that animals can also help them heal when they’re sick or injured and boost their confidence and self-esteem, even when they’re not sick. In Yuma, volunteers of Love


W


on a Leash, formally known as The Foundation For Pet-Provided Therapy, regularly visit schools and libraries to let pets interact with children. Kids are encouraged to sit on the floor and read to the dogs. “It gives a boost to their morale. If


a kid stutters, the dog doesn’t know. If the kid doesn’t know a word, the dog doesn’t laugh. It brings their confidence up a lot,” chapter leader Paula Bensel said. Love on a Leash also educates


children about the responsibilities of pet ownership. “Some kids think dogs belong in


the backyard, tied to a tree,” Bensel said.


Interacting with children also


teaches children to be compassionate toward animals.


hile many children enjoy spending time with their pets, studies have shown


The perks of pet therapy


Interaction boosts children’s self esteem, teaches responsibility Story by Mara Knaub


“We teach them how to take


care of them, you don’t hit them, you have to brush them, give them food and water, that they’re a lot of responsibility,” she said. The local chapter also visits


nursing homes and hospitals to provide patients with emotional support. Volunteers will also go to people’s houses if they cannot leave their homes. “We share our dogs wherever


needed. They’re a stress outlet,” Bensel said. She noted that animals naturally make people happier. “Petting them just brings a smile


to their faces,” she said. “Maybe there was a time when they weren’t sick. It takes them back. Some go back to their childhood, when they were running the streets with their own dog.” The website Healthline.com points


What’s Important to You


Infant, Child & Adolescent Care


Sports Physicals Taking Care of


to studies that have shown physical contact with a pet can lower high blood pressure and improve survival rates for heart attack victims. Evidence also indicates that petting


an animal can cause endorphins to be released, suppressing pain. Many people in hospitals or group


homes have had to give up pet ownership and they miss the casual acceptance a pet gives them. Although dogs are the most


common visiting therapy animals, “we’ve also had tortoises, bunnies and cats,” Bensel said. Healthline.com notes that cats,


horses, birds, rabbits and other domestic pets can be used as long as they are appropriately screened and trained. The website points out that horseback riding has recently gained therapeutic popularity. “It offers an opportunity to work on balance,


trunk control and other skills. Many patients who walk with difficulty, or not at all, get great emotional benefit from interacting with and controlling a large animal.” Saddles of Joy of Yuma provides therapeutic riding for special needs children. The organization notes that animals, in particularly horses, have a “remarkable healing potential for people with mental, emotional or physical disabilities.” Barbara Tomlinson, president


and founder, said the nonprofit organization uses quiet horses that build children’s physical strength, emotional bonds and provide unconditional love. “We allow the gentle nature of our


four-legged therapists to produce any and all healing, physical, mental, emotional or spiritual. That is what therapeutic riding at this level is all about,’ she said. For more information on Love on a


Leash, contact Bensel at 581-3545. For more information on Saddles of Joy, visit www.saddlesofjoyinc.com.


Mara Knaub can be reached at mknaub@yumasun.com or (928) 539-6856.


Christmas-palooza! Free Community


December 2, 2011 6PM - 9PM


Christmas Party ristmas season!


Join in the fun to Ch start the


Living Nativity Inflatables Bonfire


Hayrides Pictures with Santa S’mores Meals available $3 and under


Patti J. Perry, MD.


Sunday Services 8am (Winter) • 9am 10:30am • 6:30pm


1832 S. 8th Ave All Insurances Welcome


•


928-782-6830 Se Habla Español


12831 E. 41st Street • 928.342.9597 www.yumafoothillsassembly.com


Raising Yuma 13


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