Let me explain the curious history of the image that this article illustrates. The tallest, the long-haired human being, is named James Bowen and he is a busker; your life, like that of many others, was not easy: did you leave home due to personal problems and a serious addiction to heroin? Little by little, he began to survive on the streets with his guitar, living in the most populated corners of London. looking for a few kilos to feed herself, while attending a drug detox clinic. One day he appeared, the smallest and with a reddish fur. Was his name Bob? For some reason that James did not know, the cat Bob began to follow him wherever he went, he was determined not to leave James alone: he even got on a bus with him.
They became friends. Bob gave him affection without asking for anything in return, and became noble and kind in a look where he could find the strength to overcome his addiction, began to take responsibility for his new friend and lead a good life with him. Did the couple get so much attention on the streets that a reporter ended up paying more attention to them?This journalist wrote the duo’s story and the book ended up being a bestseller. “A stray cat named Bob?” He pulled James out of misery, but today they still play together on the streets of Covent Garden.
- According to several studies.
- Living together with an animal not only provides us with unmatched emotional and social support.
- But also allows us to deal more quickly with certain health problems.
- Therapies of the elderly with dogs are common.
- As this stimulates their attention and involves them in a very positive emotional burden.
- This emotional support has become common in nursing homes and even hospitals.
- It is also proven that this helps prevent epileptic seizures.
- Because well-trained animals are very adept at treating people who suffer from anxiety attacks or post-traumatic stress disorder?.
The work of guide dogs, or those educated exclusively to help people with mental or physical disabilities, is also recognized. Pets help us feel safe and motivated; In the case of James Bowen, the idea of taking care of someone who gave him such sincere affection was enough to get rid of the drug, earn money to feed himself and take his friend to the vet, to live in better condition with him. little being who never left James alone.
There are many centers where animals are used as a therapeutic resource: dolphin-assisted therapy and equinotherapy (horse-assisted therapy), facilities where people in difficulty can benefit from interacting with these animals to acquire new communication or expression habits, improve their skills, etc.
But isn’t it also necessary to have a dolphin at home to make us feel better?The company of a dog or cat is more than enough for feelings of empathy, socialization, altruism, acceptance, self-esteem, etc. to manifest.
Having a pet is very good for children as it helps them develop responsibilities and better channel their emotions; shy children, for example, learn to be more expressive and to communicate better, the animal gives them tenderness, companionship, affection, etc. The gaze of our animals is always there to support us, receive affection and keep us company in the afternoon or in the morning.
They are also perfect for the elderly: places become happier and move older people, improving their sense of well-being, forcing them to go out and socialize. Having the company of an animal is an excellent resource for relieving symptoms of depression. , as pets entertain us, relax us and give us an excellent emotional balance. Animals are those little friends who have no grudges and who are always happy to have us as partners, provide emotional support without any interest, regardless of age or social class Bob and his human friend James are a great example of all this.