Published sep 18, 2023.

Ancient peoples valued the profound connections between humans and animals.

They bring joy to residents on their visits to nursing homes.

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Small steps | deep impacts.

— partnership with an assistance dog has been shown to have significant benefits for the human partner.

And they give strength and comfort to their owners as emotional support animals.

This is particularly the case in the western world.

These benefits include increased ability of people to perform activities of daily living;

— scientific evidence from different disciplines, including psychology, sociology and animal welfare, shows that the relationship between humans and animals is complex, multifaceted, ambivalent and even paradoxical, with different consequences for animals and humans [ 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 ].

Psychological/emotional health, and participation in social, work, and school activities outside the home.

These benefits include increased ability of people to perform activities of daily living;

— scientific evidence from different disciplines, including psychology, sociology and animal welfare, shows that the relationship between humans and animals is complex, multifaceted, ambivalent and even paradoxical, with different consequences for animals and humans [ 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 ].

Psychological/emotional health, and participation in social, work, and school activities outside the home.

— empathy, attachment and anthropomorphism are human psychological mechanisms that are considered relevant for positive and healthy relationships with animals, but when dysfunctional or pathological determine physical or psychological suffering, or both, in animals as occurs in animal hoarding.

The connection between humans and animals is a timeless bond that offers profound benefits, particularly when it comes to mental health.

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