Pet Therapy Works

Mandy is about 3 ½ years old, and we’ve had her for three years of that time. We have learned far more from her than we have from a lot of human creatures over that same period of time. We have found information about unqualified love and mental and physical healing in abundance that I’d like to pass along to you.

Not long ago there was a story in the news about a cat in a nursing home who seemed to know when someone was dying and would sit beside the person during their last moments on earth. There was a time I wouldn’t have believed such a thing, but Mandy taught me it’s certainly true. Because I know she’d be there for either my husband or me at our final time, most certainly if either of us were alone and had no one at that critical time.

If I have the flu or a cold or am just feeling a little dreary for some reason, Mandy is up there beside me, curled right up in a ball with head tucked into my belly or chest just so I can feel her breath and soft fur. The comfort is more than a pill could provide. If I’m sad about something, she’s right there as well.

I can tell Mandy anything. She doesn’t laugh at my foolishness or foibles nor argue with my beliefs. She just listens. What a gift. A friend who just accepts whoever I am wherever I am and whatever I do in that unqualified way.

Old folks usually have pets and value them. Since I’m getting “up there,” I can see why. No one on earth gives the quiet comfort, the listening and the love that an animal can. That’s why every effort should be made to make sure elders have animals in their later years and why we should respect what animals can do for us when times are hard.

So these days if you’re worried about the bills, stressed from work, feeling sick or depressed for some reason, curl up with a Scotty or Tabby and know, you’re loved forever, for sure.