This book will make you aware of many things you probably did not know about pets.  Pets can teach valuable lessons to children.  Caring for a pet can help a child gain emotional independence.  Pets can also help build a child's self-esteem.  Dr. Becker also states that pets can teach parents a lesson.  The same elements apply to both raising a child and a pet.  They are very similar.  If you have an out of control pet you will probably have an out of control child.

Pets were used as therapy to help students who were at Columbine High School.  Dr. Becker states that we feel safe with pets.  A pet will not harm you.  They give us a sense of trust. 

Animals are also used in therapy sessions at facilities for children of abuse and neglect.

Dr. Becker gives details of a study done in 1980 that showed heart attack sufferers who owned pets had a four times better chance of surviving a year.

Pets can play a major role in our lives whether it is to help with loneliness or to help cancer and heart attack patients through recovery therapy.  Dr. Becker does such a great job of making everyone aware of how animals can help us feel better.  Pets ask so little of us - just a little tender, loving care. In return, we get so much from them.  As Dr. Becker states, an animal teaches us how to bond and this prepares us for many trying times in our lives.  Everyone should read this book.  Dr. Becker provides many personal stories and provides scientific research to back up the theories.   If you don't have a pet now, you will want one after you have completed reading this book!


NANCY EATON

DO NOT REPRINT WITHOUT PERMISSION OF THE AUTHOR, NANCY EATON