Blog 16

It was a relatively routine day at the shelter this morning. I arrived even earlier than usual today and feared that I would be assigned to the isolation room. I mentioned in my previous journal entries that the isolation room is the place where all the new puppies are brought before they are cleared by the veterinarian to be alright to get  adoped. Even though all the new puppies are always adorable, the isolation room is my least favorite place to work. It’s a tiny enclosed space and the puppies always make a complete mess of their cage so the room ends up smelling pretty awful. The plus side is that the adorable little puppies make up for it. However, luckily this morning, I was assigned to the kennel instead of the isolation room. The start of my morning primarily consisted of taking the dogs and puppies outside to play and eat. It’s great to see how happy they are to be outside after being cooped up inside all night. Now that it’s hitting me that it’s the last week of score, I’m realizing how attached I’ve come to both the dogs and cats and how sad it’s going to be not  to see them everyday. I was really hoping that I would see one of my favorite cats, Winchester, who is a large tabby cat, find a good home before I leave, but it doesn’t look to hopeful. There are also brand new kittens that I got to see that should be up for adoption on Wednesday, and I’m sure they will be adopted soon after. 

Blog 15

Yesterday I had an early morning at Cape Ann Animal Aid. Earlier in the week, the lady in charge of all the volunteers at the shelter had asked me to go to the Gloucester YMCA on Saturday morning with some of the new puppies in an attempt to find possible owners and spread general awareness about the shelter. However since so many puppies had arrived at the shelter the night prior, I was instead put to work cleaning up the mess from all the puppies. I gave all the “chugs,” Chihuahua pug mix, baths. This was far from an easy task. The puppies were petrified of the all the water spraying at them and kept shaking their fur, which as a result got me soaking wet. Once the shelter opened at 11, many people came pouring in. It was a little overwhelming at first. Every person wanted to hold the new puppies or walk a dog outside. My job was to help each individual with every question they had about the dog or the adoption process.  It’s nice being able to work at both the shelter and the veterinarian office. I’m able to have a change yet still have contact with animals in each.  At the shelter I’m primarily doing tasks on my own, while at the vet’s office I mainly observe and help the veterinarian carry out his work. It is a good combination of two different internships.   I’ve been able to gain great research material in both of my internships for my topic of animal therapy. 

Blog 14

It was pretty slow today at the veterinarian office. I got in around 9 and the vet was in appointments with some of the clients that were dropping off their pets. One of the dogs needed to get blood drawn, so I helped the vet attempt to do that. However, the dog was so nervous and upset that he started growling at the vet and I. The vet decided that the dog would need to be sedated before drawing blood, so he told the owner to come back another day.  Next, the vet had to research a study for a certain case he is working on. He showed me this program that he has on his computer that is basically like a google search engine but just for everything relating to veterinarian work. It’s helpful because it is a compilation of various vets work that other vets can find useful to their research or surgery.  The veterinarian did not explain specifically what he was researching, but he said he is very grateful for that site. It was good to know that veterinarians don’t always know everything about their work and sometimes they even have to do a little research on new cases. After researching, I watched the vet perform a routine dental surgery on one of the dogs. Even though I’ve watched this same surgery several times throughout the internship, I’ve learned something new every time from the amount of anesthesia  they use to how they extract teeth from the dog.

Blog 13

I was supposed to work at the veterinarian clinic today, however when I arrived he informed that he would just be researching a case study all day so it wouldn’t be interesting. I’m very curious to find out more about what it is about. Since there wasn’t much to do at the vet’s office, I headed to Cape Ann Animal Aid early. When I arrived, I did the usual chores such as laundry and cleaning out the cat, dog, and isolations room. Today I was also assigned more office type jobs than usual. I was told to organize all the printed pieces of paper into adoption booklets that hold all the information for new pet owners. I also shredded pieces of newspaper, which may seem trivial, but it is actually very important to use as bedding for the new puppies in the isolation room. So many nice volunteers and other people donated buckets and buckets of newspaper for this very cause. Since the shelter basically runs on generous donations, it is great to see how many people really put time and effort into collecting stuff to donate to the shelter. While I’ve been interning there, numerous people have come in to write checks for the shelter or drop off other helpful donations. I’ve also been learning that every little donation really helps out the shelter, and its clear how thankful the staff members are for all of it. It’s definitely a great experience working at a non-profit organization and a shelter that prides itself in its no-kill policy. 

Blog 12

It was a long day at Cape Ann Animal Aid yesterday. When I first got there, I was assigned to work in the cat section. I always like working in there more than the dog section, because it is a lot less mess and a lot easier to clean. It always seems significantly calmer in there too. However since, one of the staff members that’s been working at the shelter and specifically with the cats for over 20 years had just retired, I had double the amount of work. There was another staff member working with me too, but it definitely took longer than usual to clean all the cat cages.  After cleaning the cages, we then had to prepare the meals for each cat with includes special meal plans for certain cats. After we had finished all the chores in there, I was assigned to the isolation room, which is where all the new animals are brought in and kept until they are checked by veterinarians to make sure they don’t carry diseases that could get all the other animals sick. The isolation room was filled with puppies. One of the staff members was telling me that the shelter has had so many puppies in the last month but few have been adopted so as a result the shelter has had to turn away so animals. So anyone who is looking to adopt definitely should from Cape Ann Animal Aid!

Rough Draft

Katy Tadler

May 7, 2013

Score Paper Rough Draft

The Power of a Pet

            Therapy is defined as treatment that helps individuals suffering from disorders of both the body and mind to relieve their symptoms and cope with every day life. The benefits of therapy are evident through the improved lives of many and the widespread use of it today. Due to the beneficial effect therapy has on society, there is an expansive array of different types of techniques. From Freud’s first proposal of psychoanalysis therapy, where therapists attempt to dive into the inner minds of their patients to heal their mental ailments, to physical therapy, where the aim is to improve the movements of your body, or even group therapy, when suffering individuals meet with others to combat their illness, it is clear that they all have the same goal, to enrich the lives of those suffering. Animal-Assisted Therapy has this same goal.  While not having the traditional client-patient relationship that is commonly known, animal-assisted therapy holds an important place in therapeutic techniques.

            The use of animal-assisted therapy is widespread through its implementation in nursing homes, prisons, psychiatric hospitals, and even college campuses. The benefits of animal-assisted therapy are far-reaching as it not only improves the life of the client but also of the animal and the environment of the practitioner. It is evident through its success in both physical and mental cases that it is beneficial in a large range of circumstances. The positive outlook of patients, and the scientifically proven biological improvements uphold the importance of this type of therapy.  From the first use of animal-assisted therapy in the United States by the secretary of interior, and its application in the Air Force, to the first studies of it by Boris Levinson and the Corsen’s; the ever -growing progression of animal therapy is apparent. Through the vast physiological and social beneficial effects animal assisted therapy has on humans, it is clear that its use is crucial to counseling and rehabilitation efforts.

            While animal-assisted therapy, also known as ATT, is still making impressive strides today, it has been around for centuries. As early as 12000 years ago in Northern Israel, the use of animals for companionship was shown when a tomb was unearthed holding a man and his beloved dog. During a time period when animals had yet to be domesticated for labor purposes, it is evident that the dog was used solely as a friend. The first recorded use of animals for therapy is dated to have occurred as early as the Middle Ages during the 9^th century in in Gheel, Belgium. In Belgium, the people suffering with disabilities were taught to care for farm animals. While at the time this method was used primarily as a tactic to give people with disabilities an activity to park take in and not thought of in a therapeutic way, it was evident the beneficial effect it had on both the town and the suffering individuals. The first treatment plan that was implemented with the sole purpose of improving the lives of those suffering took place in 1792 by the Quakers. During a time, which consisted of techniques that seem horrific to anyone today, such as shock therapies or lobotomies, The York Retreat, established to help those racked by mental illness, incorporated a more moral treatment with the incorporation of animal-assisted therapy. The founder of the York Retreat, William Tuke, stated that, “animals help to enhance the humanity of the emotionally ill.” Throughout the midst of gruesome care in most treatment facilities for the mentally ill, William Tuke was not alone in his belief in the potential of animal therapy. The famous woman crusader of modern nursing, Florence Nightingale, and one of the proponents of modern psychology, Sigmund Freud, both supported the belief in the healing powers of animals. Florence Nightingale said that “a small pet animal is often an excellent companion for the sick.”  Having her own pet owl, she spoke out about the benefits that even a bird can provide for someone suffering from debilitating illness, saying “ a pet bird in a cage is sometimes the only pleasure of an invalid confined for years to the same room.” Like Forlence Nightingale’s beloved owl, Sigmund Freud had a pet chow-chow, named Jo-Fi, that he was known to bring to every therapy sessions with his clients. He believed that his dog had the ability to provide a better atmosphere for the patient where they would feel more at ease to share their problems.

            While there were many supporters of pet therapy decades and even centuries earlier, it was not until 1919 that the United States formally adopted animal assisted therapy as form of treatment. Its first implementation was proposed by the secretary of interior at the time, Franklin Lane. Shortly after, St Elizabeth’s Hospital in Washington D.C, started integrating the use of dogs into their treatment plans for their psychiatric patients. The use of animal assisted therapy during the 20^th century in the United States was also seen at the Air Force rehabilitation centers and throughout World War II to help the solders cope with the trauma that they suffered both psychical and mentally while away at war.

            While animal-assisted therapy was implemented into society years earlier, it was not until the late 1960’s that a study was carried out to scientifically prove the benefits of AAT. Unintentionally, child psychologist, Boris Levinson, stumbled upon proof of the benefits. When working with a mentally ill child, similar to Freud’s technique, Boris Levinson started bringing his dog to therapy sessions with the child client to see if it would improve his responsiveness.  While the child would never respond to Boris Levinson’s questions, when placed in an environment with the dog present, the child would begin to communicate. Watching this transformation, Boris began to integrate his dog into all therapy sessions with his clients. The positive transformation in his clients was remarkable, remarkable enough, for Boris Levinson to fervently support the use of animal assisted therapy. It was Boris Levinson himself who conceived the name “pet therapy. “ He wrote about his research on the benefits of pet therapy in a series of books, such as  Pet -Oriented Child Psychotherapy and Pets and Human Developments. Stating how essential animals are to the improvement of human’s mental well being, Boris Levinson said “"there is as much reason to believe that man's psychological needs were the primary cause of domestication of animals as that man needed to use animals for such material purposes as the saving of human labor and the satisfaction of a hunger for food. “

            Springing from Boris Levinson’s support and awareness of pet therapy, many other individuals began to study the benefits of AAT.  A few years after Boris’s research, a psychiatric social worker named David Lee at the Lima State Hospital for the Criminally Insane, studied the effects animals produced on individuals suffering from extreme mental illness. Straying from the typical usage of a dog as the animal for pet therapy, David Lee simply brought a fish or a parakeet into the rooms of the patients.  Lee studied the effect of this integration and observed that patients violence towards both the workers and other patients drastically decreased. Lee showed how even the simplest creatures can have a powerful therapeutic effect on even the most deranged of individuals.

            However, it is not solely the mentally ill that benefit from the comfort of animals. Many tragic events have relied upon animals to give them the strength to recover. After the horrific Columbine High School and Newtown school shootings, animals were brought into the schools as a type of counseling tool to help the students cope.  In the wake of the awful tragedy of Newtown, many “comfort dogs” were brought to the children of Newtown in the attempt to help them recover and speak out about their feelings and fears. In the National Geographic Daily News, a counselor in Newtown spoke positively about the therapy dogs saying, “ A lot of times kids talk directly to the dog. They’re kind of like counselors with fur.  They have excellent listening skills, and they demonstrate unconditional love. “ Listening and unconditional love are two essential factors of therapy. A disciple of Freud, Carl Rogers, based his theory on therapy around the importance of listening and unconditional acceptance. The use of therapy dogs was also seen in after other traumatic events that  destroyed the nation, such as 9/11 and the Boston marathon bombings.  However, counseling dogs are not used solely for such disastrous events as those. In therapy sessions for people suffering from depression or anxiety, dogs can be used as a type of “co therapist”. Additionally on many college campuses throughout the United States during times of high stress, such as midterms and finals week, puppies are brought to campus to help calm the students nerves and ease the stress before the important tests.

            It is not simply dogs, cats, or smaller animals such as birds or fish that have the power to heal individuals; equine assisted therapy holds a great importance in the broader realm of animal assisted therapy. Equine assisted therapy is the use of horses for therapeutic results.  Equine Assisted therapy became a prominent fixture in the United States in the 1960’s when the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association became established. The programs were at first established specifically to help those suffering form physical ailments. Due to the success of this program, in the late 1990’s the  Equine Facilitated Mental Health Association and the Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association formed. Unlike previous programs, these associations focused on helping individuals suffering from mental illnesses and development problems through equine assisted therapy.  In North Andover, Massachusetts one of the first therapeutic riding centers in the United States, Windrush Farm Therapeutic Equitation, works to improve the lives of children suffering from physical disabilities and mental illnesses by teaching them how to horseback ride. It helps children not only develop riding skills but skills that will be vital to their development such as listening, responsibility, and endurance. Windrush Farm also provides a place for children to feel safe, important, and loved. Christina, a parent whose child rides at Windrush Farm, says that “The joy that Windrush Farm has brought to (her child) Lilah is priceless. She is in a place where she feels, loved, accepted, and always successful. “ An example of another therapeutic center in New York, called Green Chimneys, works with horses and all other types of large farm animals to rehabilitate children with physical and mental illnesses.  Nowadays, Equine Assisted therapy is the leading animal therapeutic work and most health insurance covers it.

            While horses play an important role in therapeutic techniques, there are many other types of animals that are used for therapy. Dogs are a major component of pet therapy. From seeing eye dogs to assist the blind, to rescue dogs, and even just dogs that sit in the room during therapy sessions, there is a broad range of use for them.  Cat assisted therapy, while less popular than canine therapy, plays an important role in nursing homes. Many elderly people that don’t have the physical or mental capacity to live on their own don’t have the ability to take care of a dog either. However, cats can provide an elderly person with unconditional love, but without needing the maintenance of a dog.  More unusual than dog or equine assisted therapy is donkey or dolphin assisted therapy.  While it seems almost senseless, dolphin and donkey therapy do in fact serve importance in the grand scope of animal therapy. Donkey therapy uses the same techniques as equine assisted therapy, however it provides children, who are easily scared by horses, with a less intimidating animal.  Debatably the most unique form of animal therapy is dolphin therapy, which was established by Dr David Nathanson in 1978.  Not only do dolphins provide the patient with unconditional love, a key element of therapy as discussed earlier, dolphins have shown to increase motor and speech abilities of individuals suffering from physical disabilities or autism. Additionally, scientific studies have shown that the sonar from dolphins increases endorphin levels, which as a result spurs healing in the individual.  Dolphin therapy has proven to see remarkable changes in the patient’s attention span, motor skills, and own self-esteem. It is even believed that the joy of time with dolphins is therapeutic in itself.  Emory University neuroscientist, Lori Marino stated that,

“the basic idea is that even brief exposure to these charismatic creatures -- swimming around with them, petting and kissing them, watching them do tricks and hearing their clicking calls in tanks, lagoons or the open ocean -- is so uniquely rewarding that it produces benefits all by itself and/or jump-starts a patient's receptiveness to more-conventional therapy.”

             While still not widely known, dolphin assisted therapy is gaining more recognition over the years as a form of therapy. It’s expensive price plays a part in its lack of widespread use. While equine assisted therapy is covered by health insurance, dolphin therapy is not.

            Behind the visible beneficial effects of animal-assisted therapy, there is extensive scientific proof for the biological benefits. Dr Boris Levinson, accredited with the name “pet therapy” and many studies in its support, showed that animal assisted therapy can play a vital role in helping individuals cope with schizophrenia. A major symptom of the disorder is the distortion between reality and illusions. Levinson’s study in 1961 proved that the presence of a dog during recovery programs showed to help individuals return and stay focused on reality.

            Another important beneficial aspect of ATT is its ability to reduce stress. The friendly wagging of a tail, excited barks when one returns home, and the simplicity of companionship without judgment, provides a great deal of comfort during stressful times.  Dr Sandra Barker and Dr Allen Beck, researchers on the importance of pet therapy stated that “There is not a better psychiatric program than the loyal companionship of a pet.” Dr Barker performed a study in which numerous individuals, wracked by high levels of anxiety and stress, were provided contact with dogs that showed to dramatically lower their blood pressure and heart rate. Dr Allen Beck furthered Barker’s study by comparing the companionship of animals to human beings in an attempt to lower stress levels. Barker showed that the company of animals lowers blood pressure and heart rate significantly more than contact with other human beings. This can be explained by the complete unconditional love that animals provide over the possible judgments or criticisms that humans may project on to others. These lower levels of stress as a result of animal contact do not only provide humans with a relief from everyday stressors, they also have a beneficial affect on one’s long term health. Perpetual stress leads to the deterioration of one’s immune system, which as a result can lead permanent negative heath effects. These effects can range from headaches, ulcers, and asthma, to as serious of conditions as cancer or heart disease.  Although animals are simply labeled “stress reduction mechanisms,” they provide a great deal much more than that.

            While providing great strides in the reduction of stress and improvement of immune systems, Animal Assisted Therapy provides benefits in numerous other heath fields.  In 2000, South African psychologist Dr Odendaal performed studies of the effects of human-dog interaction on neurochemical levels. Dr Odendaal uncovered that this interaction can help increase dopamine levels, associated with pleasure and happiness, which as a result can play a vital part in helping those suffering from depression. Most sufferers of depression are also in desperate need of unconditional acceptance, which is the major role of a dog or any other type of pet. Dogs can also play an important role in patients with dementia or Alzheimer’s. A study in 1998, showed that the presence of a dog can help Alzheimer’s patients significantly increase their social responsiveness (McCabe, Baun, and Wilson). Experimenters observed as the Alzheimer’s patients use of smiles, physical warmth, and positive looks made a dramatic increase. Just having these simple increases in social responsiveness provides immense benefits for the patient and the patient’s relationships with friends and family.

            Even those who are not suffering from stress or long-term mental illness can reap the benefits of animal assisted therapy. Having a dog provides individuals, especially those who don’t have close family or friends, with an outlet for acceptance and love. It also helps individuals become more social by the necessity of having to walk their dog and meet others who share their love of dogs.  Additionally, the addition of a dog into one’s household, increases individuals physical activity. A person who had not been previously inclined to exercise will be forced to increase their physical activity though exercising their dog. This physical activity will evidently help their physical health, but additionally this increase in exercise, which gives off endorphins, will help their mental health.  Animal assisted therapy helps individual’s motivation and self-esteem. Patients who are normally unmotivated and uncooperative about attending and participating in therapy sessions become more involved and will participate more when an animal is present (Holcomb and Meacham, 1989).  Furthermore the unconditional acceptance and positive regard leads an individual to be more motivated in every day life and have a higher overall self-esteem.  Therefore, it is evident that the simple presence of pet a companion can give someone not only a happier life, but a longer one.

            However, it is not solely human beings that benefit from the strong human-animal bond. The care individuals provide for domesticated animals is vital for their survival.  Famous advocator of AAT, Dr Boris Levinson, stated that “pets are dynamic examples of psychological symbiosis: pets need people to care for them, and people need the loving care of pets.” In the United States today most people are having the benefits of animal assisted therapy without formally acknowledging it. Pets have become such an integral part of our society that people fail to recognize the beneficial support animals provide us with everyday.  The American Veterinarian Medical Association states that there is an estimated 81.7 million pet cats and 72 million pet dogs in the United States right now.  Research shows that Americans spend more money on pet food than baby food and that, as sad as it may seem, a child is more likely to grow up in a household with a pet dog rather than a father who lives there.  On a research survey on the importance of pets to their owners, it was found that 79% of pet owners admitted that at times their pet is their closest companion.

            Even with animal-assisted therapy’s long-standing history, avid supporters, and proven scientific benefits, there are still a few critics.  Some critics argue that the studies on animal assisted therapy have been primarily observational. Meaning, scientists and researchers have watched the beneficial effects of the therapy instead of determining the cause and effect. While it is important to scientific research to examine cause and effect, the goal of therapy is to help the individual. If through observation the researcher concludes that the animal assisted therapy is beneficial to the client than that is all one needs to know. Yes, It would be nice to know the scientific background of it, however for now it is important to put the patients needs ahead of the advancement of scientific experiments.  Another critique is that some of the clients undergoing animal assisted therapy treatment are incapable of telling whether the treatment is beneficial to them or not.  The critics argue that the individuals will also be unable to communicate if they like or dislike the company of the pet, which could lead to a breach of ethical guidelines.  However, this could be true with any type of treatment program performed on these types of patients.  Patients would be just as incapable of deciding whether or not they would want a drug as animal assisted therapy. Additionally most researchers that are studying the effects of AAT on dementia or Alzheimer’s patients are observing their physical responses to treatment so they would quickly be able to tell if a patient felt uncomfortable around or disliked the presence of a pet. However, for most, pets provide a comfort and relaxation tool during times filled with confusion and disorientation.

            Some critics state that the research on animal assisted therapy is biased upon the positive or negative experience patients have had with animals prior to their treatment. While, people with prior positive experiences would evidently embrace this type of treatment, people with negative experiences could not only benefit from the treatment itself but also overcome their negative feelings. Others argue that people who are allergic to pets, do not have the opportunity to benefit from this form of treatment.  However there are many other options to combat this issue. A fish is an easy alternative. There are also AAT “robotic animals,” which function the same as a live pet but do not produce the same allergic reactions as a real one.  Many studies have also shown that simply having pictures of animals creates a positive atmosphere and outlook for individuals.  When it comes to the criticisms of animal-assisted therapy, it is evident that the positives significantly outweigh the negatives.

            To come to a conclusion, the reiteration of the importance of animal assisted therapy is crucial. When looking for a cure for one’s mental or physical ailments, AAT is a good program to turn too. Whether it’s children looking for the comfort of a canine, support after a tragic accident, or simply companionship, animals play an important part in our lives. In an interview with Sunniva Buck, executive director of Cape Ann Animal Aid in Gloucester Massachusetts, she said “It’s amazing to see the affect animals have on people. People instantly brighten with happiness when they enter the cat or dog rooms. “  The animals that are a permanent part of our household have the amazing ability to not only be a pet but also hold a therapeutic benefit.  In addition, Animal Assisted Therapy provides a great alternative to medicated forms of treatment. In a world that is drastically overprescribing medicine for mental ailments, with nearly 1 in 5 Americans taking a drug to treat a mental illness, it is apparent that other forms of treatment are necessary.  With the observable benefits and the scientific backing, animal assisted therapy undoubtedly holds an important place in therapy.

References

Morrison, Michael. “Health Benefits of Animal Assisted Interventions.” Paws for People, June 2007. Web. Smith, Brenda. Inappropriate Prescribing.  American Psychological Association, June 2012. Web.  April 28 2013.

 Smith, Brenda. “Inappropriate Prescribing.” American Psychological Association, June 2012. Web.  May 1 2013

Fiegl, Amanda.”The Healing Power of Dogs.” National Geographic, December 2012. Web.   May 1 2013

Yost, Barbara. “Equine Facilitated Mental Health Association and NARHA to Integrate. “USEF Network, October, 2009. Web.  May 1 2013

“The Human-Animal Bond.” American Veterinarian Medical Association.  Web. May 4 2013

Altschiller, Donald. Animal-Assisted Therapy. California: Greenwood, 2011. Ebook

Chandler, Cynthia. Animal Assisted Therapy in Counseling.  New York: Taylor & Francis Group, 2005. Print

Levinson, Boris.  Pet-Oriented Child Psychotherapy 2^nd Edition. Illinois: Charles C Thomas Publisher LTD, 1997. Print.

Blog 11

This week has definitely been a hectic one. With the paper looming over my head, it’s been a little difficult to fully enjoy score. All the adorable puppies at Cape Ann Animal Aid are helping to make up for it. Today I was supposed to go into the veterinarian clinic first thing. However, the vet called to say that he wouldn’t need me to come in as he had no appointments scheduled for the day. I’ve come to realize that owning your own practice as a vet gives you great flexibility with work hours and just less hours in general. The veterinarian and his wife only work 5 hours a day and some days they don’t even have to work if no appointments are scheduled! That is an ideal lifestyle.

However due to the lack of appointments, I headed to the animal aid early. The amount of puppies that are there right now is overwhelming. So if anyone is looking for a new puppy, definitely go to Cape Ann Animal Aid! My first task at the shelter was to give all these puppies a bath as they had made a mess of their cages. Some of the puppies were easy to wash, but others were so difficult that I ended up getting soaking wet. It was nice to get them cleaned up, because today was a day that the shelter is open for adoptions. Since I also work on Saturdays, I’ve come to notice that Saturday is definitely their biggest adoption day of the week compared to the rest. 

Blog 10

Yesterday I had the AP Psychology Exam, so I was unable to go to the veterinarian office or the shelter. However, today definitely made up for it.  I started off at the veterinarian office, where the vet was performing a dental surgery. A very common surgery as I’ve learned over the past few weeks. Except this time instead of primarily observing, I was able to help a little. I was asked to draw up a .2ml of a certain medicine into an injection and then actually administer it to the dog. The veterinarian had never put this much responsibility on me before, and it was amazing to know that he trusted me enough to be able to do it. I was scared something would go wrong, but I administered the shot without any incident. This was a huge and awesome step. It was amazing to realize I was playing an important role at the clinic. The veterinarian also brought up another important point today about being a vet. He said that when he was in veterinarian school everyone learned everything about every aspect of veterinarian care, which is definitely a difficult objective, but veterinarians ended up gaining more knowledge as a result. However, now most veterinarians, like doctors, are specialized in a certain field of veterinarian medicine. I found this interesting, because I wasn’t aware that veterinarians tended to specialize in different areas. He also pointed out that this new specialization makes it harder for vets to own their own practice, which is what he has. All in all, it was an exciting and interesting day at the veterinarian clinic. 

Blog 9

As a continuation of my last blog entry and through my observations this week, I have once again seen all the different aspects that goes along with being a vet. As I said previously, it takes a great deal of knowledge about machines and technology to be able to carry out most of the exams, let alone surgeries on the pets. To dive in deeper about the different types of machines, there is for starters, the most important tool of the oxygen machine. There is an array of different buttons that look like they could be pressed, but ironically it is only one that makes the machine work. The other day, the veterinarian actually allowed me to press the button that fills up the balloon shaped container with oxygen and allows the veterinarian to do the surgery without causing serious damage on the animal. While it seems trivial to just push a button, it was actually quite an experience knowing that the animal’s life was basically in my hands. The veterinarian was however right next to me if anything were to go wrong. Luckily it all turned well!  There are also numerous other machines to get acquainted with.  Since I’m blanking on the name of it, there is the “blood sample” machine which takes all the blood samples that are taken from the cat or dog and processes them, sends the information to the computer, where the veterinarian can then interpret the data from it.  It’s a little bit overwhelming thinking that the veterinarian not only has to learn how to operate but also how to work all the machines. 

Blog 8

On Thursday morning I began my day at the veterinarian office. The first client who came in brought in a small beagle suffering from what we would later learn to be a fractured leg. The dog was very calm as the veterinarian checked his leg and preformed other preliminary exams on him.  The vet then informed the client that he would have to take the dog to the x-ray room to see the full extent of the damage. I helped the veterinarian set up all the equipment to take the x-ray. As the weeks have gone by, I’ve started to feel a great deal more helpful at the office as I’m starting to get the hang of things. I know how to work the machines and what tools to grab when the vet asks for certain ones. I also believe that the vet has acknowledged this too .He has been asking me to help a lot more, and lately I’ve been able to have a more hands on experience.

            Anyways, after I helped set up the X-ray machine I had to step out of the room for fear of radiation. Once the veterinarian takes the X-ray the surrounding area must be completely dark so that image can be properly processed. It’s been interesting to notice how much technical and machinery skills goes into being a veterinarian. I used to believe it was simply being with animals and performing surgery, but I’ve started to realize how much more it involves.  I definitely love how much I’m learning from this internship. 

Blog 7

My day at the veterinarian office started off on a little bit of a sad note. When  I arrived, the veterinarian informed me that the first surgery he would be performing was putting a cat down. I knew it would be sad to observe this, but I also realized that to get the true feeling of what it is like to be a vet I would have to witness all the aspects of it. While it was heartbreaking to watch, it was also in some way peaceful as it looked as if the cat was just falling asleep. After the sadder half of the day was over, the rest of it felt quite calm. A dog came in who was suffering from back problems. The veterinarian gave the dog a few shots to check for certain problems such as lyme disease. However, since the dog was so nervous, it took all three of us, the owner, doctor, and myself, to finally administer the shot. Afterwards the dog was cleared to be fine and the owner took it home.  There were two other dogs that needed the care of the veterinarian. One small Chihuahua was getting a routine dental surgery. I’ve come to notice over the few weeks of interning there that the most common and routine of surgeries involves dental care. The surgery went smoothly and the veterinarian had time to tell me more of his interesting stories. I learned today that he’s friends with and goes on vacation a lot with the parents of sienna miller, who have met incredibly famous people such as Elton John. 

Blog 6

Yesterday I had an early morning at Cape Ann Animal Aid. Earlier in the week, the lady in charge of all the volunteers at the shelter had asked me to go to the Gloucester YMCA on Saturday morning with some of the new puppies in an attempt to find possible owners and spread general awareness about the shelter. However since so many puppies had arrived at the shelter the night prior, I was instead put to work cleaning up the mess from all the puppies. I gave all the “chugs,” Chihuahua pug mix, baths. This was far from an easy task. The puppies were petrified of the all the water spraying at them and kept shaking their fur, which as a result got me soaking wet. Once the shelter opened at 11, many people came pouring in. It was a little overwhelming at first. Every person wanted to hold the new puppies or walk a dog outside. My job was to help each individual with every question they had about the dog or the adoption process.  It’s nice being able to work at both the shelter and the veterinarian office. I’m able to have a change yet still have contact with animals in each.  At the shelter I’m primarily doing tasks on my own, while at the vet’s office I mainly observe and help the veterinarian carry out his work. It is a good combination of two different internships.   I’ve been able to gain great research material in both of my internships for my topic of animal therapy. 

5th Blog

I spent the start of my day yesterday at the veterinarian office where I was able to witness a few fascinating things. I first took care of all the animals that the vet would be working on, which included a huge grey cat, an adorable 6^th month old puppy, and an old Labrador. As I held each animal, to start off the vet took a blood sample for each. I watched the whole process of how each sample is taken, processed, and interpreted. However taking the blood sample from the cat, which was later named “crazy cat”, proved to be anything but easy. “Crazy Cat” hissed and scratched at the veterinarian and I whenever we tried to get close.  Due to this she finally had to be sedated.  The six-month-old puppy was the total opposite. She was the calmest animal I had ever seen at a veterinarian office. She was completely relaxed as the vet took her blood and prepped her for surgery. She was being operated on because she had too deep puncture wounds in one of her ears that the vet believed to be from another dog.  I watched as the veterinarian worked to clean out the wounds and suture them up. It is such a great experience being able to watch these surgeries first hand. The veterinarian tells me all about each surgery and tells me step by step about each procedure so I can follow along and learn.  I also like just being able to talk to the vet and his wife, who also works there, about everyday things. I learned today that he was at the Boston marathon and he was in fact one of the heroic people that ran towards the bombing. 

4th Blog

I arrived at the shelter around 8 today and began my long day of work. My first order of business was to put some new puppies and cats into cages and prepare them for the trip to the local vet’s office. I had never been assigned this type of task that involved taking them to the vet, so I was excited for a new experience. A fellow staff member and I loaded all the animals in the shelter’s van and went to the veterinarian office. Seeing as the other half of my score internship is spent at a veterinarian office, it was nice to be able to incorporate the two. I watched how the vet prepared each animal for surgery and learnt about what surgery each animal was having. Once we arrived back at the shelter, I was told to help out with cleaning the cages. Since it was still early and the cages had yet to be cleaned since the day before, the kennels were a mess. To say they were dirty would be an understatement. However, it was nice to see how happy the animals seemed once they were put back in their freshly cleaned cages. Once we were done cleaning, I helped make toys and crafts for an upcoming event that the shelter is putting on for people who have adopted an animal and for those who have helped in the adoption process. Afterwards I left the shelter for a while to attend my AP class, and once I arrived back the rest of my day consisted of taking the puppies outside to play. 

Post 3

Yesterday was a rewarding yet exhausting day. I had a full day of interning starting around 8. I got to the animal shelter and learned that my first duty was to clean the isolation room and take care of the animals in there. The isolation room is for the new animals that are brought into the shelter and need to be checked and cleared of any illnesses and also for the ones suffering from an illness. When entering the isolation room, for your own protection, you have to put on a full gown, slips over your feet and even a mask in some cases. This was a new and exciting experience for me as most volunteers aren’t allowed into the room. It was even better when I realized the room was full of brand new puppies that had just arrived at the shelter the previous day. The puppies were adorable and mostly a mix of germane shepard and Labrador.  I cleaned all their cages and replenished their food and water bowls. Once I had finished in the isolation room, I did some more cleaning around the shelter which primarily consisted of washing the cages and doing laundry.  However once I was finished with those tasks, I was able to spend the rest of the day with the cats and dogs and helped in the adoption process. It was nice to see numerous people coming into adopt a new pet.  The day before there had been tons of puppies and by the end of yesterday almost all had been adopted.

Day 2

Today, I dedicated part of my day to interning at Manchester Animal Hospital and the other half to Cape Ann Animal Aid. It was my first day interning at the veterinarian clinic. Even after only half a day, I can say without out doubt that this will be a great experience. I started of my day by helping the veterinarian prep one of the dogs for dental surgery and take a blood sample from one of the cats. I was able to see how the vet administered anesthesia to each animal and how quick of an effect it had on each. While the vet gave the dog a tooth cleaning, I was able to help by holding the dog in the right position and giving him the correct tools when necessary. I learned a lot about each procedure and every step it took to prep the animal for surgery. I also learned a lot about the veterinarian, for instance what influenced him to become one and all the steps he took to get into veterinarian school. After my time at the veterinarian office, I went to Cape Ann Animal Aid. There, I had a very different day than the first one. While yesterday I had primarily done work around the shelter, today I was able to have much more contact with animals. I played with the new puppies that had just arrived the night prior from Puerto Rico. It’s interesting to know that a majority of the animals at Cape Ann Animal Aid are shipped from Puerto Rico. Additionally, I helped clean out cages, gave the animals fresh food and water, and helped socialize the new puppies. All in all, it was a successful day. 

Day 1

On Monday, I started my first day at Cape Ann Animal. Having previously volunteered there, I expected to do the type of jobs I had usually done, which primarily consisted of taking care of the cats and dogs. However, I quickly learned that my internship would not involve just that. Since there were only a few new cats and dogs to take care of, the staff of the shelter immediately put me to work doing mostly chores. My first task included washing all the windows. This task seemed like a breeze compared to the one that followed.  After rinsing the windows, I got to work on sweeping the driveway.  While this may sound like a easy work, it was in fact quite grueling. There was sand swept all over the driveway, which I swept and shoveled up in order to clean up the entrance to the shelter. However in between tasks,  I was able to see the brand new kittens that had just come in. They are all different mixtures of gray and orange. It was safe to say that seeing them was one of the highlights of the day.  While my first day wasn’t exactly what I had envisioned, It was still a great first experience, and its nice to know that I’m helping the shelter in every way possible. 

Tadler Outline

Tadler Score Outline

1. Introduction

 a) The human benefits of animal therapy are widespread from physical disabilities to mental illnesses

b) helps us form attachments/social therapeutic aspect

c) therapy can be implemented in a variety of ways

Thesis: Through the vast physiological and social beneficial effects animal assisted therapy has on humans, it is clear that its implementation is crucial to counseling and rehabilitation efforts.

2. The beginning of animal therapy

a) Florence Nightingale in 1860 said “A small pet animal is often an excellent companion for the sick, for long chronic cases especially.

b) 1919-secretary of interior stated that dogs should be used to help patients in the psych ward at St Elizabeth’s Hospital, Washington D.C

c)1942,  pet therapy is implemented into the U.S Army at Pawling Army Air Force Hospital, New York

3. Psychologists Study of Animal Therapy

a) Boris Levinson- first one to study and document the way animals could quicken the recovery process of psychiatric patients

b) how animals can help jump start the relationship between patient and the human therapist

c) Sam and Elizabeth Corsen looked deeper into Brois Levinson’s studies in hospital environments

4. Equine Assisted Therapy

a) began in 1960’s

b) today it is the leading animal therapeutic work (most health insurance covers it)

c) North American Riding for the Handicapped Association first established in 1969 in Colorado

d) Green Chimney’s Children Service’s in New York works with farm animals

e) Delta Society-partnership with AAT training organizations

5. Therapy Dogs

a) used after 9/11

b) counseling through the red cross

c) seeing eye dogs

Biological Effect

a   Odendaal (2000) showed that levels in neurochemicals after a positive interaction with an animal had a beneficial change

   Drop in cortisol (stress level) when we have a good  experience with a pet, usually a dog

    Decrease in blood pressure

   Successful in reducing anxiety (Barker and Dawson 1980

Specific Disease Benefits

-Dementia

-Depression (Holcomb 1997)-study on the influence of exposure to birds on depression patients

-Motivation (Holcomb and Meacham 1989)-motivates the patient to partcipate in sessions with the human therapist

-Self Esteem

-Children with psychological and physiological ailments especially developmental disorders

-Handicapped

Specific Success Stories

-Cindy’s story-animal would warn her when blood sugar was low (diabetes help)

-story about a dog helping a war veteran recover after traumatic experiences

Reputing the Criticism

-some say that animal assisted therapy is only a temporary from of therapy-proven by longitudinal data and research

-might become too dependent upon the animal for doing certain activities

-could be harmful to the animals

Conclusion

-focus on the all around beneficial effects it has on humans

-how it is growing

-what we might see in the future

Annotated Bibliography

Chandler, Cynthia. Animal Assisted Therapy in Counseling.  Great Britain: Routledge. 2005.

Summary of Source: In Animal Assisted Therapy in Counseling by Cynthia Chandler, she talks about the formation of animal therapy. It discusses the first clinical research approaches.

Schoen, Allen. Kindred Spirits: How The Remarkable Bond Between Humans And Animals Can Change The Way We Live. New York: Broadway Books. 2001.

Summary of Source: This book talks about the specific benefits of animal therapy.

Olmert, Meg. Made for Each Other: the biology of the human-animal bond. Cambridge, MA: Da Capo Press. 2009.

This book writes about the actual proven biological effects of human and animal interaction.

Crawford, Jaqueline. Therapy Pets: The Animal-Human Healing Partnership. Amherst, New York: Prometheus Books. 2003.

This source is concerned with the different therapy techniques.

Arkow, Phill. Animal Assisted Therapy & Activities.  Web.

No name listed. The Therapeutic Benefits of Pets. No date. Web

Serpell, J. The Beneficial Effects of pet ownership on some aspects of human health and behaviour.  Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine. 1991. Web

New Labels

New Labels