2023-07-01 18:55:00
When it comes to sharing affection, the heart knows no borders. And perhaps in this the animals are light years ahead of us. That is why it is not uncommon to come across stories like that of Wally, an alligator American 7 years and 1.5 meters, licensed to love, rather, to provide emotional support to humans.
His easy-going, laid-back personality won over Joe Henney, a 68-year-old man who adopted him after rescuing him in Florida (United States), and now he is his faithful friend, the one who accompanies him to the park or shopping at the supermarket.
Although it is not common for a human to adopt a crocodile, it is common to see how different species of animals, especially domestic ones such as cats, dogs, even horses, cows, sheep and goats, steal a smile and make the day of the human species. These sentient beings have already left their adoptive homes to illuminate other daily scenarios of their owners.
At the Women’s Gym in Bogotá, for example, there has been an Emotional Support Program in which dogs have been a fundamental part for four years. “From the perspective of expanding the tools that exist for the improvement of student well-being, we linked Mark Lee (canine educator) and his dogs as part of this programsince we know that the connection that is generated between dogs and our community is increasingly valued and taken into account in society”, says María José Caro, rector of the Women’s Gym.
The presence of pets in childhood improves children’s social behavior Photo: iStock
It’s not an exceptional case. The Congress of the Republic of Colombia declared itself last September pet friendly and congressmen can go to work with their pets. And the Taxis Libres team “hired” the services of four cats that are in charge of providing joy and entertainment to the collaborators and clients of this company.
Undoubtedly, it is a win-win for animals and humans because, on the one hand, pets find a home where they are given affection, shelter and food, and they, in turn, teach their owners responsible ownership and generate a bond of protection. And they also give “happiness, security and awaken love and care for the other”affirms Caro, the rector of the educational center.
More and more offices are becoming pet-friendly Photo: iStock
In the case of this institution, the dogs are educated to have “impeccable behaviour, regulated energy, focus on receiving caresses and some specific commands to help improve moods and give emotional support to the girls, teachers and administrative staff”. In addition to generating awareness among students to “help reduce pet abuse and neglect”.
“Each rescued and adopted animal species is different in its behavior, personality and character, but it is indisputable that whether it is cats, dogs, to name the most common animals in our homes, they benefit the mental, physical and emotional health of all family members”, explains Ana Cristina Maldonado, human animal therapist.
“In addition to giving joy and helping to release stress, treat anxiety, depression, they teach us, as in the case of cats, to be more affectionate, but at the same time more independent —says Natalia Materon Ruiz, a veterinary doctor—; and in the case of dogs, to socialize more easily, and by having to take them out for a walk as part of the care that we must give them, they are encouraging us to move, to stop being sedentary”.
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