This blog post is part of a series exploring the value and benefits of spending time with horses and other animals, including within a therapeutic environment. See our previous post: Why Horses for an introduction to, and overview of what to expect from, this series.
Next time you feel stressed out or overwhelmed by your life and all the challenges you face, take a dog for a walk, cuddle a cat, talk to a horse or watch a goldfish — and let nature and the animals work their power.
Ellen Urbani Hiltebrande, as quoted in Susan Chernak McElroy’s book “Animals as Guides for the Soul”, describes this power as God’s angels wearing fur:
“Cali teaches me every day that there are forces greater than medicine and technology… She has been the guardian of not only my physical body but also my soul. In times of loneliness and fear she has again and again offered herself wholeheartedly and unselfishly to me… I have had the opportunity to share my soul with a wise and generous teacher. When I needed it most, God sent me an angel disguised in fur to remind me of the power of love”
There are books full of personal testaments to the healing power of animals such as the above. Many of us can recount our own similar experiences with an important animal in our lives; heart-warming stories of the “Chicken Soup for the Soul” variety when we felt a connection, a love, and a source of courage we could not quite explain.
But do we realise how much of an impact animals can have upon our everyday lives?
Do we realise the full potential that such a partnership can bring to us when we feel most vulnerable?
While stories are powerful, healing and inspirational, there is also a growing body of research which confirms and reinforces the messages underlying these stories. The mental health community also recognises growing areas of practice, which build the healing power of animals into the human service professions.
So what does this research say?
Firstly, having an animal in your life is good for your physical health.
It is now a well proven fact that having an animal in our life can mean fewer trips to the doctor, lower blood pressure, lower cholesterol levels, and decreases the chance of dying from a heart attack.
Secondly, animals are beneficial for child development.
Many parents add a four legged friend to the family believing this will be good for the children. For the most part they are right. Children who have contact with animals tend to have higher self esteem, be more involved in activities such as sports, hobbies, clubs or chores, and develop more nurturing behavior. They also tend to be more empathetic towards both animals and people. Not that I’m suggesting everyone rush out tomorrow and buy Johnny a pony, without first considering the financial and time commitments involved. However, with careful planning, selection and consideration of individual circumstances, adding an animal to your family can provide your children with valuable opportunities to learn about life, responsibility and to nurture and care for others.
Animals are good for seniors too.
Pet-owning seniors tend to go to the doctor less, cope better with stress, are more active and less lonely.
Animals can even be good for our marriages!
One study showed that couples with a dog at home tended to have a better relationship with each other.
While most of the studies indicate that the benefits are most likely to arise when there is a positive relationship between the person and the animal, other studies have show that we can be positively impacted by simply being in the presence of an animal, even one we don’t know and don’t interact with. In one study children were asked to read aloud in front of an audience. When a friendly dog was present, the children’s stress levels reduced significantly.
The presence of an animal can also lead to us treating each other more kindly, and seeing each other more positively. For example, studies have shown that people in a wheelchair or with a disability who are accompanies by a dog have significantly more positive social interactions than those without a dog. Instead of ignoring or avoiding them, other people are more likely to approach and socialize with them.
Animals can even make us smarter!
Studies have explored how animals can help facilitate language acquisition and enhance verbal skills in young children, and can stimulate and motivate cognitive development.
During Times of Challenge
While animals can enhance our physical and emotional health at any time, this bond is particularly powerful when we are feeling vulnerable, stressed or are facing challenge, loss or major change in our lives, as the following quote from Susan Chernak McElroy’s book Animals as Teachers and Healers expresses:
“In my early twenties, after a suicide attempt, I was under treatment for depression. For two years I received shock treatment and extensive medication, and I never left the house except to visit the therapist. …(Sunshine) was my only companion during those years, and the only living being that could connect with me….I held her, hugged her, hummed, and whispered to her, and cried into her fur…when it seemed the whole world slept on without me….she’d keep watch with me…She was the only truly safe being in my world. I’m in my forties now. Years of good health and deep faith have given me what I couldn’t imagine at twenty. Sunshine left us a long time ago. Maybe she didn’t heal me but she saved me so that with time and strength, I could heal myself.”
Again research confirms the incredible healing power of an animal’s love and support expressed by Sunshine’s human companion. Just a few examples:
AIDS patients with pets have less depression and reduced stress. Their pets are a major source of support and increase their perception in their ability to cope.
Children with autism who own pets have ‘more pro-social behaviors and less autistic behaviors such as self-absorption’.
Other studies have shown that animals can also act as a buffer variable in a child’s traumatic experience including war and sexual abuse.
Several studies have indicated that companion animals can act as a buffer against depression and can reduce the likelihood of maladaptive behaviours and suicide, motivate individuals to engage in more healthy and constructive activities, and help us gain insight into our emotional experiences illness and behaviour.
Finally, the companionship of an animal can help children adjust better to the serious illness and death of a parent.
It is at times like these that we may turn to a counsellor or other member of the helping professions for support. It is not hard to see that bringing animals into these professions could enhance growth and healing.
Pet partners (formerly the Delta Society), an organisation committed to exploring and enhancing human animal interactions, calls this Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT), defined as “goal directed intervention in which an animal … is an integral part of the treatment process…designed to promote improvement in human physical, social, emotional, and/or cognitive functioning”. Many practitioners and programs – from therapeutic riding, to pet visitation programs in hospitals – are finding that animals can often reach and help a person in ways we human practitioners are only beginning to understand.
“In their innocence and wisdom, in their connection to the earth and its most ancient rhythms, animals show us a way back to a home they have never left” Susan Chernak McElroy
This has been a very brief review of the available and ever growing body of research into the human animal bond!
For a more detailed summary (including references) of the research please contact the author at sue@healinghooves.ca or ask a question below.
In our next blog post in this series, understanding the research, we explore three key and supporting theories for WHY the human animal bond is so healing for humans. We explore how to make sure our interactions are also a positive experience for our animal partners in our post What is the role of the horse in equine therapy, as a part of our series for people getting started or exploring a career in equine and animal assisted therapy.
This article reminds me of when my mum got involved in pet therapy by getting her dog certified and visiting seniors in care homes. Eventually, I did the same with our dog, and with my young daughter. It was such a wonderful experience in witnessing the overwhelming joy in the seniors, and also for me sharing this with my daughter. The benefit is so easily seen.
How great and what a wonderful thing to do!!
Hi Judy,
That is such a great idea. When I have worked in seniors homes, children and animals visits seemed to have such a profound effect on seniors. It really gave them something to look forward to and a great opportunity for connection.
This article reminds me of my dog, Nico, he got me thru so much what a special animal.
In response to animals bridging the connection between persons unknown to each other, I wonder if it is the presence of the animal that creates the sense of safety and disengages the human’s innate survival response, ie. the old “friend or foe”. I often leave encounters having learned the names of many pets, but not the owner……
Reading this I am reminded of the incredible bond that was created with one of my dogs and my mom. Daisy knew my mom had cancer much much sooner that any of us did, and began caring for her long before we knew how much she needed it. She left out home to stay next door, never leaving my moms side, ever vigilant. She was able to connect with and support my mom in an indescribable and beautiful way that the rest of us “humans’ never could have.
This is beautiful Jennifer – thank you for sharing it with us.
I would love to know more about the studies that show that we can be positively impacted by simply being in the presence of an animal, even one we don’t know and don’t interact with. Sue, can you recommend some readings on this? I have seen a lot of research on pet ownership and its therapeutic effect, I am really interested in learning more about the circumstances and evidence related to working with the animals of other people and maybe just even watching animals.
Hi Jacqueline – I’ll include some examples below which touch on this. And I’ll go dig around and see if I can find my detailed bibliography with the details of the articles – I know I have it somewhere! These references are all quite old though. In the course module there is a link to a couple of more recent literature reviews so you should be able to find some good references there. Also there were some people discussing this in the FB group a while ago and sharing resources. You could scroll through to find this or simply ask the question again – people are usually very open to share this sort of info!
Interacting with a dog lowers anxiety. In another study, 92 students completed a questionnaire measuring anxiety. Those who had an unknown but friendly dog with them reported lower level of anxiety (Friedmann, 1990, Serpel, 1990).
Talking to an animal is less stressful than talking to a person. 35 recruits from a vet school clinic waiting room had their blood pressure measured when talking with a person or talking with an animal. Their blood pressure was the lowest when they were talking with an animal.
Aquarium contemplation lowers anxiety at the dentist’s office. A sample of 42 patients going to the dentist to have a molar extracted was studied. It was found that watching fish in an aquarium reduced their discomfort and anxiety, as effectively as hypnosis.
Companionship of an animal helps children feel safer and lowers their anxiety in an unfamiliar environment. In this study 38 children were asked to read aloud. The presence of a dog (without any interaction) reduced their stress as measured by blood pressure (Friedmann et al, 1983)
Susan Chernak McElroy’s book “Animals as Guides for the Soul”, describes this power as God’s angels wearing fur:
“Cali teaches me every day that there are forces greater than medicine and technology… She has been the guardian of not only my physical body but also my soul. In times of loneliness and fear she has again and again offered herself wholeheartedly and unselfishly to me… I have had the opportunity to share my soul with a wise and generous teacher. When I needed it most, God sent me an angel disguised in fur to remind me of the power of love”
This is exactly what I have been talking about…..Yippee!!
yes – you may really like that book!
I was interested in the “animals can make us smarter” comment. In my Therapeutic Arts Practitioner classes we studied a little on how the brain works. If you are in the fight or flight part of your brain, everything else shuts down – even learning. Have you tried to learn something when you are all stressed out or in a panic? Having an animal around would calm you down and bring you out of that part of your brain. I have seen horses hug people with their giant hearts and totally change how they were feeling.
absolutely! The Heartmath research (some of which is with horses) would confirm this too!
I love this quote; “In their innocence and wisdom, in their connection to the earth and its most ancient rhythms, animals show us a way back to a home they have never left” Susan Chernak McElroy
I feel like this sums it up so well. I am going to have to look up her books. They sound like they have some wonderful information.
yes, I love her books and highly recommend them!
This one brought tears to my eyes. The quote from Susan Chernak McElroy really spoke to my heart. The research shows animals really give us so much.
yes – her books are very powerful!
I honor how this article touches on and spotlights the expanse of healing power within nature ranging from the smallest of creatures to the mightiest beasts. I cherish the magical moment watching a dewy, delicate snail intricately traveling his slippery path with the same reverence I hold space in awe of a thunderous stallion screaming his presence to his herd, quivering in sheathed power. This speaks to the wonder and limitless effect animals have on humans.
There is a local volunteer group in my community that (precovid) would bring their animals to the airport, senior’s homes, the hospital and community events. Always brought a smile to people’s faces.
I can remember as a child, when I was leaving the farm to go back to my maternal home, my grandfather would get right upset on the ride, every time, to the bus station.
Prior to this, I would spend the last few days, out in the field, laying up against my horses belly, crying, and talking to him, lamenting on having to leave, that he was my world…..
Finally, on one of my return trips, we got to the station, and my grandpa just exploded…..”You always cry when you leave the horse, but you never seem upset to leave ME”…..
What a revelation!! I did not understand then that my “defence” being up, of not attaching to any thing or one, that could hurt me, actually HURT HIM!
Blown away every time a layer peels off the ol’ onion!
I am curious to know more about how pets our good for our marriages and relationships. I am trying to convince my husband to get me a dog or more horses.
Great questions Johanna! The study I saw was referring to the fact that people often process things with their animals first and thus are more able to be open and reflective with each other. I wonder though about the coregulation aspect – we now know (through HeartMath and other research) that animals can coregulate for us. Thus if we have positive relationships with animals we are likely to be more regulated – which will hopefully lead to healthier relationships all round.
While writing this, my dog of twelve years is undergoing extensive and EXPENSIVE surgery. Reading this after making the choice of surgery over putting my dog down reinforces what the research says; animals can be healers, and my dog has been my healer for 12 years. He has got me through times of great challenge and the decision to pay for surgery was an easy one to make.
I hope the surgery and recovery goes well Maria!
I really enjoyed this beautiful post and completely agree! In completing readings on Nature Assisted therapy there is also some great research about the impact of being in nature on our nervous system – specifically the endocrines released by trees that move us into rest and digest and the benefits for learning and being in a space where we are biologically primed to be reflective and contemplative. As a Psychologist I can literally see the difference in my own burnout between working in the city and working on my acreage as I can reset my nervous system playing between sessions with my dogs or watching wildlife on the property. I really hope that we can continue to capture these intuitive and narrative experiences in our ongoing research!
I’d love to see that research about the trees and endocrines Elicia – sounds fascinating! We build some education around the nervous system states into later trainings so this is very relevant!
Hi Sue, The Website Healing Forest.org has some great resources (https://healingforest.org/resources/#nature-healing-references). I have also been enjoying a book called Rewilding by Micah Mortali. For example Conifers emit oils called Phytoncides that boost our immune systems (https://www.dec.ny.gov/lands/90720.html). A lot of great research on Forest Bathing/ Shinrin Yoku. Restoration Theory (Kaplan 1985) and Stress Recovery Theory (Ulrich 1991) talk about the stress recovery process of being in green spaces – blood pressure stabilizes, stress hormones in our blood decrease, muscle tension decreases (taken from Forest Bathing article on Healing Forest website). Also some interesting research on Nature Deficit Disorder though this one seems fairly controversial. The Association of Nature and Forest Therapy has some great evidence as well (https://www.natureandforesttherapy.earth/about/the-science). This has been such an exciting body of literature and perspective to explore and definitely something I notice when walking in the forest personally.
Thanks Elicia!
this sounds amazing. thank you for sharing
Since reading this, personally I have been more aware of my 9 month old son with my animals, and it is so accurate that they enhance his development. He talks with the dog, studies the horses, and physically plays and interacts with them far more than he would with a toy animal.
I believe animals are so healing for us because they live outside “human” norms. Animals perceive people with no preconceived notions. It’s easy to be with them and feel like there is no need for pretence or for us to modify how we present ourselves! They give us so much.
well said Julie!
I totally agree
I loved this quote by Susan Chernak McElroy “animals show us a way back to a home they have never left.” I honestly see and feel this during our weekly therapy dog visits with seniors and high school students. Regardless of age, animals have the unique ability to suspend time and pretense, allowing our true selves to meet theirs.
yes – this is one of my favourite quotes too! She has some beautiful books if you’d like to hear more from her!
The feeling of being completely accepted just as you are is most truly felt in the presence of animals.
“The presence of an animal can also lead to us treating each other more kindly, and seeing each other more positively” I hadn’t thought of this until reading this but it is so true. An animal often brings a smile to an observer’s face which in turn leads to a positive interaction with the owner and the observer.
“Crying into the fur” of an animal is sometimes the only thing we have at the time. I think fur is a great invitation for people. We find comfort in the soft, warm, available fur.
so very true!
“God sent me an angel disguised in fur to remind me of the power of love” this spoke to my heart
I love the examples that highlight how an an animal is able to help those in challenging situations, and I can personally attest to this! However, as I read this article, I found myself wondering about those who treat animals poorly. Specifically, I am curious if there is a screening process to use with clients to ensure the emotional and physical safety of our animals?
that is a very important question Charis and yes, this is one of our screening questions for all new clients. All of our trainings also explore how we can set things up in sessions to keep everyone – including our animals – both physically and emotionally safe.
This was also the focus of my thesis back in school so I have lots of info if you’re interested – a good initial read is here: https://healinghooves.ca/the-links-between-animal-abuse-and-violence-towards-people/
Thank you Sue!
It is so true how the connection with between us as the human race and our horses (and other four legged) have an impact on wellbeing. I am interested in more of a detailed summary (including references) for further reading
Hi Martin – you’ll find some of this in section five of the exploration course!
I enjoyed reading about the spiritual experience of animal companionship, like Hiltebrand’s coment about sharing her soul with her pet Cali. I have thought a lot about how a greater power manifests in the wilderness, but I liked hearing about how the companionship of domesticated animals can be a spiritual transformative experience.
This article was great at highlighting potential areas horses can assist with – people of all ages and abilities! I know from my own experience, horses have been so helpful for me in feeling grounded.
Reading this article makes me so grateful that my parents raised us on a hobby farm. I have so many great memories with all of the different animals. I feel that it really helped me especially in life with dealing with life and death.
Thanks for the post. I am enjoying learning more and more about ‘Why horses and animals’ and deepening my understanding.
I just love learning more and more about ‘the healing power of animals’!
Really great to have all the research to back up what we already know- animals are SO good for people! I was listening to my youngest petting our dog at the weekend and saying to his brother “what do people without pets do?” They went on to discuss how much other people miss out on when they don’t have a four legged friend.
what a great conversation to overhear!
More fascinating reading giving lots to think about, thank you