Social worker releases book about using animals to deal with grief

Debra Stang, who has a master's degree in social work, recently released a book titled Hospice Tails: The Animal Companions Who Journey with Hospice Patients and Their Families. The professional said that she wanted to write the book in order to share her experience as a Kansas City hospice social worker.

Stang's book discusses her belief that having animals present when an individuals is suffering from a terminal illness can make the experience more tolerable and less stressful for them and their families.

"Animals are completely non-judgmental," Stang said in a statement. "They're there when you need them, and they don't try to come up with words of comfort when there aren't any."

According to the American Humane Society, many professionals like Stang see the value in using animals to help individuals recover from a variety of issues. Currently, these pets are used to assist people who have special needs, patients who are receiving mental counseling and individuals who are in rehabilitation programs. Many professionals feel that pet therapy can give people necessary motivational, educational and recreational interaction in a variety of settings. 

POSTED BY: ec_admin - June 21st, 2011 at 03:51pm ( 0 )