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Dr. Nadia Hirani explains why our furry friends are so good for our mental health. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community.
It was an emotional reunion this week for a homeless man in Leeds, England, and his dog that had gone missing. A man, who only wants to be identified as Lee, broke down in tears when volunteers from a local charity, called Helping Hands, delivered his beloved Crystal back into his arms.
Did you know, about 10% of the vulnerably housed adults in Toronto own pets, currently estimated to be 9000 people, and 900 animals, amongst them. Many of these people with animals blatantly refuse individual housing, to stay on the streets with their pets.
There is a growing global trend to consider pets as part of the family. In fact, millions of people around the world love their pets, enjoying their companionship, going for walks, playing and even talking to them. And there is evidence suggesting that attachment to pets is good for human health and even helps build community.
Dogs are known as “man’s best friend” for more than one reason. It’s not only our long history of working together and co-habitating which has led to an unbreakable bond, dogs are actually able to improve our moods and make us happier people over all. From their loyal sensibility, to the joy we feel when being in their presence, their role in helping with mental health issues such as anxiety and depression could be a lot more serious than previously considered. We all know that dogs can put a smile on the face of just about anyone – but does it go deeper than that?
Dr. Denise Pilgeram, a veterinarian who runs the low-cost clinic at Union Gospel Mission, said people often see pets as a luxury, but for many of her clients, they’re a necessity. She said some patients have overcome addiction, have a disability or are victims of circumstance and an animal is what motivates them to take care of themselves. “That’s what keeps them going,” she said.
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She said they don't like to see animal suffering of any kind and feral cats are a problem both in the city and country, which is why they were happy to help the clinic provide low-cost spaying/neutering and medical care to pets that normally don't get vet attention. The clinic receives no government funding. The Kitchener location is running with support from Waterloo's Bill and Marion Weber, who are cat owners and advocates.