Therapy animals or ‘therapets’ as they are affectionately called, as specially trained pet animals that are used by doctors and psychologists to assist them in treating difficult patients by breaking the ice and establishing an immediate rapport. Horses, dolphins, cats, dogs, fish, birds, and even elephants and llamas, can provide therapy to hospital patients, the elderly, emotionally or psychologically distributed children and adults, the physically disabled, victims of disasters, and prison inmates.
Petting, grooming, playing with, and talking to pets, which is what animal-assisted therapy (AAT) essentially is, has been shown to lower stress and promote healing in both adults and children.
In Mumbai, Rohini Fernandes, a clinical psychologist and counsellor, set up the Animal Angels Foundation (AAF) for Human Wellness in 2005 after training in AAT in the US. Radhika Nair joined her six months later. Angel is Rohini’s golden retriever, her ‘co-therapist and inspiration behind the name.’
Today, AAF has 24 ‘angels’ who minister to needy humans. Besides Rohini and Radhika, the human team has two other psychologists, Janvi and Harini. Angels visit high schools, kindergartens, and mental health centres, and other institutes such as TISS and Willingdon Club and also volunteer at the Cheshire Home, Sneha Sadan and St. Catherine’s Homes.
Picture Credit : Google