The Youth Light Foundation's™, unique approach
to therapeutic mentoring includes the use of trained specialists.
"Pet therapy" or appropriately called, animal-assisted
therapy (AAT) is the use of companion animals to help others with
special needs. AAT is an age-old concept that many have been aware
of for years. Veterinarians, medical clinicians, and others in health
care professions in various fields are tapping into this very unique
animal companion bond for its potential therapeutic value.
Interesting to know, nearly half of the psychiatrists, psychologists,
and family doctors responding to a survey conducted by Kal Kan pet
foods reported that they have prescribed animal companions for their
patients to combat loneliness, depression, and other various emotional
challenges including inactivity and stress. Further, 57% of psychiatrists,
48% of psychologists, and 40% of family physicians reported recommending
animals for companionship, to provide unconditional affection, to
provide focus or motivation, amusement and joy, and an overall sense
of feeling needed.
Why is this? Mostly because people have fond memories of pets or
farm animals, and growing up with an affectionate companion during
most persons' childhoods. Many of us are able to form healthy adult
relationships due, in large part, from having loving, joyful relationships
with our pets. Additionally, pets may help teach children the responsibilities
of daily living, compassion for others, and the natural cycles of
life and death.
The Youth Light Foundation®, Inc. is unique in a multitude
of ways. Valuing the importance of the animal-human bond, we remain
the only certified*animal-assisted, interactive, faith-based, and
therapeutic mentoring program within the State of Connecticut.
"A pet is
an island of sanity in what appears to be an insane world. Friendship
retains its traditional values and securities in one's relationship
with one's pet. Whether a dog, cat, bird, fish, turtle, or what
have you, one can rely upon the fact that one's pet will always
remain a faithful, intimate, non-competitive friend--regardless
of the good or ill fortune life brings us."
- Dr. Boris Levinson, child psychologist