This blog delves into the invaluable roles animals and pets play in aiding individuals with their daily functional goals. Pretzel, our beloved furry companion at OTHC, holds a cherished position. Much like Pretzel, animals serve pivotal roles in our lives, offering support in a multitude of ways. Whether it’s dogs, horses, cats, or rabbits, these furry companions seamlessly integrate into our daily routines to provide various forms of assistance.
The essence of their assistance lies in the profound bond forged between humans and animals; a bond rich in value. Furthermore, emerging research has identified the immense benefits of this bond, paving the way for animals to be purposefully integrated into therapy sessions, such as Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT). AAT is facilitated by accredited therapists who specialize in delivering therapy services with the aid of an animal. To find more information on this, please see the links below.
Whether we’re referring to animals at large, a therapy dog, or our cherished furry companions at home, the ways they can provide support include:
Emotional Support and Comfort:
When feelings of anxiety and stress become overwhelming, animals step in as invaluable sources of emotional support and comfort. The presence of a dog, for instance, can effectively alleviate tension and anxiety, creating a calming environment to support learning and growth.
Enhanced Engagement and Motivation:
Animals serve as powerful motivators, captivating our interests and fostering active participation when working on our functional goals. Whether it’s playing fetch with a dog to strengthen upper body muscles or feeding a fish to refine fine motor skills, integrating animals into our daily life or into therapy-related activities introduces an exciting and engaging approach to working on our functional goals.
Sensory Stimulation and Regulation:
Immerse yourself in a world of sensory exploration! Animals offer a multitude of enriching sensory experiences, playing a vital role in supporting sensory regulation and integration. From the velvety touch of a dog’s fur to the comforting embrace of their cuddles, each interaction provides a unique avenue for sensory engagement to support sensory modulation and regulation.
Improving Social Skills and Communication:
Engaging with animals creates a nurturing environment where many can flourish socially and emotionally. In the presence of animals, individuals can experience a safe haven, allowing them to freely hone their social interaction and communication abilities. Animals’ innate unwavering acceptance and loyal companionship can make them trusted allies in supporting self-assurance and forging meaningful connections. Through their overt and expressive behaviours, individuals can embark on a journey of emotional exploration, discovering and understanding a spectrum of emotions and feelings that can be displayed. This dynamic interaction serves as an opportunity for fostering communication and socialization skills, empowering individuals to thrive in their interpersonal relationships.
Building Fine Motor and Gross Motor Skills:
Animals offer opportunities to engage in various fine and gross motor activities, promoting muscle strength and coordination. Whether brushing a dog’s fur or guiding a horse through a paddock, these activities demand precise motor control and body awareness, making them enjoyable avenues for enhancing fine and gross motor development.
The incorporation of animals into our daily lives, whether at home or through therapy sessions facilitated by a certified AAT provider, is immensely valuable, guiding numerous individuals on paths of discovery, education, and personal development. Pretzel continues to hold a special place as a beloved team member, offering ongoing support to many children in diverse ways here at OTHC!
Extra resources and information:
- Serpell JA. Animal companions and human well-being: An historical exploration of the value of human—Animal relationships.
- https://otaus.com.au/blog/what-exactly-do-therapy-dogs-do
- Home Page – Animal Therapies Ltd, Animals Helping Humans. » Animal Therapies Ltd, Animals Helping Humans.
- Therapy animals | NDIS
