Better Health For All

At FPH’s Annual Conference 2017 in Telford, I learned about recent medical evidence and forthcoming research that widely acknowledges the value of Animal Assisted Intervention (AAI) –  including Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT). 

Animal-assisted therapy is an alternative therapy that involves animals as a form of treatment to improve a patient’s social, emotional, or cognitive functioning. According to Nagasawa et al, social interaction with dogs can increase the level of oxytocin – the happy hormone – in humans. This is known as amazing gaze, or oxytocin gaze. 

Dr Sigmund Freud, a pioneer in the field of psychology, often had his pet dog, Jofi at his side during psychotherapy sessions with patients. According to several reports on the topic, Freud himself was more relaxed when the dog was with him but he noticed that the presence of the dog had a positive impact on his patients too.  

However, the concept of pet therapy was conceptualised by child psychologist, Dr Boris Levinson. According to several reports on the topic, he noticed by chance that sessions with one of his patients were more productive when his dog Jingles was in the room.  

While there are more than 50,000 Therapy Dogs in the United States and Canada, the role of Therapy Dogs in the UK is slowly but surely gaining popularity; namely in airports, schools and even hospitals. 

Here are some examples of our furry friends helping humans in their role as therapy dogs across the UK: 

1. Harley was the first therapy dog to be introduced at Aberdeen Airport to calm passengers before their flights 
2. Bella the Staffordshire bull terrier is a former stray dog who spends four days per week at  Shirebrook Academy in Derbyshire. The dog – who has her own tie and timetable – helps children with mental health issues and those on the autism spectrum.  
3. In Eastbourne, another dog called Bella won the ‘Inspiration’ Award at the More Radio Eastbourne Awards 2017, by the brother of a patient who had suffered a stroke. On her ward round the hospital, Bella visits patients across all the departments but is particularly appreciated on the stroke and dementia wards. Donna Bloodworth, Stroke Unit Matron said: “Research has suggested that introducing a companion animal into therapy session can result in patients feeling more at ease, enhancing communicative tendency and motivating to engage in therapy. Bella and [her owner] Barry have touched many people’s lives by coming into the ward.” 

All of these stories show that pet therapy or pet ownership can have significantly positive effects on a person’s mental health and well-being. I can see how a dog could also play an important role in helping people struggling to find a sense of community – particularly in cities like London where demanding lifestyles, unjustifiably high rents and a lack of social housing make it hard to find a place to call home.  

Sharon Hall of Noah’s Art  has been extremely helpful in enlightening me about the unique approach in AAT for a variety of needs: empathy, stress, emotional comfort and mindfulness. Moose, a spaniel and the centre’s resident dog therapist was absolutely captivating. Personally, I had an amazing experience with a brilliant Dalmatian called Mr Bond who I photographed as part of a photo competition. I was introduced to Mr Bond by David Allen, formed CEO of FPH, who commissioned me to photograph former FPH President, Professor John Ashton, for his President’s Portrait. 

Written by Ray of Light, London Photographer and a friend of FPH. Click here to read more about Ray and how you can commission him.  If you’d like to learn more about the positive impact that dogs can have on the public’s health, click here.