It is well known that the presence of animals can have a significant impact on human beings. Animals respond to human emotion, they are proven to reduce stress and lower blood pressure, and they provide a positive common-ground with which to connect to other humans. Children and adults alike love to talk about their animals, both past and present, and the human-animal bonds they experience. I have animal “assistants” (mostly cats) join me in the office as often as possible. As a long-term foster of cats and kittens through Midcoast Humane, you might see the assistants come and then go to new, great homes!
Arnie and I were registered through Therapy Dogs.
Animal Assisted Psychotherapy
It is a pleasure and privilege to partner with Midcoast Humane as a Clinical Supervisor. Along with our social work intern from the University of New England, we have developed a pilot program to assist humans faced with the difficult decision to surrender their pets. Not only might this require supportive conversations, but those discussions often lead to the discovery of identified needs such as housing, food, and affordable veterinary care.
We also provide support groups for shelter staff members who are affected by their difficult and emotional work in animal welfare.