often turn to companion animals in times of stress for reassurance. Children often
perceive their companion animals as play partners, most often during middle child-
hood than during adolescence or early childhood.
Children with interactive pets such as dogs and cats are more attached to their com-
panion animals than are children with other types of pets such as hamsters, fish,
and turtles. Emotional bonds are more likely to be formed with animals that are
able to respond in an outwardly loving and affectionate way. Behaviors like tail
wagging, barking, and purring often bring out affectionate responses in human
caregivers. In North America and Europe, pets are found in the majority of homes
with children. Families with children, especially school-age children, are more likely
to own companion animals than are families without children. Multiple-pet owner-
ship is also common. Pet ownership remains higher in rural versus urban areas, and
in houses versus apartments. Still, across a variety of settings, the majority of chil-
dren in Western countries are living with companion animals.Therapy Animals: Part of the Healing Process
In this age of high technological health care, it is sometimes easy to forget the
importance of unconditional affection. Animals pay little attention to age or physi-
cal ability, but accept people as they are. It is insignificant if the person has no hair,
is in a wheelchair, or is hallucinating. The underlying concept that supports the use
of animals for therapeutic reasons is the bonding experience it provides. Frail or
depressed older adults often brighten up and adopt a more positive outlook when
they are in the presence of an animal “therapist.”
Many health care professionals are finding that loneliness may be as serious as can-
cer and heart disease for older adults. Older people who stay active, find substitutes
for work, and build new relationships as partners and friends die have been found
most satisfied with life. Not all older adults, however, have options for remaining
active and forming new friendships. Visiting with animals can help people feel less
lonely and less depressed. Animals can provide a welcome change from routine or a
distraction from disability or pain. People often talk to the animals and share with
them their thoughts, feelings, and memories. When people talk to people, their
blood pressure tends to go up because of questions of how one is being evaluated or
judged. With animals, who are always eager to please, and unconditionally accept-
ing, a person’s blood pressure tends to go down.
Animals also make it easier for two strangers to talk. They give people a common
interest, provide a focus for conversation, and broaden the circle of friends. Residents
laugh and mingle more when animals visit long-term care facilities than when the
animals are not there. Animals also help stimulate socialization by providing an306 ABSOLUTE BEGINNER’S GUIDE TOALTERNATIVE MEDICINE