How Animal-assisted Therapy is Helping RD Patient

TFRD discovered that young patients and patients who’s unable to express themselves by words smoothly are lack of measures to let off some steam. Therefore, Taichung City Branch Office first held the “Animal-assisted therapy courses” for 13 members to experience the novel interaction with therapy dog on April 12th.

TFRD invited a psychological healer Ms. Wu, Shih-Yin, and Mocha, the therapy dog to come over. The theory of this therapy was based on the belief that there’s a friendly relationship between human and animals, and we can feel love, acceptance, trust, and empathy from the relationship. Meanwhile, we can learn how to give and care others.

Many young patients felt excited but scared at the same time playing with Mocha. Ms. Wu reminded that everyone can interact with the dog at their own pace, and it’s an optional choice. The point is to let participants understood animal’s nature and uncontrolled. And to realize sometimes reality is more important than perfection.

In the short three-hour class, the stimulation brought by the animals caused the rise of everyone’s endorphin and dopamine, that is to say everyone had a good time.

After courses, Ms. Wu encouraged everyone that even if you can’t express your feelings through words, you can still try to interact with others just like playing with animals. Through interaction, animals can be our reliable friends, too.

Translator: Angela Ou Yang (Thrombasthenia), Reviewer: Joy Yin