The Healing Power of Animals

A toxic, abusive relationship is isolating and traumatizing. Our self-esteem and physical and mental health are affected during and after, and the comfort of animals when we’re unsure of who to trust, can help us cope and heal.

As a classroom teacher, I enjoyed seeing my students interact with the animals that ended up on our campus — stray dogs often followed the stream of kids walking to school, and they eventually ended up in my classroom because I run an animal rescue.

I’ll never forget the looks on my students’ faces, and how much they softened and enjoyed class those days. There was a sense of camaraderie and closeness, and their compassionate, tender sides came out as they checked on the scared, matted stray dog crated near my desk waiting for a volunteer to pick up.

Animals provide healing, much like prayer or a hug, and throughout the years of running my rescue, our rescue dogs played an important role in helping me heal as well.

According to Trauma Institute & Child Trauma Institute (TICTI), “the benefits of interactions with animals are well established, and the use of service and emotional support animals has become popular among traumatized individuals.”

Studies show when an animal accompanies someone in therapy, or patients simply imagine their dog or cat there with them, they feel more at ease talking about traumatic events.

As TICTI explains, “therapy clients may develop connections to animals that provide emotional support, a sense of protection, and/or attachment and grounding during periods of heightened arousal.”

So how and why do animals soothe us?

TICTI lists a few ways: “the sensory stimulation of animals provides a comforting tether to the present moment,” which means we can focus on “the now” with the help of an animal while working through past traumas.

In addition, animals can act as “social facilitators,” helping traumatized individuals feel more connected and inclined to talk and experience difficult emotions.

Our brains can also be positively affected by the presence of animals — oxytocin, AKA “the love hormone,” is secreted when we see a cute kitten or puppy, or any friendly animal, much like when we’re around someone we love.

So what can you do with all this information?

If you’re recovering from the aftermath of a toxic, abusive relationship, look to the animals…

There are record numbers of homeless animals overcrowding shelters across the nation. The stress and loneliness of the pandemic caused many to adopt, but once the world went back to work and school full-time, dogs and cats have been surrendered to shelters and rescues in droves.

Think about adopting a dog or cat from a shelter or rescue near you. Save a life and gain a soothing, healing furry companion in the process.

If adoption is not an option, foster or volunteer at a shelter or rescue. There’s nothing more healing than puppy breath, gaining the trust of a fearful dog, and kitten and cat cuddles. Google animal welfare organizations in your area and ask how to volunteer. Keep in mind – city and county shelters can cause more stress than healing; they are often overwhelmed and understaffed and animals are euthanized for space. If you’re not ready for those harsh realities (many of us are not), ask about fostering a dog or cat in your home. Rescues are another less stressful option: animals are not euthanized for space, and because they take in only what they can handle, the situation is not as dire with rescue groups.

Take advantage of the opportunity to heal yourself by helping a dog, cat, or other animal that needs you just as much as you need them.

Angela Halfman

Beautiful Broken Vessels Writer and Editing Manager