A Patient's Best Friend

[badger]

http://www.slate.com/id/2180065/

[Mamakicia]

Very sweet It reminds me of the cat who lived in a nursing home and who kept residents company when they were close to death.

[CyberKitten]

Very cute story-we have a program like that in our hospital (and YY is certified- we require the animals and their people to take a brief course just because not every animal or person despite their want may not be suitable to work with very ill people. It's a super program. I do know many where it occurs spontaneously though - like back home in their small community and that's great as well. Love those stories! It has been my experience both as a physician who works with dying children and teenagers and who has a cat who also in her own way helps them, that some pets especially can tell when someone needs extra care or time or a lick or warm body to pet or just talk to. Kids will tell dogs and cats many things they would never tell anyone, even their parents or best friend or their therapist. Animals make superb therapists!!!!

Thx for posting such an excellent article.

[TeriM]

That is a beautiful article .