Dawn McGrath has witnessed firsthand the transformative power of pets. Meeting people with dogs can spark conversations, reducing stress and loneliness.
“I make team visits with our dogs Bailey, a Shetland sheepdog, and Ginger, a cocker spaniel, to local nursing homes, rehab centers, hospitals, schools, and libraries,” McGrath, a registered animal therapy volunteer, told The Epoch Times in an email.
McGrath’s team in a nursing home. (Courtesy of Dawn McGrath)
“This manifests in genuine smiles, open arms, and hugs, the impact of which extends to improved attitude, motivation, and overall happiness.”
Approximately half of households in the United States have a pet. This popularity suggests that pet owners derive much pleasure from their cat or dog. Yet are pets actually therapeutic?...
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