My friend Mark had a very good friend pass away a couple of weeks ago, having lived with cancer for a year. He spent his last few days in a lovely hospice, where they took such good care of him and all the friends and family who spent his last days there with him.
Mark told me about a couple of cats that lived in the home. They'd not belonged to any of the staff or residents, but just moved in themselves. They would just sit and be with the residents, bringing them love and caring, just like the staff. I've frequently heard about hospices where cats have moved in, and seem to know who needs them, who to be with. At the end of peoples' lives, even if nothing further can be done to help their bodies, the cats seem to bring them peace and spiritual healing. I've also heard of dogs that perform similar functions, although of course they don't decide to move in themselves.
Our cats have so much wisdom, and always know when they can help to heal. I've read many stories of animals who seem to know that their role is to be with others - whether human or other animals - who are poorly, sad, or suffering in some way. Everything about their presence brings comfort, caring, hope and love - all of which are essential to healing. We are very honoured to have these wonderful and wise beings living among us.
In fact, there's a wonderful charitable organisation called Pets as Therapy which helps to train cats and dogs to work in residential homes, special needs schools, hospices and many other places as therapy pets, helping people with a wide range of conditions and issues. A lot of the time, all they need to do is to be with the people, sitting with them, or on their laps, and being stroked or petted. We all know how wonderful it is to be able to stroke or cuddle an animal, and what peace it can bring.
Mark told me about a couple of cats that lived in the home. They'd not belonged to any of the staff or residents, but just moved in themselves. They would just sit and be with the residents, bringing them love and caring, just like the staff. I've frequently heard about hospices where cats have moved in, and seem to know who needs them, who to be with. At the end of peoples' lives, even if nothing further can be done to help their bodies, the cats seem to bring them peace and spiritual healing. I've also heard of dogs that perform similar functions, although of course they don't decide to move in themselves.
Our cats have so much wisdom, and always know when they can help to heal. I've read many stories of animals who seem to know that their role is to be with others - whether human or other animals - who are poorly, sad, or suffering in some way. Everything about their presence brings comfort, caring, hope and love - all of which are essential to healing. We are very honoured to have these wonderful and wise beings living among us.
In fact, there's a wonderful charitable organisation called Pets as Therapy which helps to train cats and dogs to work in residential homes, special needs schools, hospices and many other places as therapy pets, helping people with a wide range of conditions and issues. A lot of the time, all they need to do is to be with the people, sitting with them, or on their laps, and being stroked or petted. We all know how wonderful it is to be able to stroke or cuddle an animal, and what peace it can bring.
Please have a look at their website, and if you'd like to help in any way, I know they'd be very happy. And perhaps your animal companion might make a great therapist too - the mother of one of my customers has recently had one of her cats accepted as a therapy cat, and is doing so well.
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