About Animal Human Connection

Animals synchronize with our emotions, and we can synchronize with theirs. This can be organic in nature by merely petting a dog or having a cat sitting on your lap. It can be much more powerful when we are aware of the what our animal may be trying to tell us.

When we are overwhelmed with the power emotions of deep grief we can lose sight of ourselves. Our thoughts can be invasive and not helpful. Our animals can sense this overwhelm and want to help. By intentionally being aware of what our pet is telling us we can break the cycle of negative thoughts and bring ourselves back to the present moment.

Teaching this was a gift I loved to give to my students. Watching them create a biofeedback loop to find calmness and reprieve from their world and bring them back to the present moment is a gift I would love to give to people experiencing deep, unrelenting grief.

The best stress reducer other than a biofeedback loop is exercise and time outdoors. 

Charity needed to be walked everyday at school. It became a bonding time for students, EA’s and teachers as we walked the track with Charity. Conversation, community building and exercise build right into the curriculum was amazing. When we are grieving we often find our daily routines in chaos. Animals need consistency and to get up and go outside and fill your lungs with fresh air and feel your body move in space, watch the playfulness of your pet can reduce your stress of grief and bring you even a brief moment of joy. You may even find yourself "smiling again."

Charity’s presence in my classroom the was multi-faceted. 

Her happy dance when greeting the students brought smiles. Even on mornings when smiling was difficult. She brought comfort by just being there to pet when there were tears. Her calm, confidence could de-escalate anger, anxiety, frustration, fear, stress in the students. They began to look for her and call her over in the early stages of an episode. She never turned a student down. Her consistent, non-judgmental ability to be there made our space safe. A happy dance could be just what you need when grieving. Or the calm, loving presence to let you know you are not alone. A cuddle with your cat. A sloppy kiss from your puppy. The sweet munching sounds of a bunny eating a carrot. Joyful presence.

She taught self-regulation, mindfulness, stress management, love, forgiveness and gratitude in the kindest way. 

The students synchronized their emotions with her calm, happy energy. The epitome of the benefits of the canine human bond. The students and I had a loyal friend to share the highs, the lows, the successes, the roadblocks, the tears, the ordinary, and the exciting. 

Having witnessed this on a daily basis and seeing the benefits of her presence intrigued me to be curious about how this bond supports us to heal and "Smile Again."

A Journey Together

Being witness to the transformation of my students through the therapeutic benefits of dogs has led me to the awareness of how animals can support us during the profound impacts of grief.

• Unconditional love
• No judgement
• Constant companionship without ever asking
• Being in the present moment