The healing power of touch can’t be disputed. Calming, relaxing, nurturing, we all need it. And when it comes to animals there’s little doubt how much comfort they provide.
Since my mum has been in the care facility she’s lost many of her senses. I go in whenever I can, I hold her hand, stroke her hair and kiss her forehead. She always loved animals so yesterday when I found out that Animals on the Move were coming in for the afternoon I wanted to go in and make sure she was part of it.
Just touching the softness of the rabbits seemed to make a difference. She has no words now so she couldn’t tell me but I sensed by her smile and contented look she understood. It didn’t last long but it was a small moment of joy. And I cherish these moments.
There’s something about being around animals that grounds us. Maybe it’s because they have no expectations, they love unconditionally and give themselves so freely.
This is Woody the duck. Amy the carer told me that Woody has deformed feet and runs slower than the other ducks. Because of that he’s picked on by the others, but she says he’s resilient. It seems even in the animal world there’s struggles.
Harry’s our stress reliever. Ten years ago we adopted him from a shelter. For me patting him, walking him and talking to him keeps me sane. Stroking him at times becomes a form of meditation. He does nothing and yet he gives so much love by his sheer presence.
Likewise our horse Merlin who gives us (and in particular our daughter) endless joy.
The greatest healing therapy is love. Love given freely by us, family and the love that comes from animals, who may not have the words to express it, just as mum doesn’t have anymore, but can feel it and communicate it through expressions and actions.
Something to care for and love makes us all appreciate the small (and big) things in life.
So hug an animal today. There are so many benefits. It lowers the blood pressure, protects the immune system, releases the happy hormone Oxytocin, calms and keeps the feel good vibes flowing. Take it from the experts in the animal kingdom.
And if you don’t have an animal, go hug a human. It’s even better.
Wishing you peace and love as you continue the journey. Hugs to you all.
Oh, this is so sweet! I love that your mum had a few moments of joy.
I’ve been considering adopting an amilm with this move… Perhaps I will (after I move that is).
Have a beautiful day! ❤️
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Oh, I hope you do. They add a world of joy. Enjoy your weekend Tiffany. xox
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Enjoy yours, Miriam!
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What a lovely idea. So glad your Mum got to experience Animals on the Move. Hugs to you too, Miriam.
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Thanks Ruth.
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It is a difficult journey you are all travelling.Your Mum is lucky she has you around and good that you can be around. Take care Miriam.
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Thanks Louise, and yes I’m grateful that I have the time to be there with her. Have a lovely weekend.
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Sounds like it was a lovely day, Miriam. I’m so pleased your mum got to do that with you, I bet she loved it. Animals are so good for the spirit, they sense when someone needs comforting and just give themselves over to it. Love given freely, just as you said. Cherish those moments, my friend xo
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So true, Kim, animals really are good for the spirit. Unfortunately mum got tired very quickly and seemed to switch off but at least she had a short period where she seemed to know and enjoy what was happening. Short lived moments of joy are better than nothing, I do cherish them. Thanks Kim. xox
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It’s good you make the most of those moments. They may be brief but they are priceless. Hugs xo
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Nice post!
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Thank you!
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Animals are such wonderful companions. Blessings to you and your mother.
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Thank you so much.
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You’re very welcome. 💟
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What a wonderful program Miriam! I love how they bring in all sorts of animals. I can imagine what a positive impact it makes! We just got out puppy and I am absolutely exhausted! He has been up every two hours at night just like a newborn. He is very loving though.
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I can just imagine how exhausted you must be Nicole. I’ll never forget, years ago, bringing our Blue Heeler pup home, him crying all night and putting a clock in with him to simulate his mother’s heartbeat. It worked. Have fun!
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Thanks Miriam. I know it will get better soon!
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With animals there’s no deceit, no jealousy, no cheating. No anger, no fear, no lying. Only the purist form of love that there is. Given freely, expressed fully, there is no other love that can fill the void like animals. (Especially dogs!)
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So very true. Us humans could learn many lessons from them.
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Dawg sends love and hugs to you x
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Gratefully received 🙂
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Great photos for a lovely post.
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Thank you.
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Love the post and yes we can learn a lot about acceptance and unconditional love which is offered to us by animals. If only us humans could be equally compassionate and altruistic in our behaviors towards each other.
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So very true Kris. My sentiments exactly.
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I love all of those arnimals! Yes, I spelled it that way on purpose, that’s what I call em’. Glad to hear your Mom enjoyed holding the bunnies, I’m sure it was a special treat. I think dogs, like Harry, pick up on our moods and are happy to just be with us, someday I will get a dog again, too. Have a great weekend!
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Oh, I hope you do get yourself a dog, they’re such wonderful companions. Have a great weekend. xo
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I’m stealing that hug graphic! 😉
What a wonderful idea that is, to bring the animals to places for people to pet. They help so much, more than we can comprehend, I think. I’ve heard of them being used in kids’ hospitals, but the elderly can really benefit too. I’m glad your mother had a chance to experience that. 🙂 You’re a good daughter, Miriam.
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Absolutely. Not just for kids, the elderly get so much joy fron being around the animals. Such a worthwhile program. Thanks for your kind comment Vanessa, and as for the graphic, steal away! 🙂
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I definitely agree that touch expresses what words cannot and animals gives us love freely, unconditionally. I almost cry upon reading this post of yours Miriam, it is indeed touching and awe-inspiring. Thank you! and the hugging thing? so sensual.
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Thank you. I’m so glad you enjoyed reading my post. Hugs to you. xo
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The pleasure is mine!
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It’s lovely that you could share this special time with your mother, Miriam. Happy weekend!
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Thank you. And the same to you. 🙂
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Beautiful post Miriam. The elderly do get such pleasure from pet visits. Have you played your guitar for her since she’s been ill?
Love that big horsey smile!!!
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Yeah, he’s a bit of a goofy donkey our Merl! Funny that you should mention my guitar as I’d been thinking of bringing it in, then a string broke. So I sang to her the other day anyway! Have a nice weekend Lindsey.
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Diesel’s father was in the same nursing home as my Dad. I can truly say that I’ve played the same venue as Diesel!!!
You too, take it easy.
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Really? There ya go, small world!
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Lovely post. *Hugs*
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Aw thanks, hugs back.
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What a great idea to take the animals to the care home, especially ones that could sit on a lap and be stroked.
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Yes, it really is therapeutic Elaine and provides them with so much joy. Thanks for dropping by.
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It is often the simple things that bring the most joy and comfort, isn’t it?
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Yes, that’s so true Elaine.
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So true, Miriam
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Absolutely.
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How much I crave for a hug from my son …lovely post …
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Oh, I’m so sorry. ♥♥
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I am glad that you got to communicate with your mother and that you could share that small moment of joy with her. Wishing you both more precious moments!
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Thank you for your beautiful comment.
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Such an encouraging post. And, yes, there is something very profound about touching, whether animals or other human beings. Good that you were able to make you mother experience the touch. 🙂
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Thanks Otto, I appreciate your kind words.
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Beautiful post Miriam, interesting Animal on the move, never heard before, I don’t think we have it here. Animals are always a blessing. I grew up close to them, I know about their power. Glad you and your mother had a good time, and your horse is a funny one! 🙂
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Thanks Elizabeth. It’s a wonderful service that really connects animals with those who need the joy of touch the most. And these are animals that have been orphaned and hand raised so it’s a win-win situation. And yes, Merlin has quite a personally!
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What a lovely post and such good advice. I’m sure your mum appreciated the moment as much as you did.
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Thanks Tina 🙂
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This is sweet and very endearing! 🙂
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Thank you!
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This is so sweet! Go hug a human – love this!
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So glad. I’m just about to hug one now (my son!)
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I’m so glad you were able to take your mother to see the animals. Long ago, I was involved with an animal shelter that did “pet therapy,” which meant we took certified therapy dogs into nursing homes and homes where children with severe disabilities lived and let the dogs visit with any patient who wanted to see them. It was so nice to see people who could no longer respond to humans respond so positively to the dog sitting quietly at their side, or even in their lap. You are right: touch comforts, and animals have that down pat!
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Yes, pet therapy is very big here in Australia as well. Certified therapy dogs that go into Children’s Hospitals and Aged Care homes really do make a huge difference to those who can’t otherwise respond. How wonderful for you to be involved with that Ann.
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Animals are wonderful in so many ways their unconditional love is beautiful and so precious! I love your Merlin! 😉 he has a cute smile and it is very handsome! Happy to see that your mom got to hold the bunnies, I have a Dutch Rabbit and he is so wonderful he make me so happy! Have a great week! ❤
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Merlin says thank you 🙂 Yes, he is a handsome boy! And I agree, animals have so much to offer, I can’t imagine my life without them. Hope you have a great week too!
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Yes same here! ❤
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I could not agree more … animals have a healing power…. their presence ….the love they bring ..the tenderness makes everything look so much brighter and life so much happier… i love pets myself…. especially dogs and horses….
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Then we share similar loves – dogs and horses. Life would be pretty dull without them. 🙂
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I totally agree ❤
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Loved this. It’s so true. Animals are amazing at comforting humans. We rescued Vivi 6 years ago but the truth is, she rescued me. She came into my life at a horrible time. I was miserable and she rescued me. period. She is my family and I love her more than words could ever express. I’ve never experienced this kind of bond before. It’s quite amazing.
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Oh, your words are so touching Nikki. I can feel the love you have for Vivi from here. Dogs are indeed special. xox
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It’s slightly irrational. 😉 BUT, I’m ok with that. 🙂
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Aw this is lovely! I have 2 rescue fennec foxes and I would love to use them for therapy, the need to learn some more manners first! You can read about them on my blog 🙂 http://www.foxesandfood.com
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Thanks Jess, look forward to checking it out soon.
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This is just amazing!
I just started a blog about insects and animals. It would be really
cool if you could check it out!
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No worries, I’ll have a look. 🙂
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I only read this post now, and just want you to know how beautiful I find it. Animals are good creatures. I hope some people would stop taking them for granted.
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Thank you so much John for stopping by and for your thoughtful comment. I agree with you totally!
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I love this! Even when I worked with sick animals I swear they gave me more than I could ever give to them.
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It’s so true isn’t it Heather. Animals are just pure innocence and joy. Thanks for dropping by. It’s nice to meet you.
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I like it….
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[Animo World] is good,have a look at it! https://animlo.wordpress.com/
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Animals are so good for us, but not only that, we are good for them. Your post is similar to one of mine: https://animalsarefeelingbeingstoo.com/2016/08/08/pets-are-good-for-our-health/
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I’ll check it out.
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I am a firm believer in animals and the comfort and happiness they can bring to anyone’s life. I am a blessed person as of right now that just deals with every day stress, but when i am really down and out… my dogs can always sense it. They want to get as close to me as possible, and I love it. Their love for me and the energy they give off is almost like a healing for me and my mood. This is a great post. I think that there are a lot of places that should allow animals to help with therapy.Great post!
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Hi Mallory, so nice of you to drop by and read my post. I know what you mean about animals sensing our stress and anxieties. My dog Harry (who was a shelter dog) always picks up on my moods. Can’t imagine not having him in my life. I’ll pop over and visit your blog. Thanks again for commenting.
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