 |
The Road to Wellness
The Healing Power of Pets
By Janet Berg
Recently a friend related her experience after adopting a dog from the Hamilton County SPCA on Colerain Avenue. She had been very depressed prior to this, but now radiated enthusiasm and joy as she spoke about her pet and the changes in her life.
One of those changes is attendance at an obedience training class offered at the SPCA. She's connected and bonded not only with the animals there but also with other owners who had their own personal challenges. Adopting the dogs helped them wash away excess mental energy and become more in tune with the mood of the animal that echoes their energy.
Others there had been in ill health or depressed or so bogged down with responsibility in the care of others that they felt disconnected from the pleasures of normal life or perhaps had solitary work that kept them alone too much of the time. The regular commitment to the class created a way to reconnect socially and "come up for air." The dogs weren't really getting any smarter, but being there helped their owners heal themselves.
My friend says the dogs cheer everyone around them; something about them has lifted their spirits. The requirement of a commitment to a sentient being who wants only to share unconditional love and joy took my friend out of herself. No matter how busy or burdened she might feel, she wants to walk, socialize and care for her animal because it makes her feel better.
For information about adopting a dog, call the SPCA at 513-541-6100. ©
E-mail the editor
Previously in The Road to Wellness
This weight won't budge
By Kimberly R. Blanton and Shelli E. Jones
(April 16, 2003)
The Meaning of Illness
By Janet Berg
(April 9, 2003)
Massage Is a Message
By Kimberly R. Blanton and Shelli E. Jones
(April 2, 2003)
more...
Other articles by Janet Berg
The Road to Wellness (March 26, 2003)
The Road to Wellness (March 12, 2003)
The Road to Wellness (February 26, 2003)
more...
personals | classifieds |
cover |
news |
columns |
music |
movies |
arts |
dining |
listings |
classifieds |
mediakit | home
|
|
FREE classified ad!
Home Work
Artists Exchange
Automotive
Backbeat
Business Opportunities
Classes & Lessons
Computer Bytes
Employment
Financial Services
For Sale
Home Services
Musicians Exchange
Notices
Pets & Pet Accessories
Rentals, Roommates & Real Estate
Telephone Services
Travel & Getaways
Wellness Directory
|
