Therapeutic Animals Poem by David Harris

The story I am about to unfold
is the truth the way I was told.
We have often been told that dogs and cats
can help people in times of illness
that sometimes threaten their lives.
I have heard many stories how a daily visit of a dog or cat
on a hospital ward can improve patient’s health.
As I occasionally help with people,
who are mentally handicapped,
and I often talk to their carers.
Once I was told of a young girl
who was suffering from depression rages.
The medicine they gave her would quell them for a few days,
but had no lasting effect.
Someone suggested she might like to help care
for the animals they had.
Farm livestock such as pigs, sheep and goats
and for some reason she seem to have a special bond
with the sheep and they let her help with them.
As the months passed,
the rages were quelled completely.
She took great pride in the work she did
and everyone could see a vast improvement.
The animals took to her and where ever she went,
one or two would go with her.
She knew all their names and if she called them,
they came running to her, nudging her with affection,
the same kind she gave to them.
She now remains with them in her care
and is helping to teach others the skills she has learnt.
The unconditional love she gave them
was returned in full by these therapeutic animals.

29 January 2009