Unity Health’s Post

Did you know you don’t have to start your therapy animal journey during a dog’s puppy years? Meet Sharlet Jensen and therapy Brittany spaniel Johnny Utah. He's proof that even if your dog seems “too hyper” for therapy animal work in their younger years, they have potential later in life. 🌟 Therapy Dog Story: When he was seven, Johnny’s temperament was more fit for therapy work and he immediately loved having a job! One of his most impactful stories is about a child who struggled with behavioral issues and making connections with peers. After meeting Johnny, the child made a friend for the first time. 💖 Favorite Thing About Johnny: He's never met a person he didn't love. His energetic greetings include not only whole-body wiggles that make people smile, but he also smiles and happy sneezes, especially for young kids. 💡 Lesson Learned from Johnny: Letting go. Johnny Utah had to retire last year after 3 years of therapy dog work due to an age-related health condition. It's taken a lot of reflection to be able to focus on the wonderful times we had working alongside each other and not focus on his absence. Learn how you can make a positive impact in your career through therapy animals, too: https://lnkd.in/g_54g_A6 . . . #therapydog #brittanyspaniel #speechpathologist #speechpath

🐾 Exploring the Transformative Power of Animal-Assisted Therapy 🐾 Dive into the world of Animal-Assisted Therapy with this insightful article from Husson University. Discover the profound benefits that the companionship of animals brings to our well-being. From mental health to overall happiness, this piece sheds light on the positive impact our furry friends can have! Read more about the therapeutic alliance between humans and animals: https://lnkd.in/gf9GW4_q #AnimalAssistedTherapy #Wellness #HussonUniversity #BrightStarCares #MentalHealthMatters #Petlover

A great article from Oxfordshire Animal Sanctuary about heat exhaustion in cats. "Cats have a limited ability to cool themselves down, primarily through panting, seeking shade, and resting on cool surfaces. It’s crucial to recognise the signs of heat stroke in cats, as early intervention can be life-saving. Watch for the following indicators": - Restless behaviour and an intense search for a cool area. - Sweaty paws, which may feel damp or moist to the touch. - Excessive grooming as an attempt to cool themselves. - Panting or drooling, which can be signs of distress. https://lnkd.in/eiZpieWb

HBO’s docuseries Chimp Crazy shines a light on the seedy underworld of misguided humans who force chimpanzees to live in their homes and exploit them for entertainment. In nature, chimpanzees spend the first several years of their lives nursing and clinging to their mother’s side. But selfish, unscrupulous breeders have torn these primates away from their mothers when they were just months, weeks, or even days old in order to sell them as “pets” or use them for profitable photo-op gimmicks. It doesn’t take long for juvenile chimpanzees to become stronger than adult humans, and their rambunctious personalities and naturally volatile reactions to novel situations can quickly lead to tragedy. Humans typically put these animals who share over 98% of our DNA into cages for the rest of the decades-long lives. Now, you can take action for chimpanzees suffering in human homes or roadside zoos to help them have the lives they deserve. Please click through to ask each of these facilities that confine chimpanzees to substandard conditions to please work with the North American Primate Sanctuary Alliance in order to make a plan to retire these chimpanzees to accredited sanctuaries. https://lnkd.in/d93PMJ_9 #TakeAction #chimpanzees #suffering #CaptivityKills #NotOurs2Use #AnimalJustice #advocate #AnimalRights #EndSpeciesism #rescue #activist

Take care of yourselves out there, Animal Friends. I found this to be a good article with some tips on dealing with Compassion Fatigue in the Animal Care industry. I particularly liked this excerpt for the TLDR crowd: "Try this: Find a quiet place, and give yourself about 15 minutes for this exercise. You’ll need a pen and two pieces of blank paper. On the first sheet, make a list of all the things you enjoy, cherish, and appreciate about the work you do. On the other sheet, make a list of all the things that are really difficult, challenging, and upsetting about your job. Make both lists as exhaustive as possible, and don’t worry about finding the right words—just brainstorm, take your time, and get it all out. When you’re done, take a moment to study your lists. It’s likely there are amazing things on the first list, while ugly things populate the second. But what I want you to notice is this: There are things on your list of positives that only exist because of the corresponding problem or dilemma on your list of challenges. For example, witnessing suffering is clearly difficult, but relieving the suffering of animals is so often on the list of things that are deeply satisfying. “Ignorant people” are often on lists of difficulties, but the ability to educate and change peoples’ minds is often on lists of job satisfactions."

As we continue National Stress Awareness Month, we're highlighting the many benefits of animal therapy in reducing stress in seniors. According to Harvard Heath, studies going back 40 years support the idea that dogs—and other pets—have enormous health benefits for people. Pets can lower blood pressure, improve recovery from heart disease, and improve psychological well-being and self-esteem. Do you have a pet therapy program in your community? If so, please post your pictures below! #nationalstressawarenessmonth #pettherapy #seniorwellbeing

As we continue National Stress Awareness Month, we're highlighting the many benefits of animal therapy in reducing stress in seniors. According to Harvard Heath, studies going back 40 years support the idea that dogs—and other pets—have enormous health benefits for people. Pets can lower blood pressure, improve recovery from heart disease, and improve psychological well-being and self-esteem. Do you have a pet therapy program in your community? If so, please post your pictures below! #nationalstressawarenessmonth #pettherapy #seniorwellbeing

As we continue National Stress Awareness Month, we're highlighting the many benefits of animal therapy in reducing stress in seniors. According to Harvard Heath, studies going back 40 years support the idea that dogs—and other pets—have enormous health benefits for people. Pets can lower blood pressure, improve recovery from heart disease, and improve psychological well-being and self-esteem. Do you have a pet therapy program in your community? If so, please post your pictures below! #nationalstressawarenessmonth #pettherapy #seniorwellbeing

April marks National Stress Awareness Month and we're highlighting the many benefits of animal therapy in reducing stress in seniors. According to Harvard Heath, studies going back 40 years support the idea that dogs—and other pets—have enormous health benefits for people. Pets can lower blood pressure, improve recovery from heart disease, and improve psychological well-being and self-esteem. Do you have a pet therapy program in your community? If so, please post your pictures below! #nationalstressawarenessmonth #pettherapy #seniorwellbeing

The more we understand cats, the more cats stay in homes and out of shelters. This is a great article from Scientist and Animal Behaviorist Mikel Delgado, PhD. If you're struggling with unwanted cat behaviors, please seek the help of a veterinarian to rule out medical issues and consult with an experienced behavioral consultant. #kittycorrespondent #cats ##catbehavior