a free resource for widows.
For current ways to connect with Mary’s work, you can:
- Read her book on Amazon .
- Request to join her private Facebook group for widows .
No one understands mental health and how unstable it can make us widows, better than those that are also grieving. Pet therapy is one of the most effective ways to help our mental health.
Horses, dogs and cats are being used to ease emotional grief and depression, and also to motivate widows through their grief so that they can start to heal their broken hearts.
Animal therapy isn’t new as it has been available at the Mayo Clinic since 1993. Their therapy may include a specific set of social or mental goals, or simple visits with pets to provide calmness and a break from grieving.
Anyone who has ever loved a pet understands the advantages of pet therapy. Scientists have found that animals provide the contact comfort that grievers are missing.
The benefits are endless; lower blood pressure, better breathing, less stress and promoting the feelings of well-being. Just watching fish swimming in a tank has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety.
Studies have shown regular visits with dogs and cats reduced loneliness and depression. We need to give and receive love, to nurture and to be needed, and in doing so, we have a feeling of purpose.
Widows are dealing with feelings of being powerless, lack of confidence and often fear of change. Amazingly pets help us to rebuild our confidence because nothing beats having a living thing depending on us. Best of all pets are great substitutes for anti-anxiety medications, and they don’t have any side effects.
A side benefit of a dog is that they need to be exercised. They force you to get out of bed, dressed and outside. They can also improve your social life because you have opportunities to talk and interact with others while you are out walking them.
According to the Mayo Clinic, caring for a cat or dog will lower your blood pressure, help you deal with stress and add to your overall sense of healing. What does your pet offer? Unconditional love, fun times together, forgiveness and companionship.
The three biggest benefits of a pet’s unconditionial love: