Product Description

This uplifting book shows how the field of Animal Assisted Therapy is having remarkable success training animals to help and enhance the lives of children and adults with serious medical problems. Hospital rehabilitation programs, physical and occupational therapy sessions, nursing homes, mental healthcare facilities, and hospice programs are some of the settings where dogs, cats, horses, and other animals have helped patients cope with often daunting medical challenges.

In this profusely illustrated book are many compelling stories about the healing animal-human partnership, including six-year-old Brendan, disabled from birth, who successfully completes his physical therapy with the help of Zorro, a big black hound once considered unadoptable; Philip, in his last days, who finds some joy in the company of a therapy dog named Andy; and Tikva, a Keeshond therapy dog from Oregon that helps to comfort emotionally drained firefighters, and other rescue workers at New York City's Ground Zero.

For animal lovers, healthcare providers, and anyone who appreciates how animals and humans interrelate, this is a wonderful, truly inspirational book.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #332329 in Books
• Published on: 2003-05-31
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 198 pages

From Publishers Weekly
Crawford, a clinical psychologist, and Pomerinke, a professional dog trainer, provide a touching introduction to Animal Assisted Therapy in 23 profiles of people who benefited from AAT. In intimate and enthusiastic short chapters, the authors cover the notable variety of the animals' healing power: two dogs, Tikva and Hoss, console workers at Ground Zero; a 20-year-old pony helps a young girl with cerebral palsy gain muscular control; a seven-pound Brussels Griffon aids victims of sexual and physical abuse. While the book offers a smattering of clinical information, the appeal here is primarily emotional-this is a warm and fuzzy read (sometimes perhaps too warm and fuzzy). Crawford and Pomerinke's writing can become scrambled when addressing the uplifting emotional impact of the animals' abilities; the authors also tend to restate concepts they have demonstrated clearly already (e.g., animals give unconditional love). Animal lovers, though, may be able to overlook the authors' stylistic imperfections and focus on the pleasure and poignancy of the heartwarming stories. The appendix includes a state-by-state listing of AAT organizations and a chapter on how to get your pet started in the field.
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review
"...uplifting book...compelling stories..." -- Cat Fancier's Almanac, October 2003

"Paws up for a good book, and for the human and animal heroes whose stories it tells." -- Oregonian, August 19, 2003

About the Author
Jacqueline J. Crawford is a clinical psychologist at Lakeland Mental Health Center and the lead author of PLEASE! TOUCH ALL OF ME: MULTISENSORY INSTRUCTION FOR PRESCHOOLERS.

Karen A. Pomerinke is a professional dog trainer and the moderator of the pet advice Web site Greatpets.com.

Donald W. Smith is a photographer, Web site designer, and a retired mental health counselor.

Customer Reviews

A Clear, Beautifully Told Collection of Pet Therapy Stories
Jacqueline Crawford and Karen Pomerinke have truly found words to express both the realistic descriptions and the emotional experiences involved in pet therapy. They have hit on so many of the miraculous benefits of this activity, demonstrating how the joy of participation goes both ways - to the recipient as well as to the donor. The book is well organized and documented with many descriptive photographs. It covers the surprisingly wide range of species involved in theraputic activities, proving that the animal-human bond extends beyond the canines, and therefore enlightning its importance. This book is a "must" for everyone involved in the healing professions.

Heartwarming encouragement!!
This is a wonderful compliation of stories about a variety of therapy animals and the people they help. The story of my therapy dog (Marley) is featured in this book as well!! :) I have shared this book with collegues and it is a must have for people that would like to get animal assited therapy programs started. This book shows many examples of how animals can help people overcome a variety of challenges. I also think this book would be great for parents or realtives of those with special needs. It will inspire you and encourege alternatives to compliment more tradtional therapies. This is also a fantastic book if you like to read heartwarming stories about some amazing animals!

"Pawsitively" Therapuetic Reading
I purchased this book because I have seen first hand the miracle of pets as therapeutic healers. My daughter gained much confidence about her Cerebral Palsy during Therapeutic Horseback Riding, eventually enough to own the most wonderful "therapist" named Penny. Their connection was so strong that Penny took great care of Ashley while on their "venting rides", where Ashley told her the most special of thoughts.
I am also a member of the Visiting Pet Program and the bond between our volunteers and their animals and what they hope to accomplish at every visit is extraordinary. Molly is a very special animal, a breed of her own, a "Gaffneyhound" who brings love and smiles to all she visits.
Our VPP group is proud of Molly and Lee, and you will enjoy the "tails" in this book about all of the special animals and their humans.