Going to the Dogs: Pet Therapy Benefits Patients

from CancerWise, a monthly electronic publication that contains information about the latest advancements in cancer treatment and research, support programs and activities, and cancer prevention tips, among other cancer news and information:

quote:

The therapeutic use of pets as companions has gained increased attention in recent years. Unlike people, with whom interactions may be complex and unpredictable, animals provide a constant source of comfort and focus for attention.

CancerWise is produced by The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center.

I agree a pet would be a good idea
BUT what happens on the days you cannot take the dog for its walks because your too weak or tired

I would love a dog but will have to make do with Alibertie


my teddy he he

i suppose it is better talking to your teddy than yourself, hee hee

my dog has seen me thro 2 serious heart attacks and im sure will see me thro cancer........ she is my life and as i rescued her from abuse several years ago she is my reason for fighting........ i love her like my own.... she will be my first priority.........unless you have a pet you will not understand what i mean

take care all and good luck

jeff

I like talking to Teddy he does not answer back or ask me for anything as long as hes got a supply of Marmalade hes fine he he


Paul

The therapeutic use of pets as companions has gained increased attention in recent years. Unlike people, with whom interactions may be complex and unpredictable, animals provide a constant source of comfort and focus for attention.

i know this to be true from my experience suffering 2 heart attacks when my dog visited me in hospital

I saw the post title and I thought you meant a CT PET scan! Mine was extremely therapeutic as it showed me to be clear.

3 months after my last treatment (march 2005) I bought my, then 11 yr old daughter, a pet kitten. She had been a brilliant support to me and my wife when I was at my lowest ebb. She would help with the cooking, shopping and just about everything else in the house. When she left for school she would come in the bedroom and give me a kiss goodbye. I usually got out of bed when she came home from school and watched countdown with her. It was a phase that lasted a few months.

Anyway - to cut a long story short!! I really enjoyed having the cat around while she was at school during the day. He's a much loved family pet!!
cheers Tony K

I was adopted by my kitty several years ago. One night this large, wonderful gray cat jumped through my bedroom window (I lived on the second floor, and there was no ladder). He has a "locket" on his throat in roughly the same spot where I now have my trach scar. My cat, now called Mr. Pib, was incredibly helpful to me while I was recovering. Having him around got me to start talking again after my surgery because, as self-conscious as I felt about how I sounded, I knew that he wasn't going to make fun of me.

Pibby now lives with my parents and get along with most of the cats and dogs in the neighborhood. My current landlady does not allow pets.

Julia