Do you believe animals are therapeutic for someone who may have a crisis within

1. 82

   proudmammaposted 13 years ago

   Do you believe animals are therapeutic for someone who may have a crisis within their life?
   
   My husband was recently hospitalized. Our son is a teenager. However he is very attached to his dad. His dad has been Mr. Mom since our son was two. He cooked, he cleaned, took care of our son...and so much more until 3 years ago. He has had lots of health issues. They have progressed to get worse. In order to help my son, I got a kitten to possibly help him through the next few months. Do you think this is a good idea or bad idea?

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2. 59

   shorty72posted 13 years ago

   Animals are good companions for lots of people I think this is a great idea. Your husband might like to see it as well if he is still in hospital just ask, they are very good they let you have animals visit. We have a doctor in my home town and he takes his dog on rounds in the hospital with him ,the patients love it.

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3. 66

   Sonia Perozziposted 13 years ago

   Yes, I do believe animals are wonderful to have in your life and a great idea for your son. They are known to have positive effects on our health; the simple, joyful act of petting an animal actually lowers blood pressure because of its calming and soothing nature.
   
   Animals are used in therapeutic ways to help people who are sick, have physical disabilities or simply providing affection for those who are alone. In general, pets make amazing companions which is very healing within itself, and can be extremely comforting during difficult times in life. I wish all the best to you and your family and I hope the kitty helps.

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4. 60

   Glosheiposted 13 years ago

   Yes definately, animals seem to sense when you are hurting or not well and stay close.  My mother-in-law has dementia and at the nursing home they are always bringing animals for the residents there. Recently we were sent a photo of her with a rabbit on her lap, and it was just sitting there being stroked not afraid at all. I think this kitten will be a great help for your son, and what shorty 72 said is write.  See if your son can take the kitten in to the hospital, this will help your son as well, it will make him feel he is helping his Dad.
   God Bless.

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5. 70

   HappyHerperposted 13 years ago

   It is scientifically proven that animals (specifically petting animals) lowers our blood pressure and releases oxytocin in our brains. This is the chemical associated with bonding. I will also give him something else to concentrate on. My sister got a cat shortly after our dad died and while he isn't a very cuddly cat, she does play with him and he provides humorous antics for her.

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6. 72

   The Dirt Farmerposted 13 years ago

   Absolutely! I second Sonia Perozzi's answer 100 percent and would add that pets give us something to love, take care of, and focus on beyond ourselves, and that sort of compassion and responsibility makes us more human. I don't see how a having a kitten couldn't be a good thing for your son during the difficult days ahead.
   
   Good luck to you & take care! --Jill
   
   
   "Some tame gazelle, some gentle dove/ Something to love, ah, something to love."  --Coventry Pasmore (I think)

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7. 59

   imamkrateposted 13 years ago

   sure i do believe . but at the same time  you should make him know that kitten is just a cute animal to have fun with her and kill time because some people cling to pets too much and that s not good . one day he ll lose this pet and that may create an emptiness in his life if he clings to her too much

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8. 80

   delaneyworldposted 13 years ago

   I think this is a wonderful idea!  I read recently that any time you touch something soft and comforting such as a kitten or puppy, your stress is reduced.  It's a simplistic view of a complex relationship.  Our relationships to animals can be absolutely magical and supportive in many more ways than we truly know. 
   
   I have a load of health problems and our fur babies are always a great source of joy for me and my daughter.  As a matter of fact, one of our cats can sense any time my daughter is sick.  She stays close to her until she is well. 
   
   I've also read that the purrs of a cat have healing properties.  I believe your son and your family will benefit on many levels from this sweet little addition to your family. 
   
   I am thinking of you, your husband and your son and sending positive thoughts your way.  I am sorry to hear about your husband's health - it is a hard path to go down.  Remember that none of you are alone. 
   
   Warmly,
   
   Delaney

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9. 81

   JenJen0703posted 13 years ago

   Getting a pet is always a good idea if for the right reasons. If your son didn't want the cat, then it will probably end up your pet. I do know one thing is certain, I have a dog who I've had for 7 years. A friend gave him to me when he was 6 weeks old. This dog was the cutest puppy I had ever seen. He quickly became my road dog and delivered pizzas with me on the weekends for over 2 years. There were plenty of times when I wanted to choke him for chewing up my brand new tennis shoes, or for getting loose and making me chase him (running, mind you) for an hour until he got tired and gave up.
   
   But, the best part about my dog is that no matter where we are, he is always there for me. At night, he picks the coldest room and sleeps there to keep whoever is in there warm. He has unconditional love and is never mean to me. That dog was there for me when no one else was. He will take first place in my life until he dies.

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10. 71

    onegoodwomanposted 13 years ago

    For your son, it probably is.........it certainly can be.
    
    
    Animals, should not ever be the outlet for human anger.  Nor should they be expected to " replace" a human relationship.
    
    Giving your son something to care about, is most probably a good thing.
    
    
    You do not mention how long the kitten has been in the family, or how your son is faring with the cat.     
    
    
    ask yourself, ' how is my son, dealing with the pet'?.
    
    Be honest with yourself..........you owe us nothing.

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11. 82

    proudmammaposted 13 years ago

    onegoodwoman,
    The kitten has only been in the home less than a week. My son adores Bear. Bear sleeps with my son, and spends most of it's time in my son's bedroom. He makes sure Bear is fed and watered. He worked diligently to get it litter box trained. I know the relationship with his dad can't be replaced. However, if I can help to eliminate some of his pain and help him to focus on the nurturing care of his kitten, then I've accomplished what I set out to do. The other night while he did his homework, he thought I needed to hold Bear, so he would feel safe and not as if he was being ignored.
    As for my son, no anger. His heart is broken just knowing, he is losing his dad. My son is compassionate and caring. He has a big heart. He has helped to care for his dad over the last year. This has taught him some of his best qualities.

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12. 73

    Cre8torposted 13 years ago

    Absolutely. Check out Wags for Warriors.

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13. 76

    nancynurseposted 12 years ago

    Yes studies have shown that pets can bring down blood pressure, heart rate and just bring a since of well being to a family or single person.  Having another of God's creatures  to care for will also give your son something else to focus on and another purpose.

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