Family News and Views, A Monthly Publication of the Brain Injury Association,
Vol. 5, No. 1 January 1998
By Carolyn Rocchio

Man’s best friend, the dog, has been portrayed in the literature, movies and television as a loyal companion, lifesaver, personal care attendant and traditionally as a member of the All-American Family portrait. The message is clear -- dogs are important to humans. However, dogs don’t corner the market as pets of choice. In the past 10 years, this country has definitely "gone to the cats." Cats outnumber dogs 63 million to 54 million now. But the choice of a pet is not as important as the many benefits pets can provide to individuals with brain injury.

The inclusion of pets into hospital and rehabilitation environments has long been considered very therapeutic, and pets continue to be an important part of life long after rehabilitation has ended. In addition to filling lonely hours with companionship, pets can be trained, much like the more familiar Seeing Eye dogs, to perform tasks and assist persons with disabilities in many different ways. The responsibility for pet care can enhance cognitive functioning in ways that are more subtle and enjoyable than traditional therapies. Just as recreational activities can be planned to promote therapeutic goals, so also can the acquisition of a pet. Fun activities often stimulate individuals with low motivation in ways that are not often achieved by sitting in front of a television set for hours on end.

Some ways pets can improve social and cognitive functioning may be:

Pets are very good companions and help people feel more acknowledged and less lonely.

Profiting from feedback is a problem area for many with brain injury and often results in loss of friendships and diminished social skills. When treated inappropriately, pets respond with immediate feedback in the form of a nip, scratch, bark or quick exit. This may help the offending individual correct or relearn more appropriate behavior without the repeated embarrassment of a social blunder in public or constant verbal correction by a family member. This increased awareness and feedback training should then generalize into social settings.

There’s a great deal of pride in ownership and thus, owning and being responsible for a pet can boost self-esteem for those with depleted self-worth. Interest in a pet may redirect some of the egocentricity that can be a common problem with frontal lobe deficits.

Selecting a pet is fun and can be turned into a cognitive exercise by taking time to do some planning. Talk about the choice of a pet, financial impact associated with the purchase of the animal, costs of food, vet visits for licenses and immunizations, bedding, collars, leases or other accessories required. This kind of planning can be written or verbal but should be a serious discussion to ensure that responsibility taken on can be managed by the individual. It may be necessary to openly discuss the pros and cons of various choices in a non-confrontational manner.

The choice of a pet should be fun, not fraught with discord. It’s important to consider all options, for example, a sophisticated set up of aquariums, with pumps, filters, etc. may not be an appropriate choice for an individual with severe physical and cognitive deficits. A Saint Bernard for someone with balance problems would create a hazard when walking such a large animal, just as a Chihuahua for someone with impaired visual perception or motor planning problems would also be a poor choice.

Pets must be cared for, otherwise they fail to thrive. This may be a hard lesson, possibly from time to time even cruel for the animal, but individuals with brain injury must learn or relearn this important fact of life. Naturally a responsible adult should intervene if the pet’s health or well-being is adversely affected. When limitations are barriers to independently caring for a pet of choice, talk about strategies that will enable more independence and determine what duties will be managed by whom so responsibilities can be monitored and the proper care is always provided.

Almost everyone loves animals and they are "attention getters" and the subject of public interest. This often enhances social skills building for individuals when encountering others in the park, neighborhoods and other places people congregate with pets. Have you ever been able to pass without noticing or striking up a conversation with someone sitting on a park bench with a colorful, exotic bird perched on his or her shoulder? Pets are great conversation pieces.

Individuals with severe brain injury and other impairing conditions often have little control over their lives. Owning a pet can provide an opportunity for controlling at least one facet of their lives - their pet! Pets always have time for sharing with their owners and their loyalty is indisputable.

Pet therapy is a well-established routine in many hospitals, nursing homes and rehabilitation centers. Anecdotal accounts tell of the benefits of pets being in the presence of people in all stages of recovery, rehabilitation and even end-stage illnesses. The comforting and calming affect of stroking a furry animal often elicits more relaxing facial expressions and/or postures in persons even thought to be in minimally- responsive states. Nonverbal individuals generally respond with contented smiles when pets are introduced into their environment. Almost all individuals with disabilities can take some responsibility for the care of an animal, even if it’s no more than a daily stroking or play session.

Dogs are frequently trained to assist individuals with brain injury, particularly those with mobility impairments. Custom-styled saddlebags can be placed on the dog and used for carrying personal items, wallet, daily journal and other items needed by those using wheelchairs and/or other assistive devices that increase mobility.

Henry David Thoreau writes, "It often happens that a man is more humanely related to a cat or dog than to any human being." Pets are indeed wonderful companions and can frequently impact positively even on those for whom other therapies, exercises and/or future promise for continuing recovery hold little interest.