By Ti’Anna Davis
Therapy animal sessions with people that have stress, anxiety, depression and other mental or physical illnesses have shown to ease their pain and bring them happiness.
According to a survey conducted by The Association for University and College Counseling Center Directors (AUCCD) in 2017, 48.2% of college students struggle with anxiety followed by 39.1% stress and 34.5% depression. Not only are students dealing with these mental health problems, but so do many other people from assisted living facilities, hospitals, and rehabilitation centers.
St. Petersburg College brought miniature therapy horses and dogs to help students cope with their stress and anxiety on October 5th.
Ellen Diaz brought two of her miniature horses to the college named Lady Bug and Tango. Lady Bug is 11 years old and Tango is 9 years old. Both of them are mares.
Lady Bug has been a very social horse since she was two years old meeting people at birthday parties and social events.
“I’m really surprised at the number of people who cry when they hold them,” said Diaz. “There’s some emotional effect, some contact that they have that just allows that release.”
Diaz explained that people build a bond with the horses. She believes people feel a connection with horses like no other human relationship because they know the horses wouldn’t judge them.
“The tears were rolling down her face and she turned around and she looked at me and she said, ‘I never thought I would smell a horse again,’” said Diaz. “The nurse about fell out because she was like, ‘This woman doesn’t talk.’”
Similar to the miniature horses, therapy dogs are proven to help a person’s mental health.
The Golden Retriever Rescue of Mid-Florida is the organization that volunteers at many colleges, nursing homes and rehab centers. Over 200 volunteers in Florida that participate in this organization. Many of these dogs are rescues that are trained as therapy dogs.
Cathy Christy is a member of the Golden Retriever Rescue of Mid-Florida. Christy has two golden retrievers named Chance and Bella. They both serve as therapy dogs.
Christy had two golden retrievers before Chance and Bella who had died from cancer. But she decided to adopt two more because of the impact they left on her.
Chance is 8 years old and Bella is 9 years old. Chance has been a therapy dog since he was 1 year old. Similar to Lady Bug, he has always been natural and very friendly.
“The joy of seeing the faces of the people and how well they reacted to the animals just really, you know, warmed our hearts,” said Christy.
According to HelpGuide organization, studies have shown that stroking, hugging or rubbing a loving animal can quickly lower a person’s stress or anxiety levels. Also, playing with a dog or cat can elevate one’s serotonin and dopamine levels which calms a person down.
Christy said that Chance and Bella rescued her and always gives her the love she needs.
“Just the love they give. It gets so emotional sometimes, and just coming home and just loving on them is the best thing ever,” said Christy.
