While images of agitated activists hurling paint at fur-clad celebrities may not present animal lovers in their best light, the relationship between humans and animals has many fascinating aspects that even non-pet owners may find intriguing. More than little fur balls requiring intermittent petting; animals make numerous contributions to the human world and reveal compelling insights about our humanity. Enlightening and sometimes disturbing, the human-animal connection has significance that reaches far beyond the kennel to the realm of the psychiatric community, Congress and even the FBI.Though many are familiar with the roles of guide dogs, assistance animals enrich human lives in ways that almost defy imagination.

Their contributions are vast and varied. Therapy animals have been documented as lowering blood pressure, anxiety and distress in humans. They have frequently been used in hospitals, nursing homes, even mental institutions. They are also used in disaster situations. In the September 11 tragedy, many victims and rescue workers at the World Trade Center found comfort and solace in therapy dogs that were sometimes able to connect with humans more directly than human counselors. The duties they performed at Ground Zero put a new perspective on this type of therapy.Such animals work with abused and traumatized children or help the disabled learn motor skills everyday. Sometimes the therapy is induced by the simple petting or companionship that an animal can offer, but other forms are more specific.

Equitherapy is a form of therapy assisted by horses that means “treatment with the help of a horse.” In equitherapy, the horse helps the rider rather than the traditional activity in which the rider controls the movements of the horse. The freedom of being on a horse can simply help by inspiring confidence with the control such movement can induce. The rhythmic and repetitive motion of a horse’s gait provides other sensory benefits. The Therapeutic Riding Center of Israel has an indoor riding arena of 2000 square meters and a professional staff that includes physiotherapists and certified, experienced riding instructors. Professional doctors, psychologists, physiotherapists, and educational advisors supervise the staff.

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