The notion of pet therapy began in the 1860’s although most studies were conducted in the 1980’s. Even famous nurse Florence Nightingale recognized that animals provided a level of social support in the institutional care of the mentally ill over 150 years ago. You may have read that dogs can smell cancer in their owner long before a formal diagnosis is made, or how they calm children with epileptic seizures and bring people out of comas. Depression in older patients can be common, especially if they recently lost a spouse, received terminal diagnosis or had to move from the comforts of home. Our past experiences when providing pet therapy to our patients here at Faith and Hope Hospice, has shown us how pets provide unconditional love, comfort and help reduce anxiety, particularly with patients in nursing homes. If you or someone you know needs hospice care and would benefit from pet therapy you may contact us for a free consult/assessment at (626) 869-2151.