Pets Magazine October 2018

By MARIE CARTER
Cuddle power
should not be
underestimated.
For both pets and
people, comfort is
derived from the
nearness of
another, the comforting
link of touch. So many
other benefits can be
derived from caring for a
pet. Some might say that
a furry friend should be
put on a medical
prescription in place of,
Marie & Nell
or as an accompaniment
to, medication for a
whole host
of mental
health
issues…
The
comforting
padding of
feet across the otherwise
silent house, the welcoming
nudge of wet nose on arm
and the soothing sense of
unconditional love can
make lives tainted by
mental health more
bearable.
Formerly love-deprived Nell,
my rescue spaniel, loves her
cuddles, and she ‘asks’ for
them on a daily basis. The
strength of her
unconditional and innocent
sense of love is palpable and
we both derive comfort and
a sense of calm from that
closeness.
Just by stroking, sitting next
to or playing with a pet can
help to relax and calm
someone with a mental
health condition. Dogs
especially will encourage
their owner to seek exercise
and thereby meet other dog
walkers, creating vital social
Vet
Pets Magazine