Companion Dogs, Making a Difference - 1108 Words

For a number of children with autism having a companion dog is the difference between life and death. Methodically trained guide dogs help create an environment where autistic children are comfortable enough to live a more ordinary lifestyle. Autism spectrum disorder is a major public health problem that is the most common neurological disorder affecting 1 out of every 110 births in the US (Autism Society, 2009). ASDs can range in severity from Asperger Syndrome, a high-functioning form of autism where the child can function relatively well in society, to autistic disorder or classical ASD, which severely inhibits the child’s ability to socialize or communicate (NINDS). Autism manifests itself most strikingly as impairments in formation of†¦show more content†¦Service dogs also help their children sleep at night by helping reduce the chance of sleepwalking and nightmares. With the dog by the child’s side, the remainder of the family has an opportunity to get ad equate sleep. Having a companion dog, usually either a Golden retriever or Labrador retriever, due to their size and gentle nature, is vastly different from simply having a pet. Service dogs go through extensive training, usually six to eighteen months, before being placed with a child and continue training after being placed in the home. The key is to evaluate the situation as carefully as possible, keeping expectations realistic and conditions flexible. A companion animal is the most rewarding when the whole family is willing to adapt and take on the responsibilities; thus increasing the quality of life substantially. Companion dogs help develop the child’s daily tasks, improving psychological aspects too. These pups help the child learn how to bond by creating a more playful mood and teaching the child how to focus. They help allow these children to come out of their shells and be themselves. They help the child get motivated in the morning to begin their day and stay on task. The dogs are allowed to accompany the child to school which is one of the most overwhelming places with the constant noises, movement and other unexpected forms of overstimulation the dogs are there to protect the child. A sense of responsibility is created by empowering theShow MoreRelatedPet Adoption And Depression ( Cherney )1531 Words   |  7 Pagesshown that people who own a pet, especially a dog, are far more likely to show signs of improved overall health and socializing, and even reduced stress, anxiety, and depression (Health Benefits of Dogs). Dogs love and need exercise, just as humans do. Everyone knows that dogs love going for walks and playing fetch, which makes for an easy way for their owner to get some exercise too. Not only can frequent walks and play times wear out nearly any dog, but they can also keep the dog’s owner in significantlyRead MoreEssay on Canine Human Relations869 Words   |  4 PagesThroughout history, dogs have been protectors, companions, and pets. However, science is saying that there is much more to these creatures. Dogs Read Human Expressions, by The Huff Post, and The Doctors Dog Will See You Now, by Melinda Beck explain the scientific connection between dogs and humans. Science shows that dogs interaction with humans makes them more than just pets because dogs interact like human children and canines assist in various forms of human therapy. Dogs communicate withRead MoreDog Therapy Essay1305 Words   |  6 Pagesnotes that a small pet was an excellent companion for the sick, especially patients with chronic cases. Pet therapy is a therapeutic aid that supports medical cures and enhances the relational and emotional status of the sufferer. A Hypothesis propounded on by doctors S.R. Kellert and E.O. Wilson was â€Å"No one who looks at the evidence can doubt that animals in hand improve the quality of modern human life†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (sic). An indisputable study proved that a therapy dog can reduce the agitation behavior in institutionalizedRead MoreWhy Animals Can Help With Development And Social Skills1251 Words   |  6 Pageshelps build confidence, feelings and competency as they successfully help out others. A family pet could be the difference in a child making friends and a child being alone. Many people have a hard time putting themselves out into the world to meet new people and make new friends. They tend to be socially awkward, and this is one step closer to isolation. When you add a pet such as a dog into the equation it makes it easier for children to play together or for two people to conversate because mostRead MoreOf Mice and Men: Yearning Friendship880 Words   |  4 Pagescompanionship. The feeling of loneliness forces people to realize their need for friendship. For example, when Crooks tells Lennie, â€Å"Books ain t no good. A guy needs somebody—to be near him. A guy goes nuts if he ain t got nobody. Don t make no difference who the guy is, long s he s with you. I tell ya, a guy gets too lonely and he gets sick† (73). This reveals the feeling of loneliness drives people mad. The feeling drives people remarkably mad that they learn to accept any company that they haveRead MoreThe Importance Of Being A Part Of The Human Services Network1676 Words   |  7 Pageswork. All organizations are systems and CCI is no exception, the interactions between the staff leads towards the agency’s progress and fulfilling its mission of â€Å"enhancing the lives of people with disabilities by providing highly trained assistance dogs and ongoing support† (CCI, n.d.). M5 FINAL PROJECT/FOCAL AGENCY 9 CCI believes in supporting their staff, this is done a number of ways, from continuing education toRead MoreAnimal Assisted Therapy : An Intentional And Distinct Healing Modality1604 Words   |  7 Pagesrole in the lives of humans. In 1860, Florence Nightingale commented on the positive impact of small animals on those with chronic illness (Nightingale, 1860/1969). Over 100 years have passed, and the human health benefits from exposure to pets, or companion animals, both psychological and physical, have been well-documented (Barker Dawson, 1998). Halm (2008) suggests that animals play a crucial role in creating healing environments. Animal- assisted therapy generates physiological effects, psychologicalRead MorePsychological And Psychosocial Benefits Of Pet Owners879 Words   |  4 Pagessurvival rates after major illnesses, increased physical activity, increased sensory stimulation, emotional support, sense of physical and psychological well-being, and psychological resilience at times of adversity. Wood et al, (2015) discussed how companion animals have been identified as a source of support to their owners, and a catalyst for friendship formation or social support networks. They conducted a telephone survey to residents in four different cities and asked about getting to know peopleRead MoreCompanionship in of Mice and Men1741 Words   |  7 Pageshopes, but in having a companion to fight their own personal battle with. This idea of companionship is a motif in Of Mice and Men. Companionship seems to provide relief to those ailing in the world through the inexplicableness of love. Candy demonstrates how the companionship of something familiar, something friendly, brings hope, and provides a way to make ones way through one’s life journey. At first, Candy has his dog, his unwaveringly faithful friend. Candy’s dog, despite being non-humanRead MoreMy Opinion Of Souls And Animals1686 Words   |  7 Pagescreates more challenges when faced with proving that hypothesis to be true, rather than false. For example, in Gary Kowalski’s 1991 book ‘The Soul of Animals’ it argues that animals understand death and have been known to grieve at the loss of a companion, have their own sense of morality, possess some sign of right and wrong and even have their own musical abilities along with creativity and playfulness (Kowlaski 1991). With the idea of simplicity in mind, it would be difficult to explain all of