Experience the Power of Pets

The residents of Plantation South Duluth (www.plantationsouth-duluth.com), a senior living residential community in Duluth, look forward to their visits with Stella, a German Shepherd, each week.

Stella is a pet therapy dog in training who volunteers with her owner William Howard in an effort to acclimate the dog to interacting with seniors. Once a week, Stella and William visit Plantation South Duluth to offer their unique brand of friendly and fun therapy. In addition to Stella’s visits, the senior living community works with another couple Larry and Ginger Hiller and their dogs Java and Bogee in an effort to bring bi-weekly pet therapy sessions to their residents.

Pets have long been recognized for their unique ability to offer comfort and companionship in times of stress, but many studies have shown that the benefits of interacting with a loving animal are far greater than one might expect. For nearly 40 years, pet therapy has been studied extensively by healthcare practitioners and nursing professionals. Research findings indicate an increase in the quality of life for individuals participating in pet therapy, particularly with children and the elderly.

In addition, bonds that patients develop with a pet lead to an increased emotional connection, helping to reduce feelings of loneliness or isolation often experienced as they age. Research has shown that pet therapy can increase social interaction, lower blood pressure, improve self-esteem and even decrease anxiety and depression. In a study by Kal Kan, 57 percent of psychologists would recommend pet therapy to a patient and research indicates this number is on the rise.

Seniors are at a higher risk of experiencing depression as they become less able to do things for themselves. Visiting with pets provides an easy and enjoyable way for residents to be social, reduce stress and boost their self-confidence. If you are interested in pet therapy for yourself or a loved one, please call 678-534-5075.