Dear Readers,

In today's New York Times I came across an article by Carla Baranaukas, titled, "Exploring the Health Benefits of Pets."  Ms. Baranaukas discusses the connection between an 11 year old boy with autism and his service dog, and takes a broader look at service dogs and the people they help. The author also writes about the new research beginning which focuses on the benefits of animal and child interaction. 

For those of us who are animal lovers and have pets we know how much they mean to us and do for us—no study needs to tell us that. My mother who had Alizheimer's was in a nursing home the last four years of her life. During those years she lost the ability to speak or make any sound at all. By that time she did not recognize her family. While I was visiting her one day, a therapy dogs came to visit. When I gently placed my mother's hand on the dog and had her stroke it, all of a sudden my mother brightened and let out a sound.  No human interaction with her family members was able to elicit that kind of reaction—but a dog could. 

The article link follows for your enjoyment and information:

Please comment and post stories about your experiences with animals to share with readers.

Regards,

Diane