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Animal-Assisted TherapyAnimal-Assisted Therapy (AAT) is a type of therapy, using interactions with animals, designed to promote improvement in social, emotional, cognitive, and physical functioning. AAT is based on Attachment Theory, which explores the dynamics of human relationships from infancy to adulthood, and posits that the relationship dynamics experienced in infancy and early childhood resonate throughout the lifespan continuum. Humans and animals share a powerful bond; research indicates this bond has many therapeutic benefits for physical and emotional pain.
“One of the most fundamental advantages of animal-assisted therapy over other therapeutic modalities is that it provides the patient a much-needed opportunity to give affection as well as receive it. It is this reciprocity – rare among medical therapies – that make AAT a unique and valuable route to healing”
~ Dr. Andrew Weil, world-renowned leader & pioneer in the field of integrative medicine Maulie, Registered Therapy DogMaulie is my 3-year-old, Rottweiler. She and I are a Registered Therapy Animal Team through Pet Partners (ID #98661). She is AKC registered and has earned her Canine Good Citizen title. Maulie was the only puppy in her litter, so she sometimes forgets that she is a dog and considers herself a human; she likes to hear herself speak and enjoys watching cartoons. She also loves chasing shadows.
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