Rescue Animals Sri Lanka [ RAS ], a Trust co founded by Anusha David, has taken the initiative to commence Pet Therapy sessions as additional healing and therapy for those afflicted with both physical and mental afflictions.
Pet therapy builds on the pre-existing human-animal bond and involves the use of animals to support the treatment of a range of issues in particular patients undergoing treatment for cancer , who have had a stroke and are undergoing physical therapy to regain motor skills, those suffering from depression and neurological disorders, patients undergoing rehabilitation for musculoskeletal disorders, elders in care homes, as well as a multitude of other physical and mental disorders. Interacting with an animal is proven to make you happier, lessening depression, and improving your outlook on life, decreasing loneliness and isolation by giving you a companion, reducing anxiety and helping both adults and children learn empathic and nurturing skills.
“We selected the Indira Cancer Trust to commence this activity due to our close association with Dr Lanka Dissanayake; in fact they were part of our charity bazaar Santapaws in December as well. The effect little Jax had on not just the children but the adults, both parents of the children as well as the staff at Suwa Arana was both exhilarating and uplifting”. Dogs and horses are the most commonly used animals in pet therapy, however, cats, fish, guinea pigs, and other animals too provide love and companionship
The Indira Cancer Trust is involved in 27 different projects being in line with the WHO Cancer Control Strategy. The projects are divided broadly into three categories and include the operation of Sri Lanka’s first helpline for cancer care services, which include a mobile mammography service, livelihood assistance, financial aid, educational aid and a unique programme that is deemed to be a global hair and wig donation programme.
“Interacting with a friendly pet may help many physical and mental issues. It may help reduce blood pressure and improve overall cardiovascular health. It can also release endorphins which help alleviate pain, reduce stress, and improve your overall psychological state”.
By embarking on a series of Pet Therapy programmes which will be conducted at elders homes, schools, medical institutions etc, Rescue Animals Sri Lanka hopes to focus on the natural and inherent human animal bond, it’s therapeutic effects and the many, many, benefits that humans receive from animals. “Today animals in the wild, community animals and even household pets are shot at, destroyed, tortured, abandoned and considered pests, an unnecessary adjunct to modern day lifestyles. RAS will do it’s utmost to instill in the minds of people the simple truth and fact that animals and humans need each other if we are to coexist on this beautiful planet ”.
