People say I'm silly for doting over my pet dog.   I live alone and think of Pupsie as my best friend.  Am I crazy?

Research is confirming that pets are very positive therapy.  It shows that pets have an especially beneficial effect on people such as prison inmates, aging adults in nursing homes, and severely handicapped children.   Cardiac care researchers have found that a pet can speed the recovery of a heart patient, help reduce their stress and, in turn, improve the long-term health of the patient.  Children with severe communication disorders tend to improve when their therapists add a pet to the treatment program.

Pet therapy seems to be successful for several reasons.  Pets give patients a responsibility -- something to take care of.   Most importantly, the human-animal bond and all the affection that goes along with it seems to be potent medicine.  There are actually formal programs instituted in hospitals today that are geared to training staff in pet therapy.  Once established, these programs become an important part of the patient's recovery process.

Dramatic changes can be seen in the lives of lonely people when a pet in introduced.  It is a real joy to watch their attitude change and see the new friendship blossom.  So you are right.  Pupsie may well be your best friend.  Her companionship and your concern and care for her are important for you as well as Pupsie.

This information, prepared as a public service by the Rhode Island Veterinary Medical Association, answers problems Rhode Island veterinarians currently are seeing in their practices, as well as new developments in animal care.