| The Healing Touch of Animals by Carl B. Ross Animals enrich our lives daily: uplifting our spirit and offering us unconditional companionship. I recently acquired a Lab puppy, which I found to be one of the most therapeutic things for me. I've been admittedly in a bit of a slump the last few months, but since I got Shelby I've found myself doing more. I'm working now and getting a lot more exercise in the process, not to mention the exercise of keeping track of a mischievous pup. I find I'm taking better care of myself, getting up earlier, enjoying life more. Needless to say I've found this symbiosis to be a rewarding addition to my life. What I find most rewarding though are the added benefits we may not think of right away. When my dad and I get into any sort of argument and voices rise, or if we even jokingly poke each other, our older lab Tash will get in the middle and break it up. But what I find most impressive are the healing aspects animals lend to our lives. A few weeks back I was watching a show on the Discovery Science Channel about the way they are training dogs to sense when a person is about to have a seizure. This intrigued me greatly, as I'm epileptic. These people were able to get to a safe place before having their seizure, because of man's best friend. This empowered them to socialize, go shopping, and otherwise go about their lives without having to worry about where their next seizure would occur. What intrigued me further, though, is that the people with seizure dogs experienced fewer seizures with the dogs. This got me thinking. This is by no means any scientific proof of this, but I remember having to increase my seizure medication when I went off to school and was away from the companions I grew up with. Their presence in my daily life helped stabilize a chronic condition. That said, I've also found that my dogs understand the nature of healing touch. My parents are both practitioners and I've been present for a number of group healings where Tash has helped hold the space. Even among a group she doesn't know, she sits at attention tail wagging softly occasionally nuzzling the hand of the subject with her graying black snout. My dad refers to her as his Wisconsin gray healer. I think of her simply as man's best friend. Carl B. Ross is an artist in Phillips, Wisc. His parents own the Healing Center and Wah Da Hoot Sanctuary where he participates in the planning and execution of workshops, retreats, and other functions. He also owns a small clay and glass studio offering lessons and workshops. For more information on Wah Da Hoot Sanctuary or the Healing Center, go to www.wadahoot.com or call (715)-339-4550. Copyright (c) 2002 Carl B. Ross |
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