Family pets - family friendly fun ideas and resources to enhance the quality of family life for families with special needs

Scientific research has shown that interaction with animals can significantly improve peoples' physical and emotional health.

For people who are in difficult life situations, pets can be of special benefit. Pets can offer entertainment, or a welcome distraction from pain and infirmity.

The Encyclopedia of Natural Pet Care by C. J. Puotinen gives animal lovers even more of the info they need to care for their dogs, cats, birds, and rabbits the natural way.

Pets can often reach people when human relationships may be difficult. Pets can help people feel less lonely, and less depressed. People often talk to their pets, and share with them their thoughts and feelings and memories.

Petting encourages use of hands and arms, stretching and turning. Stroking a dog or cat can reduce a person's blood pressure.

Don't let your pet suffer from arthritis, read an informative report "Arthritis in Pets"

Pets can provide a welcome change from routine, or the renewal of old friendships. The pet can make it easier for two strangers to talk. It gives people a common interest and provides a focus for conversation.

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People become more active and responsive both during and after interaction with pets.

Simply put, pets make people feel good and they help healing happen.

Follow My Leader by James B. Garfield, Robert Greiner - After Jimmy is blinded in an accident with a fire cracker, he has to relearn all the things he used to know. With the help of a determined therapist, Jimmy learns to read Braille and to use a cane. Then he's given the chance to have a guide dog. Learning to work with his dog Leader is not easy, but Jimmy tries harder than he ever has before. Follow My Leader is a heart warming story.

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