How Pet Therapy Benefits Seniors

Every month, a big and beautiful St. Bernard, named Winston, visits the seniors at Canterfield of Franklin.

The residents fold over Winston to wrap in warm hugs, smiling from ear to ear. This calm, cheerful, big dog has also become a pseudo-mascot for the community, with his name matching the Canterfield owner’s. It’s easy to imagine how Winston’s presence enhances the lives of our residents, but what is actually happening in the psychology between man and pet? 

According to Pets Can Go, pet therapy “utilizes the unique bond between humans and animals to promote physical, mental, and emotional health.” 

• Pets encourage their humans to move, be silly, and engage with others. These actions directly counter the inactivity, depression, and loneliness plaguing so many seniors.

• Spending time with animals also gives oneself a sense of control and responsibility, since animals rely on humans for so much. 

• Talking to animals also has huge benefits. It can be “cathartic, amusing, and healing,” according to Psychology Today. 

Whatever the case may be, there is no denying the happiness that Winston provides to our seniors. We hope that every senior has the ability to spend some quality time with a big, beautiful dog like him.