Therapy Pets: The Animal-Human Healing Partnership (Paperback)

~ (Author), Karen A. Pomerinke (Author), Donald W. Smith (Author) "She knew that Dale had been unlikely to take his own pains seriously..." (more)
Key Phrases: Mounted Eagles, Ground Zero, Red Cross (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Crawford, a clinical psychologist, and Pomerinke, a professional dog trainer, provide a touching introduction to Animal Assisted Therapy in 23 profiles of people who benefited from AAT. In intimate and enthusiastic short chapters, the authors cover the notable variety of the animals' healing power: two dogs, Tikva and Hoss, console workers at Ground Zero; a 20-year-old pony helps a young girl with cerebral palsy gain muscular control; a seven-pound Brussels Griffon aids victims of sexual and physical abuse. While the book offers a smattering of clinical information, the appeal here is primarily emotional-this is a warm and fuzzy read (sometimes perhaps too warm and fuzzy). Crawford and Pomerinke's writing can become scrambled when addressing the uplifting emotional impact of the animals' abilities; the authors also tend to restate concepts they have demonstrated clearly already (e.g., animals give unconditional love). Animal lovers, though, may be able to overlook the authors' stylistic imperfections and focus on the pleasure and poignancy of the heartwarming stories. The appendix includes a state-by-state listing of AAT organizations and a chapter on how to get your pet started in the field.
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

"...uplifting book...compelling stories..." -- Cat Fancier's Almanac, October 2003

"Paws up for a good book, and for the human and animal heroes whose stories it tells." -- Oregonian, August 19, 2003

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Product Details

• Paperback: 198 pages
• Publisher: Prometheus Books (May 31, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1591020719
• ISBN-13: 978-1591020714
• Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 5.2 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #265,763 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Clear, Beautifully Told Collection of Pet Therapy Stories, July 20, 2003

By	Marilyn G. Putz (Highland Park, IL United States) - See all my reviews

Jacqueline Crawford and Karen Pomerinke have truly found words to express both the realistic descriptions and the emotional experiences involved in pet therapy. They have hit on so many of the miraculous benefits of this activity, demonstrating how the joy of participation goes both ways - to the recipient as well as to the donor. The book is well organized and documented with many descriptive photographs. It covers the surprisingly wide range of species involved in theraputic activities, proving that the animal-human bond extends beyond the canines, and therefore enlightning its importance. This book is a "must" for everyone involved in the healing professions.

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Heartwarming encouragement!!, July 17, 2003

By	"mhg513" (Owings Mills, MD United States) - See all my reviews

This is a wonderful compliation of stories about a variety of therapy animals and the people they help. The story of my therapy dog (Marley) is featured in this book as well!! :) I have shared this book with collegues and it is a must have for people that would like to get animal assited therapy programs started. This book shows many examples of how animals can help people overcome a variety of challenges. I also think this book would be great for parents or realtives of those with special needs. It will inspire you and encourege alternatives to compliment more tradtional therapies. This is also a fantastic book if you like to read heartwarming stories about some amazing animals!

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars "Pawsitively" Therapuetic Reading, July 17, 2003

By	Peggy Lae (New Orleans, La United States) - See all my reviews

I purchased this book because I have seen first hand the miracle of pets as therapeutic healers. My daughter gained much confidence about her Cerebral Palsy during Therapeutic Horseback Riding, eventually enough to own the most wonderful "therapist" named Penny. Their connection was so strong that Penny took great care of Ashley while on their "venting rides", where Ashley told her the most special of thoughts.
I am also a member of the Visiting Pet Program and the bond between our volunteers and their animals and what they hope to accomplish at every visit is extraordinary. Molly is a very special animal, a breed of her own, a "Gaffneyhound" who brings love and smiles to all she visits.
Our VPP group is proud of Molly and Lee, and you will enjoy the "tails" in this book about all of the special animals and their humans.