It Happened to Me

Series Editor: Arlene Hirschfelder

Books in the It Happened to Me series are designed for inquis-

itive teens digging for answers about certain illnesses, social
issues, or lifestyle interests. Whether you are deep into your
teen years or just entering them, these books are gold mines of
up-to-date information, riveting teen views, and great visuals
to help you figure out stuff. Besides special boxes highlighting
singular facts, each book is enhanced with the latest reading
lists, websites, and an index. Perfect for browsing, these books
contain loads of expert information by acclaimed writers to
help parents, guardians, and librarians understand teen illness,
tough situations, and lifestyle choices.

1. Epilepsy: The Ultimate Teen Guide, by Kathlyn Gay and

Sean McGarrahan, 2002.
2. Stress Relief: The Ultimate Teen Guide, by Mark Powell,
2002.
3. Learning Disabilities: The Ultimate Teen Guide, by Penny
Hutchins Paquette and Cheryl Gerson Tuttle, 2003.
4. Making Sexual Decisions: The Ultimate Teen Guide,
by L. Kris Gowen, 2003.
5. Asthma: The Ultimate Teen Guide, by Penny Hutchins
Paquette, 2003.
6. Cultural Diversity—Conflicts and Challenges: The
Ultimate Teen Guide, by Kathlyn Gay, 2003.
7. Diabetes: The Ultimate Teen Guide, by Katherine J.
Moran, 2004.
8. When Will I Stop Hurting? Teens, Loss, and Grief: The
Ultimate Teen Guide to Dealing with Grief, by Ed Myers,
2004.
9. Volunteering: The Ultimate Teen Guide, by Kathlyn Gay,
2004.
10. Organ Transplants—A Survival Guide for the Entire
Family: The Ultimate Teen Guide, by Tina P. Schwartz,
2005.
11. Medications: The Ultimate Teen Guide, by Cheryl Gerson
Tuttle, 2005.
12. Image and Identity—Becoming the Person You Are: The
Ultimate Teen Guide, by L. Kris Gowen and Molly C.
McKenna, 2005.
13. Apprenticeship: The Ultimate Teen Guide, by Penny
Hutchins Paquette, 2005.
14. Cystic Fibrosis: The Ultimate Teen Guide, by Melanie
Ann Apel, 2006.
15. Religion and Spirituality in America: The Ultimate Teen
Guide, by Kathlyn Gay, 2006.
16. Gender Identity: The Ultimate Teen Guide, by Cynthia L.
Winfield, 2007.
17. Physical Disabilities: The Ultimate Teen Guide, by Denise
Thornton, 2007.
18. Money—Getting It, Using It, and Avoiding the Traps:
The Ultimate Teen Guide, by Robin F. Brancato, 2007.
19. Self-Advocacy: The Ultimate Teen Guide, by Cheryl
Gerson Tuttle and JoAnn Augeri Silva, 2007.
20. Adopted: The Ultimate Teen Guide, by Suzanne
Buckingham Slade, 2007.
21. The Military and Teens: The Ultimate Teen Guide, by
Kathlyn Gay, 2008.
22. Animals and Teens: The Ultimate Teen Guide, by Gail
Green, 2009.
23. Reaching Your Goals: The Ultimate Teen Guide, by Anne
E. Courtright, 2009.
24. Juvenile Arthritis: The Ultimate Teen Guide, by Kelly
Rouba, 2009.
25. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: The Ultimate Teen
Guide, by Natalie Rompella, 2009.
Animals and Teens
The Ultimate Teen Guide

GAIL GREEN

It Happened to Me, No. 22

The Scarecrow Press, Inc.

Lanham, Maryland • Toronto • Plymouth, UK
2009
SCARECROW PRESS, INC.
Published in the United States of America
by Scarecrow Press, Inc.
A wholly owned subsidiary of
The Rowman & Littlefield Publishing Group, Inc.
4501 Forbes Boulevard, Suite 200, Lanham, Maryland 20706
www.scarecrowpress.com

Estover Road
Plymouth PL6 7PY
United Kingdom

Copyright © 2009 by Gail Green

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored

in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic,
mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior permission
of the publisher.

British Library Cataloguing in Publication Information Available

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Green, Gail.
Animals and teens : the ultimate teen guide / Gail Green.
p. cm. — (It happened to me ; no. 22)
Includes bibliographical references and index.
ISBN-13: 978-0-8108-5769-8 (hardcover : alk. paper)
ISBN-13: 978-0-8108-6656-0 (ebook)
ISBN-10: 0-8108-5769-3 (hardcover : alk. paper)
ISBN-10: 0-8108-6656-0 (ebook)
1. Animal welfare—Citizen participation. 2. Teenagers—Political activity. I. Title.
HV4708.G74 2009
179'.3083—dc22 2008037589

⬁™ The paper used in this publication meets the minimum requirements of

American National Standard for Information Sciences—Permanence of Paper
for Printed Library Materials, ANSI/NISO Z39.48-1992.
Manufactured in the United States of America.
 Contents

Introduction vii

1 Companion Animals: What They Mean to Us 1

2 Understanding Animals; Understanding Ourselves 35

3 Friendship 63

4 Choosing Our Companion Animals 91

5 Defending the Innocent: Animal Abuse and

Environmental Concerns 111

6 The Bonds of Trust: How Animals Help with

Emotional and Social Issues and Interactions 139

7 Life Changes: College, Country, and Careers 165

8 Overcoming Health Problems, Pet Loss,

and Other Adversities 195

9 At Your Service: Assistance Animals and Therapies 225

Appendix: Online Resources for All Things Animal 247

Bibliography 251

Index 253

About the Author 259

v
 Introduction

Imagine yourself in a world where everyone is treated fairly

and the most important thing to do is have fun. This is a place
where rules are easy to understand and follow, life is uncompli-
cated, and love is unconditional.
Fortunately, teens who positively interact with animals can
experience that type of world! Animals do something foreign
to most human thinking, especially as we grow further away
from childhood. They live in the moment, with no pocket
planners or future calendar dates to remember. Animals don’t
cram for exams or worry about a date for the prom, nor do
they need to make choices about what college to attend.
That’s the stuff we do. When we have a bond with companion
animals and focus on them, we aren’t thinking about the test
we took yesterday or what we’ll do on Saturday night.
Instead, animals exude spontaneity, bringing us into the sim-
plicity of their moment. Their joy becomes our own.
But animals don’t only pull us away from worries and
stress. They also provide us with unconditional love, even
when we fall short of all those things the human world finds
so important. We don’t need to impress them with zit-free
complexions or straight As. Instead, animals can teach us to
be happy with who we are and what we have and to take
pleasure in just being.
We have coexisted with animals from a time before history
was recorded. Across millennia, we have walked, run, flown,
or swam together as allies and as enemies. We have fed them
and offered them shelter and medical assistance, while they
vii
Introduction

have provided us with labor, protection, assistance, and food

or resources from feathers and wool to hides and sinew. Prey
and predator, animals and humans have hunted each other
and hunted with each other. And through it all, we have
shared an intertwined stake in our shared future.
We have built homes for ourselves while destroying theirs.
They, in turn, damage our crops, spread disease, and ruin
property and belongings we vainly think are ours. At times our
choices or their instinctive responses have defined entire civi-
lizations, such as the Native American cultures in which ani-
mals provided a basis for spirituality and identity or the
Mongol barbarians and their legendary connection with their
horses. The water we drink, the food we eat, and the air we
breathe are our joint inheritance. It is also our common strug-
gle as we share the planet and find ways to survive. Yet,
despite our fierce competition, there is something else that
draws us to them, something that reaches deep inside our very
souls. In addition to physical needs, when we bond with and
become emotionally involved in the welfare and social needs of
animals, we gain something of extraordinary value. Animals
remain mysterious in many ways, but the emotional bonds that
can exist between human and animal are more than just mutu-
ally beneficial. Our ability to care for other creatures outside
our own species defines who we are. Whether we are involved
with the welfare of whales or enjoying a romp with our family
dog, what we’ve gained is more than just a feeling that we’ve
done something good. For a moment or a lifetime, we tran-
scend who and what we are as individuals. Not only can we
develop compassion for all living creatures, we also learn
respect for differences and uniqueness by seeing what makes a
squirrel a squirrel or a duck a duck. These lessons make us bet-
ter people. They give us meaning and they give us the means to
fully realize our own individual potential.
Many of the voices within these pages are teens and young
adults just like you. They go to school with you, live in your
communities, and have the same types of social issues and
needs that you have. Let them share their love of animals with
you while you learn how you too can experience that world
viii and make a difference by connecting with animals.
 Companion
1 Animals: What
They Mean to Us

OWNING A PET “Animals don’t

judge you or want
What exactly makes animals so special? Is it because they to talk about your
look cute or are fun to play with? Or are we just fascinated problems, but at
with them because they are not human? The relationship the same time
between humans and animals has an incredibly complex and they are always
intertwined history that has lasted millennia and goes beyond there to listen.”
just seeing them as pets or workers. —Tina Swinkels,
Exposure to animals begins when we are very young, and Australian high school
student living
much of it happens without our even being aware of it. We
temporarily in the
listen to nursery rhymes about cats and fiddles and cows United States1

HISTORICAL TIDBITS
In ancient Rome, people kept a variety of pets,
including cats, dogs, monkeys, goats, and unusual
birds like owls, magpies, and nightingales. Some
animals were kept more for prestige or
entertainment, or to perform specific jobs. For
example, cats were kept as house pets and also to
keep rodents out of grain containers. As a status
symbol, some Romans even kept lions in their homes!
Others decorated the pet fish in outdoor ponds by
putting necklaces and gold rings around them for a
little bling-bling! 2

1
Chapter 1

jumping over the moon, learn our ABCs with Big Bird or
Barney and see animal prints on children’s clothing and baby
strollers. Babies born into households with existing pets may
perceive them as just a natural part of their environment.
Experiences like these may actually provide many of us with
our first “safe” exposure to animals and pave the way for our
perceptions of animals as friends and companions, and an
important part of the family.
References to animals are basically everywhere around us—
in our neighbors’ backyards, in movies, in TV commercials, and
on magazine covers, where dogs are often photographed with
fashion models or shown lounging on furniture to
“accessorize” home decor. Newspapers serving a variety of
populations even have regular pet news sections and columns,
while television networks produce programs or entire series
that include animal actors, such as Eddy, the dog on the
popular television series Frasier or the animals “guests” on The
Tonight Show. Animal Planet is a television channel devoted

5555555555555
ANIMAL ENTERTAINMENT
Animals in the media aren’t new. Movies like Lassie Come
Home, based on the book by Eric Knight, or the popular 1957
movie Old Yeller are considered classics. When television was
in its infancy, two of the most popular programs were Lassie
and Rin Tin Tin. Horses were also popular draws, especially in
the Western-themed programs of the 1950s and 1960s. Two
very popular TV series where horses were an important feature
were The Roy Rogers Show (with Trigger) and The Lone Ranger
(with Silver). National Geographic specials and Mutual of
Omaha’s Wild Kingdom also provided Americans with glimpses
into the lives of wild animals for years. But when movies such
as the reality documentary March of the Penguins; Walt
Disney’s adventure Eight Below, in which a team of sled dogs
fight for survival in the frigid Antarctic after being left behind;
and full-length animated movies such as Warner Brothers’
Happy Feet, featuring tap-dancing penguins, get star billing, it
is obvious that Americans’ love for animals extends beyond
just their own companion animals.
2
 Companion Animals: What They Mean to Us

entirely to programming covering companion and other

animals. How many animal-loving young people regularly
watch Emergency Vet or Animal Rescue on cable or network
programs like America’s Funniest Home Videos or Pet Stars?
Plenty!
Our curiosity about and interest in animals have also
expanded into a passion for the animals we invite into our
homes and families. Local specialty pet shops and “big-box”
retail pet supply chains sell everything from gourmet treats to
fashionable outfits for pets, while pet bakeries, doggie day-care
centers, spas, and dog parks thrive in communities from New
York to Los Angeles. According to the American Pet Products
Association (APPA), in 2007 the pet food industry was
estimated to be an annual $16.1-billion business. And all the
“extras”—toys, housing, collars, and so on—were estimated to
total an additional $24.7 billion. Why do people spend so much
money on animal-related products and services? The answer is
simple: Companion animals are an important and often
essential part of our lives. And we definitely love our pets!
According to the definition in Encyclopedia Americana, pets
are animals usually kept in a residence for the main purpose of
being played with, viewed, or studied, and are offered the status
of companion because family members feel curiosity about or
affection for them. Farm and other domestic animals serve
more practical needs and are not usually viewed as pets. But
what exactly is a “pet” in the eyes of passionate animal lovers?
And how accurate is this definition in today’s world?
Any and all animals we voluntarily take into our homes and
lives are often referred to as pets. At the simplest level, we are
expected to feed them; provide comfortable, humane living
conditions; and tend to their basic physical and medical needs.
In turn, they amuse us, annoy us, and surprise us. However, the
animals we invite into our lives can become more than “just
pets.” They can also become our companions.

ANIMAL GUARDIANSHIP

When we say we “own a pet,” what does that really mean?

Should owning a pet be something we casually do, like taking a 3
Chapter 1

“Caring for an animal teaches you how to care for

something and, in turn, teaches you how to be
responsible. This is a major issue when it comes to
having pets because pets are like an extension of
your family. To help them survive, it is imperative that
you learn how to care for them.”—Reshoma
Banerjee, college graduate, Springfield, Illinois3

shower or getting gas for our car? How much thought should it
take to throw some water and food into a couple bowls once a
day? Or should owning a pet take more effort?
If we perceive that we actually own our dog or horse or
gerbil, the same way we own our car or computer or designer
pair of shoes, what happens when school sports, homework,
friends, dating, family situations, and life in general get in the
way? When we get tired of our car or it starts to fall apart, we
sell it and get another one. Computer systems become obsolete;
hard drives crash. We get frustrated, we get mad; we get another
system, better and new. When our shoes wear out or our jeans
rip or fade, we can stick them in the back of the closet, forgotten
and no longer used. Or we just throw them away.
That is also how many people may feel about pets. If
animals develop behavioral issues, get sick, or get in the way,
people give them away, tie them up in the yard, or beat them
until they stop bothering their owners for attention and other
basic needs. But is that really the answer? When they grow old
or no longer suit our needs, should we get rid of our pets,
maybe getting newer, younger ones? Or when they no longer
amuse us or we discover they are just too much work, should
we then forget about them?
Changing the litter in the gerbil or rabbit cage the first few
times isn’t too bad, but it soon loses its appeal after doing it
every week for a year—especially when you are running late for
a movie with your friends or just had a fight with your dad.
And being wakened at six in the morning by a dog that needs to
4
be go out in a blizzard to relieve himself or a cat that stinks of
 Companion Animals: What They Mean to Us

hairball vomit is no way to start the day—especially after a late

night of partying or when you need to get to class on time. If we
perceive pets as objects instead of living, breathing creatures
with feelings, then it is their fault if we are annoyed. But when
we begin to view our pet animals as more than “just a pet,” our
perspective begins to change.
But what exactly changes? Is it how we treat the animals, or
is it that we can actually experience something more
meaningful with them that extends beyond just being their
caretakers? Is it possible that we can have more than a casual
involvement with animals that we have chosen to share our
homes, our finances, and our lives with? After meeting their
physical needs, can we also share an emotional bond with
them—a bond that may even rival or transcend the ones we
have with our human family or friends?
If you have answered yes to these last few questions, then
the pets that share your life with you are probably more than
“just a pet”! They are your companions, and you are one of the
lucky ones, because you have so much more than just a
possession. You have a friend, a companion animal with whom
you can share an emotional bond and relationship—someone
you can trust, who will never judge or betray you. Your pets
will still be your friends even if you wake them up at 3 a.m.
stumbling home from a party. And they won’t mind if you greet
them in the morning with dragon breath!

5555555555555
A PERSONAL GLIMPSE
Wisconsin high school student Richelle Hellpap gets up on her
own at 4:30 a.m. to take care of her rabbits before leaving for
school. And on weekends when she and her mom, Teresa, travel
to rabbit shows, she’s up before her mom. Teresa explains: “If I
tell her I’m getting up by five, she’ll have all those rabbits done,
ready, and loaded by the time I wake up—including food and
water for the trip. Most teenagers would need to be reminded
or nagged to get up and take care of their pets before they
leave for school! But I never have to remind her or tell her.
Richelle has that alarm set for 4:30 every morning.” 4
5
Chapter 1

The reality is we do not “own” companions. Instead of

being their “owners,” we become their guardians, as well as
their friends. Yes, we are responsible for meeting their basic
physical needs, which includes responsibilities that take up our
time and might not always be so pleasant. Yes, we also have to
deal with doing things for them that expose our own
vulnerabilities and sometimes test our trust. But in doing so, we
guarantee that the bond we share is genuine on our part. And
they, in turn, return our efforts in more ways than we can ever
imagine. That is what this book is all about.
Of course, if you feel that a pet is no different from any
other possession, then you just “own” a pet. Nothing more.
Reading and exploring what other teens have experienced
with their companion animals, however, might just inspire
you to see animals in a different light, or even open up
possibilities you never knew existed. You might even stop
seeing your pet as a possession or a lot of work with little or
no reward. It’s your choice, and hopefully you will not miss
out on one of the most wonderful experiences humans have
ever known. The true reward in sharing our lives with a
companion animal, no matter how small or how complex, is
discovering the truth that we all possess the ability to
transcend beyond ourselves—that each one of us can make a
difference in the life of another.
If you have already discovered the magic of the human-
animal bond, this book will further inspire you to continue
your relationship with your animal companions. And the story
that began centuries ago will come full circle.

THE BEGINNING OF THE HUMAN-ANIMAL BOND

Sometime in the distant past, approximately twelve thousand

years ago, a revolutionary event took place that changed the
world forever. On that day and over a series of days, decades,
or possibly centuries, an animal that was originally born wild
decided or was taught to trust and live side by side with
humans. In doing so, this animal—which most scientists agree
was the wolf—not only accepted another species’ social order
6
 Companion Animals: What They Mean to Us

as its own, but essentially joined forces with a competitor and

became a partner instead, a partner with whom it would serve
as hunter, herder, and guard. In return, that choice allowed the
wolf to spread over the entire face of the earth as no other
animal did—except humans. And this new wolf that did not
fear humans eventually developed into the domesticated animal
we know today as the dog. One-fifth of all land animals on the
earth today consists of a combination of humans and the
animals that, by human intervention or historical accident,
came to be under our protection and are referred to as domestic
animals. These include animals such as horses and pigs, as well
as cats and dogs.

Studies have been done at UCLA comparing the DNA sequences of

sixty-seven dog breeds ranging from the Australian dingo to the
Mexican hairless. The results of the study demonstrated that no
matter how different the breeds may look, today’s dogs are indeed
all descended from a single common source, the Eurasian gray wolf.
Illustration by the author.
7
Chapter 1

Companion animals can bring out the very best in all of us,
since they tend to bring out the kindest and most generous
impulses of humanity. By taming that first wild animal, a
person now had an ally for protection as well as for hunting
and herding. In order to keep their new animal friends,
however, humans learned to treat their animals humanely.
The definition of “humane” includes being kind and
compassionate to living beings, especially ones in need.
Considering how valuable animals can be to our society, it is
surprising how poorly some people treat them. Controversial
issues involving pit bull fighting and importation and
ownership of “exotic” animals such as snakes or prairie dogs,
as well as stories of animal abuse and neglect reported in the
media, are, to a large degree, tied up with the problem of
irresponsible pet ownership and inhumane treatment. It is our
responsibility, however, as animal guardians to respect them as
much as they respect us and to continue to earn their trust, just
as if each of them were that very first wolf.

BONDS WE HAVE WITH OUR COMPANION ANIMALS

What drives us to desire a relationship with other animal

species? Does the fundamental need to have pets simply lie in
the fact that they are different from us? Or does being in
touch with creatures outside our own species help us see the
human race in perspective? Perhaps we seek a relationship
with companion animals because they give us an unparalleled
opportunity to relate to another species on a level not always
possible with other humans. Sincerity has always been one of
the most frequently cited reasons why people love animals.
And because animals do not perceive the world as humans
do, their simpler view encourages us to take a simpler
approach to life, to cut through all the complexities we are
faced with in our human society and get back to basics.
Animals also expose much of the hypocrisy in humans. They
do not criticize, tease, or make us feel inadequate because our
test scores are low, we’ve gained ten pounds, or we don’t

8
 Companion Animals: What They Mean to Us

have a girlfriend or boyfriend. And they always validate our

own feelings.
Nineteenth-century American senator George Graham
Vest once said, “The one absolute, unselfish friend that a
man can have in this selfish world, the one that never proves
ungrateful or treacherous, is his dog.” This sentiment was
echoed by twentieth-century journalist and media personality
Andy Rooney, who is reported to have said, “The average
dog is a nicer person than the average person.” With social
trends in Western countries indicating increasing numbers of
broken families and more people marrying later in life or
living alone, we are becoming a society of lonely people. Add
the additional stress of modern daily life and it is evident why
the number of animals kept as pets grows each year. We all
need a friend we can trust. It is no wonder that many people
choose to have animal companions, who never disappoint
and always validate.

2005–2006 STATISTICS
According to the 2005–2006 American Pet
Products Manufacturers Association (now the
APPA) National Pet Owners Survey, 43.4 million
U.S. households own at least one dog and 37.7
million own at least one cat. Those figures
compare in descending order to the 13.9 million
households that own freshwater fish, 6.4
million that own a bird, 5.7 million that own a
small animal, 4.4 million that own a reptile, and
4.2 million that own a horse.

9
Chapter 1

YOUNG PEOPLE AND ANIMALS:

WHAT WE HAVE IN COMMON

“My favorite bird at the moment is Baby, an umbrella

cockatoo. Whenever they make a silent ‘clicking’
noise with their tongue, they are contented. When we
cuddle, she twists her head around, clicks her
tongue, and leans against my chest. It is rapture for
both of us.”—Jessica Katz, college student,
University of Vermont5

5555555555555
IT HAPPENED TO ME: THE BOND IN ACTION
Butchie came into Trish Hampton’s life the night before
Christmas Eve. Her boyfriend had been living with her
temporarily until he got his own place. But when he was almost
ready to move out, Trish knew she didn’t want to be alone. Her
apartment allowed pets, so she decided to get a dog and
searched online at Petfinders, a website that lists dogs and cats
available for adoption from shelters nationwide. “When I saw
Butchie’s picture, I just knew I had to have her!” Although her
boyfriend wasn’t sold on the idea at first, he accompanied her to
the shelter to see the nine-week-old puppy. As soon as he saw
her he had an immediate change of heart and told Trish that he
couldn’t turn her away, especially at Christmas. So he got the
puppy for Trish, which helped her get through him leaving.
Trish also has a unique connection with her dog. When she
first saw Butchie’s picture on Petfinders, the puppy was only
seven weeks old and already available for adoption. Trish
suspected she was probably part of an unplanned, unwanted
litter. Trish had already wanted to adopt because she knew that
these animals really needed homes, but part of her connected
immediately with this little black puppy because of something
she had experienced in her own life. “I was adopted, so I felt
this was some way I could help some other poor soul. To give
this puppy a home is one of the good deeds that God has saved
for me.”6

10
 Companion Animals: What They Mean to Us

The bond between people and their companion animals is an

incredible and complex attachment that involves friendship,
affection, companionship, trust, and a sense of being needed,
filling the basic emotional needs all humans instinctively have
and must meet in order to be truly happy. But the human-animal
bond not only often transcends the relationships we have with
other people, it is also an interspecies relationship.

5555555555555
TIDBITS: A COMMON BOND
There are many things teens and their companion animals
have in common:

6 Teens and animals instinctively need to belong to a

“family” or other group ranging from one companion to
an entire community, pack, herd, or flock.

6 Both teens and animals need to connect with someone

on a basic emotional level.

6 Both teens and animals need to feel safe and secure.

6 Many teens and animals may not fit into the world
around them because of sleep habits, special physical
needs, and so on.

6 Both teens and animals need to learn trust. Teens raised

in loving, functional families may take trusting for
granted, but teens raised in abusive or other
dysfunctional environments may feel they cannot trust
anyone. Animals that have been neglected, abused, or
taken out of the wild may also feel the same and have
to be taught to trust.

6 Teens and animals learn to become independent as they

grow up and mature. Both will challenge parents and
other authority members of their group, break rules, and
test to see how far they can go without consequences.

6 Both animals and teens feel basic emotion such as

loneliness, sadness, and feelings of excitement or worry,
and both communicate those feelings through
vocalizations or body language.

11
Chapter 1

People will always let us down in some way, whether we try

to love everyone or not. We also let other people down, whether
they try to love us or not. Animals, however, possess the
qualities each of us look for in every human being we meet, the
qualities we seek in all humans but can’t always find. It is the

5555555555555
A PERSONAL GLIMPSE
For many teens, acting out can escalate into problem behavior or
involvement with drugs, underage drinking, risk taking,
vandalism, or other things. In this respect, they are no different
from the dogs, cats, birds, and other animals that wind up in
shelters and refuges because of inappropriate or unacceptable
behavior such as biting, screaming/barking, chewing, and other
destructive behaviors. In addition to the mutual need for
consistency and routine, college student Jessica Katz feels there
are many similarities between teens and animals. During her
internship at a bird rescue sanctuary, Jessica observed, “With a
bunch of the birds, their aggression was purely lashing out
because they were frustrated they weren’t getting what they
needed, which could have been anything from attention or a
specific food item to wanting to get out of their cage. When teens
lash out, a lot of times it’s because they are also frustrated. I
have also observed the childlike personalities of animals. I mean,
when one of my favorite birds bit me over the summer, I had no
idea how to tell her that was not okay. I think a lot of parents have
that problem with teens that are still maturing and possibly acting
out. I also think that when these teens can’t work stuff out with
their parents or just can’t get along with them, having an animal
to turn to would be very helpful.”
Jessica feels high school is a big place. “You get stuck with
people that you don’t appreciate or people that don’t
appreciate or respect you. But it is always really comforting
working with animals because they never act with anything
other than unconditional love.” For teens going through tough
times, or who might feel lonely and unloved, Jessica has this
advice: “Get involved! Whether it’s a welfare or non-profit
organization, or something else, finding something to belong to
like the bird refuge where I volunteer, will help you feel like
you are part of something larger than yourself. Involvement
also gives teens a sense of purpose, as well as feeling like
they are needed instead of just ‘throw-aways’ themselves.”7

12
 Companion Animals: What They Mean to Us

unconditional love, complete trust, nonjudgmental

companionship, and the ability to accept us not only for
ourselves but in spite of ourselves that makes humans of all ages
fall in love with them. Essentially, companion animals are the
perfect human beings.
One benefit of involvement with companion animals,
especially if we are given the opportunity to spend time with
them daily, is that they can teach us spontaneity as well as
appreciation of the present. Family services major Katie Green
observes, “My dogs have taught me to take a break, get up and
away from the computer on a summer day and just go out in
the yard to play ball or take a walk. If I didn’t have them to
whine and nag me to stop and play with them, I’d never get any
fresh air!”8

REDUCING STRESS AND OTHER WAYS

ANIMALS HELP

“Dogs do the silliest things—like finding a butterfly

and then trying to bite it. They find a million ways to
make you laugh and feel happy!”—Nichole Freeman,
Illinois high school student.9

Just as Shakespeare described the “harmless, necessary cat” in

The Merchant of Venice, animals of all kinds are necessary to
human well-being, both practically and emotionally. Animals
have a wonderful way of relieving stress, and they possess
heightened senses that often help them understand their
human’s emotional state of mind. The soothing effect
companion animals have on people is partly due to the fact that
people can talk to their pets as well as have physical contact.
Interestingly, blood pressure lowers when people talk to
animals as opposed to rising, which it does when people talk to
each other. Studies have shown that animals being petted
experience a reduction in blood pressure as well.
13
Chapter 1

Therapy-certified and other animals are used to help the

mentally handicapped learn and help stroke victims recover
their speech without feeling self-conscious. Studies done with
the criminally insane demonstrate that patients relate better to
the staff and to one another when animals such as fish,
parakeets, gerbils, or guinea pigs are used in therapy. Previously
violent men have even showed tenderness toward these animals,
which become catalysts for communication and trust between
patients and therapists.
Pets also satisfy our need to be needed, an emotion that runs
deeply in all of us, at any age. If teen Richelle Hellpap has a bad
day at school, her rabbits are always there waiting for her at
home. “If I have a bad day, I come home and take care of my
rabbits. It really makes me feel better to have someone that
needs me. It makes me feel like, it doesn’t matter what
happened at school. And taking care of the rabbits doesn’t take
up much time. It’s nice to hang around them, because it relaxes
me, especially when I see some of the funny stuff they do.”10

COEXISTING WITH ANIMALS

Domesticated animals that revert back to the wild are referred

to as “feral.” Animals released or abandoned into the wild or
that escape from human captivity often become feral in order to
survive. And once an animal becomes feral, subsequent
offspring will also lose signs of domestication unless they are
brought back into human contact. In other words, while the
instinct to survive is genetically coded in all animals,
domestication itself is much more delicate. Since it takes little
time for dogs and cats to lose all domestication imprints and
become totally feral, it is remarkable how adaptable animals
must be to even live among humans!
When you think about it, having another species living in
our home or under our care is a curious trait usually found only
in humans. It is rare for other species to welcome members of
another species into its lair, den, or nest. No animal would
willingly choose to share its food or allow another species
access to its young. We are unique in that we not only welcome
14
 Companion Animals: What They Mean to Us

5555555555555
A PERSONAL GLIMPSE
High school student Nichole Freeman remembers one bleak day
in her sophomore year when she failed a math test. “I had no
idea what I was doing on that test. It was terrible! But when I
came home from school, my dog didn’t care if I had failed the
test. He still loved me and was just as happy to see me. He still
came up to me and cuddled. In fact, I think that because I was
so upset, he cuddled with me even more.”11

Rachel G’s cat also helps her get through those really bad days
at school. “Cosmo can always tell when I’m unhappy. He sits in
my lap or lies with me. He makes me laugh all the time and
cheers me up when I’m having a bad day. Occasionally when I’m
upset about a grade I got on a test, or more often, when I just
think I’ve gotten a bad grade on a test, or if I’m just bummed, he
always cheers me up just by doing something silly. For instance,
this one time I was looking over a test I wasn’t thrilled about.
Cosmo was lying on his side on the table. He stretched as though
he wanted me to pet him, but he stretched too far and came
crashing down to the floor. He was so embarrassed but instead
pretended nothing happened. It was hilarious.”12

cats, dogs, birds, fish, and other creatures into our homes or
homesteads, we also eagerly lavish them with luxuries and
comforts not often found in the wild.
And then there is the emotional bond: something we can’t
see or touch, but definitely feel inside. As an example, most pet
owners attach importance to their animals’ greeting them when
they return home from work or school. For people working in
stressful jobs, having difficulty in school, or who may not have
much positive social interaction with family, co-workers, or
others, being greeted by a happy pet that exhibits genuine joy at
their return can melt stress away.
In addition to guiding us, working for us, and protecting us,
animals also have special instincts and abilities that people
don’t have. Whether we lacked strength, speed, or the ability to
survive in conditions that animals also thrived in or whether we
depended on them for food, clothing, and other products,
15
Chapter 1

Pet antics can amuse us while also offering us a glimpse into

a world where play has no rules. Illustration by the author.

animals have always been—and continue to be—an important

part of people’s lives. However, in today’s society of synthetic
fibers and inks and machines that do the work animals once
did, we no longer depend on animals for as many things. Many
people now question if we need to continue hunting,

TIDBIT: AN UNPLEASANT PERSPECTIVE

While dog owners in North America and Europe may think of their pets
as part of the family, that is not always the case in other parts of the
world. For example, in some parts of China and South Korea, dogs are
viewed in the same way as farm animals: as potential food. The
thought of eating a puppy may be foreign and horrifying to us, but of
even more concern is that some world cultures also believe that the
taste and tenderness of the meat is improved if the animals suffer a
torturous death. The Animals Asia Foundation (AAF), a government-
registered animal welfare charity based in Hong Kong, is working hard
to end this cruelty and improve the lives of all animals throughout Asia
by educating children on how to care for and respect animals. For more
information on AAF programs, visit www.animalsasia.org.13

16
 Companion Animals: What They Mean to Us

whaling, wearing fur, and using animals for laboratory testing.

Some animal rights groups say that we need to rethink the
historical view of animals as being here to serve humans, and
begin thinking of animals instead as partners on the planet,
deserving the same respect that we expect. Their arguments
include not only animals hunted for vanity products, but also
animals that are captured and used for entertainment purposes,
such as cockfighting, circuses, and bullfights. Other groups
have the opposite opinion and argue that hunting and relying
on animal sources for basic needs are intrinsic to specific
cultures or even necessary for survival in some parts of the
world.

TIDBIT: WHAT WE WEAR

Where does it come from?

6 Wool sweaters, suits, pea coats, and the like

all come from the fleece of sheep, goats,
llamas, or alpacas.
6 Silk fibers are wound by a special caterpillar
called a silkworm.
6 Leather goods in the United States come
from cattle and calves, but worldwide
sources also include horses, sheep, lambs,
goats, pigs, zebras, bison, water buffalo,
boars, deer, kangaroos, elephants, eels,
sharks, dolphins, seals, walruses, frogs,
crocodiles, lizards, snakes, and many
endangered animals such as sea turtles.
6 Down jackets, pillows, and blankets include
the soft feathers from geese, ducks, and
other domesticated birds.

17
Chapter 1

RESPONSIBILITY: THE CORNERSTONE OF

THE HUMAN-ANIMAL BOND

“I definitely believe my experiences with animals

growing up (even watching them on TV) had an
impact on the person I became. My parents taught
me love and compassion by example, but my pets put
a new perspective on the whole idea. I felt like I was
the one showing and teaching them so they would
feel safe the way my parents made me feel.”—
Rebecca Britz, vet tech major14

While the rewards of having a companion animal such as a dog,

cat, or hamster may be priceless, it’s also crucial to understand
the commitment involved and to learn as much as possible in
order to become a responsible guardian. In fact, responsible
companion animal guardianship begins the moment you decide
to bring an animal into your life. It begins when you initially
choose the right type of animal species, breed, age, and size for
your individual lifestyle, as well as being certain you will also be
able to provide the necessary physical needs, training, vet care,
and grooming your specific pet needs to live a happy, healthy life.
Teens can learn and mature from relationships with their
pets. When we give up doing something for ourselves that
would cause our pet emotional or physical discomfort, we learn
compassion. When we provide for and take care of a
companion animal, we learn to nurture. When we want to
purposefully do things just to make our pet happy, we learn to
love. And when our pets accept our kind acts, we learn that
through giving, we can receive as much pleasure as we give.
High school student Annalies Kocourek feels that not only
caring for her service dog and taking on the responsibilities
involved in training and working with him made her a better
guardian, but she has benefited by knowing she can’t just rely on
her dog for everything; her dog also depends on her to remember
things. “It has helped with my memory, having to learn things
18
 Companion Animals: What They Mean to Us

over and over again, and with the repetitiveness. Being

responsible for another living thing has made me more
responsible. I don’t want him to die, so I have to remember to do
things like feed him, walk him, brush him, and stuff like that.”15
“I think having a pet is good for teaching responsibility in
that it teaches you that you have to do things even if you don’t
really feel like doing them,” explains Nichole Freeman. “Oh, at
first you do things because you are so excited to get the pet, but
then you kind of don’t want to. But when you think ‘I don’t
want to brush the dog today’ or ‘I don’t need to give the dog a
bath,’ they just sit there looking at you like ‘Come on! Do stuff
with me!’ And it teaches you that you can’t just sit there and
procrastinate—things need to get done.”16
Teresa Hellpap feels animals can definitely help teach teens
responsibility. “Animals give children and teens a sense of
responsibility. But I believe strongly in every child having their
own pet and not just sharing the family pet. With a family pet
they don’t really have the responsibility but when they have
their own pet they then have to take responsibility for it. When
it’s a family pet, they can dump all the work onto someone else
and they don’t develop the bond with individual animals like
the one I’ve watched my teenage daughter develop with her
own animals. Her younger sister also has her own dog and she,
in turn, has a bond with her dog and her rabbit.”17

5555555555555
A PERSONAL GLIMPSE
Right before she started high school, Natasha McDonald’s
younger brother got a frog, and sibling rivalry kicked in.
“Naturally I wanted one, too! And after I got a frog, I decided I
also wanted a lizard! I love my frogs and lizard to death. Yes, it
gets annoying that I have to feed them live crickets, but it pays
off when I get to hold them and watch what they do. I still take
care of them, but, because my schedule is so busy and I don’t
really have the time to take care of them, I have kind of given
them to my brother. But it’s okay because my brother has
grown very attached to them and loves them as much as I do.”18

19
Chapter 1

Animals need gentle care and handling. Photo used with permission,
Katie Green.

Pets need the same love, care, and respect that people do.
Being a responsible animal guardian is actually the cornerstone of
the bond between people and their companion animals. Kyle
Fetters, a suburban teen involved for years with reptiles and other
animals, agrees. “The reason parents let their kids have animals
in the first place is to teach responsibility. And in a way it’s almost
like taking care of a family member because once the animals join
your family they’re there and you have the responsibility to keep
them healthy. They don’t have the ability to get themselves
something to eat, so it’s all on you or they don’t get it at all. It
teaches a lot of responsibility in that sense. Taking care of an
animal also teaches a lot about just being able to take care of
someone else one day, especially because you have to reason with
their body language, which is a lot different. Like with a baby, it
can cry when it’s hungry, but an animal like a lizard can’t tell you
‘I’m hungry now.’ I’ve seen cases where people sometimes forget
to feed their dogs. Those dogs will not trust them as much and
often turn into scavengers. And then there can be those dogs with
great trust that know ‘Okay, this person will take care of me and
will be around this time.’ And they trust that we’ll know where to
20 go to get food and will provide them with it.”19
 Companion Animals: What They Mean to Us

RESPONSIBLE PET OWNERSHIP DAY

American Kennel Club (AKC) Responsible Dog
Ownership Day is held on September 17 each year,
with hundreds of celebrations scheduled across the
nation. The goal of the event is to educate the public
about the importance of responsible dog ownership
and the rewards of a respectful human-canine
relationship. Many AKC-affiliated dog clubs and
other dog or pet related organizations hold
celebrations in their communities, including Canine
Good Citizen testing, obedience and agility
demonstrations, microchip clinics, breed rescue
info, and therapy dog and service dog demos.20

WHAT ANIMALS GAIN FROM US:

THE EMOTIONAL BOND

Most relationships are based on trust and respect. And the

bond our pets have with us is strongly based on trust. They
learn to trust us when we show them kindness and compassion
along with supplying basic needs, such as food and water.
When we handle our pets with a gentle touch, they learn to
trust our hands. When we speak to them in a kind tone instead
of in anger, they learn to trust our voice. Break that trust,
however, and the bond between human and animal can be
irreparably shattered. Striking a pet in anger or screaming in
frustration often makes them afraid of us and destroys the trust
they have in us. But if we constantly prove by our actions, tone
of voice, and gentle touch that we can be trusted, we wind up
with a companion that chooses to be with us, will accept our
touch, and is willing to please us, even it that means defending
us with his or her life. 21
Chapter 1

Different species are capable of different levels and types of

bonding. The bond we have with a dog or cat will not be the
same as one we have with a fish or turtle. However, just the act
of caring for a fish or turtle teaches us both responsibility and
respect for a living creature. Animals also benefit from our
nurturing. While it is more obvious when our dog wags its tail
and pulls its lips back in a “smile” or when our cat sits purring
in our lap, even the simpler creatures respond to positive
human interaction. Kyle explains, “It’s not as easy to explain
when it comes to reptiles. But there are definitely times when
they’ll be down there hiding in a corner in their tank, and then
when you come into the room, all of a sudden they start puffing
themselves out, their heads will lift up and they’ll start looking
around. For example, snakes ‘hear’ through vibration. They
could be under a log and then when I walk into the room and
they start hearing voices, they’ll respond. It will trigger them to
come out and become more interested in what’s going on
around them as opposed to just doing their natural hiding
thing, which is a self-defense mechanism. They’re not going to
respond with any gestures or anything, but it can change their
character or colors and they definitely look healthier when I’m
around. It’s fascinating to see how much can really happen
between humans and even some of the simplest and more
prehistoric animals like reptiles with just simple human
interaction.”21
Coexisting with animals not of our species can be a rewarding
experience. Or it can be an experience that has little or no value—
or, even worse, a living nightmare. What causes the difference? As
teens and young adults, how can we turn our “pet experience”
into a rewarding relationship for both our pet and us? Since most
humans instinctively crave companionship, animals can provide
the types of companionship we might not be able to experience
with another person within our families or peer groups. For
example, teens who experience difficulty with relationships, move
often, or come from stressful family situations might find stability
and acceptance in a relationship with a pet. This honest
acceptance can be a lifesaver when we feel we cannot live up to the
expectations and peer pressure around us.
22
 Companion Animals: What They Mean to Us

Vulnerability

“I think little kids look at animals as friends. I mean,

I always see little kids run up to dogs and hugging
them. At first you’d just think, ‘Aw, that’s so cute!’
but if you really stop to think about it, maybe that
child really did need a hug just then. And, instead of
seeing the dog as just an animal, the child saw the
dog more as a friend that would give him that
hug.”—Janet Carhuayano, dog walker in Manhattan22

A common bond animals share with young people is their

vulnerability. Often painful at times, our sensitivity to the ways
others perceive us, and how we see ourselves, can mirror how
our pets respond to us. This shared vulnerability can cement the
bond we have with our pets. Knowing someone else feels what
we do can make us feel less alone, less afraid, and less unsure by
making us feel loved, understood, and worthy. And that bond
creates incredible empathy with our companion animals as well.
Kyle has experienced this with his own companion animals.
“You definitely see in some situations that they do care and it’s
not that they’re being loyal to you because you’re the one
taking care of them and feeding them. It’s deeper than that.
Some people might not see that and only use them just for the
visual loyalty they get right offhand. But when you’re upset and
you have an animal that’s bonded with you, they have a very
intuitive sense about it that’s very real. We have five cats but
there’s one I’m particularly attached to and bonded with. When
I was younger and I was upset or crying or whatever, he’d be
the first one in my room. I mean, he didn’t understand why I
was upset or what I was even doing, but he just knew
something was wrong. You could see it. It feels good to know I
can come into my room and it is always a comfort zone,
especially when I see him come walking around the corner to
see what’s wrong.”23
23
Chapter 1

Many people may not realize it, but animals also need our
protection. For example, thousands of animals across the globe
are maimed or killed each year by improperly discarded
garbage. A large percentage of the animals injured by rubbish
are hurt by items such as broken glass, pieces of dumped
plastic, metal cans with sharp edges, spoiled food, or
improperly discarded medicine or chemicals. Examples of
injury from improperly disposed trash include animals
poisoned by eating discarded batteries or licking paint tins, and
dogs swallowing plastic that embeds in stomachs, resulting in
stomach cancer or life-threatening blockages.
According to an article in the February 10, 2003, issue of the
Borehamwood & Elstree Times, a campaign in England was
initiated to expose teenagers to the consequences of littering
and raise their awareness of the ways animals can be injured or
even killed by discarded litter. The “Keep Britain Tidy” poster
campaign encouraged teens to look at the gruesome pictures of
animals injured by litter and trash that is dropped on streets,
sidewalks, and other public places throughout Great Britain.
When questioned, the teens who regularly dropped litter
responded that they did so for various reasons, including
laziness; lack of bins or dirty, wasp-infested bins; or just not
wanting to get their clothes dirty. The most disturbing answers,
however, were those from boys dropping the litter to impress
girls and girls who were too busy chatting, as well as both sexes
wanting to appear “cool.” These teens not only thought it was
“cool” to dump trash, but were only willing to pick it up and
dispose of it properly if offered something such as cash or a day
off of school.24
In direct contrast to teens who do not seem to have any sort of
bond with animals, there are dozens of other stories about teens
who do care. As you dive further into this book, you’ll read some
amazing stories about some very remarkable young people who
have made a difference in lives of many animals and people.

LOOKING BEYOND THE SURFACE

Animals have the incredible capacity to accept who they are

24 and to live in the bodies they were given, imperfections and all.
 Companion Animals: What They Mean to Us

And that attitude of acceptance is extended to us, their

companion humans, as well. We don’t feel too short or too tall
when we’re with them, nor does it matter if we’re having a bad
hair day or if our clothes don’t look perfect. Our pets look
beyond the surface, beyond all those things we are so uptight
about. Instead they focus on who we are.
College graduate Mary Dyrhaug had an uncomfortable
experience with her Shih Tzu, Mackenzie. She and Mackenzie
had just come out of an upscale department store in a posh
urban neighborhood when they were approached by a homeless
man. “Well, he might not have been homeless but he sure
looked like it. It made me kind of nervous. He started making a
big fuss over her. Mackenzie was in her green bag and he was
cooing all over her. I didn’t mind that, but then he tried giving
her ‘kisses.’ His teeth were rotted and falling out of his head. I
didn’t know what to do so I kind of said, ‘Okay, thanks’ . . . and
walked away!”25 While this incident would have unnerved most
people, Mary explains that Mackenzie responded to this man
by just wagging her tail and offering kisses back. This is because
while humans base many responses on appearance, dogs and
many other animals instead base their responses on actions
and/or voice tone.
Always watching and studying us, companion animals learn
not only about humans, but also about us as individuals. It is
amazing how incredibly adaptable our pets have to be to live with
us. For example, when we bring a puppy or kitten into our home,
we not only introduce the young animal to humans, with all our
rules and idiosyncrasies, we also remove this creature from
experiences with its own species. Since dogs and cats learn about
the world from other dogs and cats, just as humans learn from
families and friends, bringing an animal into an environment
surrounded solely by another species, scent, and behavior poses an
incredible challenge, especially for a baby animal.

INTERSPECIES COMMUNICATION
AND COOPERATION

Interspecies communication is not reliably based on instinct; it

must be learned. Dogs, cats, and other animals communicate by 25
Chapter 1

Different species may use the same body language, but they don’t
always contain the same meanings. A dog’s body posture of rear and
tail up may signal “play,” but a cat with an arched back and tail up
may signal fear or aggression. Illustration by the author.

using voice, body language, and facial expressions, as well as

leaving and reading scent markings. We, on the other hand, rely
heavily on the spoken word to communicate with each other
and instinctively use speech to communicate to our pets as well.
Although dogs can’t form words, they verbalize with crying,
whining, yipping, growling, and barking, as well as variations
within each category. Some dogs even develop a different
whining sound when they need to go potty from the whine they
use when they want a toy that is stuck under the bed. When we
develop a strong bond with our dog, we also learn to
differentiate between a warning bark and an attention-seeking
one, as well as a cry from pain and a cry from loneliness. Dogs
also learn to differentiate their owner’s meanings from their
different tones of voice, as well as to understand and respond to
an extensive vocabulary of human words. And when we
combine words with body language and facial expressions, we
make our communication clearer, just as our pet does when we
learn to read its body language and facial expressions.
Many companion animals, including dogs and horses, also
smell things humans cannot. For example, fear has a scent, as
well as some physical illnesses and diseases, such as cancer and
seizures. When animals smell someone who is afraid, it often
makes them nervous or afraid as well. This is because in nature,
when one animal in a pack or herd is afraid, it might signal
danger to the entire herd or pack. A chemical response to fear is
26
 Companion Animals: What They Mean to Us

then triggered, warning the rest of the pack or herd to be on

high alert. This group warning system is essential for survival in
the wild. When a dog becomes a part of our human family, he
essentially becomes part of our “pack” and will respond
instinctively to our sensory cues as he would in the wild.
Fortunately, not all dogs learn to fear all potentially
dangerous situations. There are many stories of pets rescuing
humans from danger or disaster, or seeking help when humans
were injured or lost. Examples include dogs acting unusually to
get attention prior to a natural disaster, waking people sleeping
in burning buildings or when there is a prowler outside, or
trying to prevent their humans from stepping onto a surface
that is not stable or entering a structure that is unsafe.

5555555555555
A PERSONAL GLIMPSE
First-time pet owners often make mistakes out of ignorance
and their subsequent “miscues” can result in companion
animals picking up wrong informational cues—or totally
misinterpreting them. Katie Green remembers one incident
when her first dog, Madison, was just a puppy. “My mom was
broiling something in the oven that started smoking a little and
made the kitchen smoke alarm go off. Well, Madison was in his
crate in the kitchen and that smoke alarm was on the wall right
over him. My mom tried waving newspapers in front of it to stop
it and we were all yelling at each other to open the window,
turn off the oven, etc. We didn’t realize, however, what our
puppy was learning from our screaming, waving our arms
around and running all over the place. When everything quieted
down, we noticed he was trembling from head to toe and totally
terrified! From that point on, if anyone cooked any food that
made a sizzling sound, opened the oven door or took out a
cooking pan, Madison would start shaking and run away to
hide. And, even though we never acted that way again when the
smoke alarm went off, that fear was also passed on to the next
puppy, Tyler, who, observing Madison’s reaction, smelled his
fear and decided he needed to be scared of all sizzling culinary
acts in the kitchen as well.”26

27
Chapter 1

Kyle suggests that one reason we may feel such a strong

bond with companion animals and view them as our closest
friends is that they would be willing to do things for us that
most of our friends would never do! That includes defending
us with their lives. “There are situations where there’s a dog
that’s never been aggressive, but in the face of danger they’ll
do nothing but protect their owner. Police dogs would take a
bullet for their handler in a second—without any question—if
presented with certain situations. Or they’ll run right up to a
burglar who might be a threat. I mean, you read a lot of
stories where the dog takes the worse end of a situation and
winds up getting hurt or killed itself. But the dog’s always
doing it in a way that’s defending its owner. I don’t think that
aspect is shown enough in the media. I mean, the facts are
reported, but not in a way that makes the dog look like as
much of a true friend and companion as they really end up
being.”27
Not all companion animals have the capacity to pull us from
a burning building, but that does not lessen their importance in
the lives of their human companions, or their human’s
importance in theirs. For many teens, there is nothing quite as
soothing as watching colorful fish swimming around in a tank
or stroking the soft fur of a pet rabbit. Many teens away from

5555555555555
A PERSONAL GLIMPSE
It was difficult for Katie Green to leave her dogs when she first
left for college. “I kept calling my mom and asking her how the
dogs were. It felt so strange not having them with me here. But
then I decided to buy a goldfish and named her Melody. I bought
her a nice fishbowl with a plant and put colorful stones on the
bottom, which brightened up my dorm room. I feed her ‘fishy
meatballs’ three times a day, and when I am by myself, I watch
her swim around in her bowl. I still miss my dogs but not nearly
as much now that I have Melody to take care of.”28

28
 Companion Animals: What They Mean to Us

5555555555555
MEDICAL TIDBITS
Prevention is the key to keeping animals healthy. Check that
your companion animals have fresh water and
uncontaminated food, and that all food containers and
housing (crates, cages, stalls, etc.) are cleaned regularly and
bedding or litter replaced often. Make sure outside dog run
areas are kept picked up, and sanitize them several times a
year. Although many people are concerned with risk factors
associated with vaccinations, they can prevent many of the
deadly diseases that can be caught from unvaccinated
domestic and wild animals. And, in some cases, such as with
rabies vaccinations, it is mandated by law that you have your
pet vaccinated every year.
Not all countries are as diligent or humane in preventing
disease outbreaks. In 2006, approximately fifty thousand
dogs were clubbed, hanged or electrocuted in southern China
because of a rabies outbreak that killed three people in a
six-month period. Although the government tried to control
the disease by vaccinating four thousand animals, dog bites
continued and the government decided to prevent rabies
from spreading to people by killing all dogs not used by
police and the military. According to reports, pet owners
were offered a reward for killing their animals. For those
trying to hide their pets, simply walking their dogs became a
death sentence and some pets were grabbed and beaten to
death by health officials right in front of their owners.29

home at college miss their families and companion animals so

much that having a single goldfish in a bowl is often very
comforting.

DEALING WITH STRESS

On a primitive level, when tension and stress rise, our bodies

sense danger. The instinctive response to danger is to get ready
to either fight or flee. We all know the feeling of the adrenaline
rush as it is released into our bloodstream, coupled with heavier
breathing and heart racing. That survival response works well if
29
Chapter 1

we’re being faced with enemy fire or an attacking

tyrannosaurus, but what about twenty-first-century situations
that make us feel totally stressed out? Instead of staying in bed
or turning to drugs or alcohol, think animals instead! They’re
nonaddictive and they’re legal! Animals give us something to
focus on outside of ourselves. They can help break the cycle of
depression, isolation, and inactivity that can result from stress.
Pets can reach us deep inside our depression and make us laugh.
They motivate us to exercise, which lowers our blood pressure
and triggers our brain to release endorphins that help elevate
our moods and reduce pain. Companion animals can give
people a reason to get up each day and a sense of purpose.
Volunteering at an animal rescue, shelter, or vet office or
working in a job that allows you to interact with animals is also
a great way to help de-stress.

GROWING UP

“I had my dog my entire life up until July 2005 when she

passed away. It was great being able to grow with her,
like a sister almost. Being that I am an only child I
couldn’t have asked for a better one.”—Rebecca Britz30

As children, we are the recipients of care, guidance, and

protection, but as children mature and enter their teenage years,
they naturally become less dependent on parents and begin to
achieve a sense of mastery through their own efforts. The act of
nurturing requires reading nonverbal signals and reacting to
them in a consistent manner. By being directly involved in a
pet’s care and routine, teens not only create a strong bond with
their companion animal, they can also experience an increase in
self-esteem, self-control, and autonomy.
Nichole thinks the transition from grade school to high
30 school was a huge change. “Your mindset kind of switches from
 Companion Animals: What They Mean to Us

‘what do I want to do?’ to ‘what do I need to do?’ when it

comes to classes and extracurricular activities. And things begin
to change, too, as you expand more with friendships. You
become more like ‘oh, how can I help you’ and not so much
‘how you can help me.’ But having a pet helps you switch
sooner into ‘how can I help you’ simply because your dog or cat
can’t take care of itself. You learn to think more like ‘I’m going
to give to you’ instead of just taking what I can.”31
Kyle says, “As you age you don’t see things the same way.
My little sister is still very creative and imaginative and she can
entertain herself for hours. Things like that you kind of grow
out of as you grow up. Although you miss it and may try to
replicate it, it will never be the same again. But because
animals are so innocent, they also bring you back to that time
when you were also young and innocent. It helps you accept
who you are, instead of wishing you could be younger or
different.”32
Teen years are years filled with many changes, both
emotional and physical. Young people’s bodies are in a constant
state of rapid growth and change, creating new feelings and
needs. Shaving, dealing with acne, and PMS are only a few of
the changes going on inside teen bodies and brains. Caring for
animals with whom teens already share a bond and with whom
they feel emotionally “safe” can also serve as an anchor in their
lives because the routine of caring for an animal’s needs on a
regular basis provides much-needed constancy while the rest of
a teen’s world continues to make increasingly more complex
demands.
Animals can play a key role helping teens transition from
loving their parents to loving other people. Caring for a pet
helps develop a teen’s sense of responsibility, as well as
providing an outlet for the development of the nurturing
instinct. Interaction with animals, as pets or in volunteer
situations, can help young people better cope with their
family’s dynamics. Pets not only help reduce stress and ease
tension, involvement with them can also raise self-esteem.
Studies have shown that when companion animals are brought
into families, the family members tend to argue less and
cooperate more. 31
Chapter 1

NATURAL FAMILIES

Like humans, animals also form “families.” Many of the

reasons they do this are the very same reasons teens form
cliques, join clubs, and insist on wearing and doing the same
things everyone else their age does. A teen without any friends
feels lonely, and so would most animals we consider pets or
companion animals. And just like humans, animals both seek
leaders and challenge authority. It’s all about status. Some of us
are content to just follow everyone else, while other teens are
driven to lead. That leadership may not always be wise, but it
can be part of the complex set of unspoken rules and rituals of
growing up.
In the wild, horses live in herds consisting mainly of one
stallion, a few mares, and their foals. When allowed,
domesticated horses also live and graze in herds, forming
small groups with individual friendships and dislikes. This
group mentality is especially beneficial for mutual grooming,
warmth, and protection from predators. Domesticated horses
are usually kept in individual stalls, but they whinny to other
members of their herd to keep in contact. This is similar to
the way teens stay connected to their friends when physically
separated by text messaging, IMing, or calling. Many birds
instinctively form flocks that provide safety as well as
socialization and physical contact. When we hear birds
singing, we are actually witnessing them communicating with
one another, often with birds not within their sight.
According to Rich Weiner, executive director for A Refuge
for Saving the Wildlife, an exotic bird rescue organization in
Northbrook, Illinois, many bad behaviors exhibited by birds
like cockatoos, macaws, or parrots stem from the fact that
these birds are such social creatures. Unlike horses, dogs, or
cats, these exotic birds are not really domesticated in the true
sense. They retain their wild instincts, including the strong
need be an active part of a flock. But they often wind up
living essentially in solitary confinement as the only bird in
human households where the humans are gone many hours
a day.
32
 Companion Animals: What They Mean to Us

Predator animals have similar but slightly different needs

from prey animals. Dogs live and hunt in packs consisting of a
hierarchy of male and female dogs of varying ages, along with a
“pack leader.” When brought into a human household, they
must understand their place in the human social order. It is
important for humans to earn their canine’s respect as pack
leaders without cruelty or force by being the source of all things
the dog desires, including food, toys, or petting. When puppies
have a clear idea of their status in the pack, they are more easily
trained and adapt more readily to human rules. When they enter
adolescence, however, like their human teen counterparts, even
the most obedient dogs may challenge their human leaders.
Hierarchy in felines is a bit more complex to understand
because it is focused more on territory than social status. When
cats rub against an object (including their humans), scratch it,
or urinate on it, they mark it as their territory by leaving
scented pheromones. A cat’s sense of smell is as important a
communication tool as body language. Since humans and other
animals within the household cannot detect or interpret the
meaning of pheromones, there is great potential for
misinterpretation.
Considering the differences between species and the many
ways our companion animals are different from us, why have
people chosen to care for and bond with them for centuries?
Nineteenth-century psychologist and philosopher Erich Fromm
once stated, “Man is the only animal for whom his own
existence is a problem which he has to solve.” Perhaps the only
way we can find our purpose is by reaching outside of ourselves
and connecting with other living creatures. Or perhaps there is
something deep within us that needs to be intertwined with the
rest of creation so we can become part of something much
bigger than ourselves.
Interacting with animals aids us in becoming better at
deciphering body language and understanding, empathizing,
or “reading” other’s feelings and moods. Pets also foster
sensitivity and responsibility and provide companionship. But
most importantly, they give us a glimpse into the best of who
we can be.
33
Chapter 1

NOTES

1. Tina Swinkels, interview with the author, December 2006.

2. Appleseeds 3, no. 14 (December 2000): 20.
3. Reshoma Banerjee, e-mail to the author, December 2006.
4. Teresa Hellpap, interview with the author, September 6, 2006.
5. Jessica Katz, e-mail to the author, December 2006.
6. Trish Hampton, interview with the author, September 2006.
7. Katz, e-mail to the author, December 2006.
8. Katie Green, interview with the author, July14, 2006.
9. Nichole Freeman, interview with the author, December 2006.
10. Richelle Hellpap, interview with the author, October 2006.
11. Freeman, interview with the author, December 2006.
12. Rachel G., interview with the author, January 2007.
13. Jennifer Schnell, “Friends . . . or Food?” Modern Dog (Spring
2006): 14.
14. Rebecca Britz, e-mail to the author, October 2006.
15. Annalies Kocourek, interview with the author, August 2006.
16. Freeman, interview with the author, December 2006.
17. Teresa Hellpap, interview with the author, September 6, 2006.
18. Natasha McDonald, interview with the author, December 2006.
19. Kyle Fetters, interview with the author, September 2006.
20. American Kennel Club, various articles, hwww.akc.org/news/
index.cfm?article_id=2607, (accessed April 14, 2006).
21. Fetters, interview with the author, September 2006.
22. Janet Carhuayano, interview with the author, October 2006.
23. Fetters, interview with the author, September 2006.
24. Jenny Bradley, “Vets Back Litter Campaign,” Borehamwood
& Elstree Times, February10, 2003, www.borehamwoodtimes.co.uk/
archive/display.var.269936.0.vets_back_litter_campaign.php (accessed
April 14, 2007).
25. Mary Dyrhaug, interview with the author, January 2007.
26. Green, interview with the author, August 2006.
27. Fetters, interview with the author, September 2006.
28. Green, interview with the author, August 2006.
29. “China Kills 50,000 Dogs in Rabies Crackdown,” Pet Product
News International, (September 2006): 38; Schnell, “Friends . . . or
Food?” 14.
30. Britz, e-mail to the author, October 2006.
31. Freeman, interview with the author, December 2006.
32. Fetters, interview with the author, September 2006.
34
 Understanding
2 Animals;
Understanding
Ourselves

Organisms cannot live in isolation. All animals, including “Anybody can care
humans, need to connect with other forms of life, whether their for an animal, or
own species or another one. In order to do that, animals need to a large number of
communicate. animals, but to
understand them
COMMUNICATING WITH HUMANS is another thing.”
—Richelle Hellpap,
Various forms of life communicate with each other through Wisconsin high school
student1
vocalization, body movement or posture, color, scent, and
chemicals they release. The stench certain insects release when
crushed by a predator signals, “Don’t eat me; I stink!” while the
colorful plumage of a male bird might indicate to a female bird,
“Hey baby, whatcha doing tonight?” Like these animals, we
also communicate with each other and with other species using
vocalization and body movement that may not be understood
by other species or may be misinterpreted as meaning
something completely different according to another species’
method of communicating.
Our human world is filled with multiple ways to
communicate. We can tell by the look in someone’s eye if he or
she loves or hates us, and we don’t trust people who avoid eye
contact, walk funny, or wear clothes that look goofy. Teens in
gangs develop ways to communicate through series of hand
gestures or finger positioning, as well as subtle differences in
how they wear their hat or pants. Radios, television,
computers, and telephones are common means of
communication to twenty-first-century teens that would have
35
Chapter 2

been foreign concepts to teens raised in the sixteenth century.

Humans have developed e-mail, blogs, text messaging,
newspapers, magazines, books, and the occasional handwritten
note to communicate instantly with each other, with full
comprehension, without sound and without nonverbal body
language cues. Not only have we become used to this silent and
minimally kinesthetic means of communicating, we are not
even aware we have also become anomalies in the animal
kingdom.

Interpreting Animal Communication Signals

As an example, when a human scolds a puppy for doing
something wrong, most nondominant dogs will flip over on
their backs, expose their underbelly, avoid eye contact, and
possibly urinate. If Joe is upset at his puppy, Maggie, for
running away and not returning to him after peeing in the
house, this might appear to Joe that Maggie is continuing to
disobey and the additional urinating might appear to be
defiance. When she also clearly avoids eye contact, Joe thinks
Maggie knows she’s doing something wrong and just won’t
look him in the eye out of guilt. Joe responds by scolding the
poor puppy again. At that point, Maggie may not know what
to do, since nothing she is doing has pleased this very angry,
very scary human. And if Joe also uses physical means of
punishment, the puppy will lose trust and possibly be imprinted
for life to be afraid of whatever body language was being
exhibited by Joe (such as arms raised), or the specific way he
looks (such as a man wearing a hat), sounds (angry and loud),
or even smells.
However, if Joe understood how dogs communicate, he
would have understood instantly what Maggie was clearly
communicating through nonverbal body language. By exposing
her belly, avoiding eye contact, and urinating, she very clearly
said: (1) “I don’t know what I did wrong but your angry tone of
voice makes me know I did something you don’t like”; (2) “I’m
sorry! I’m sorry!”; (3) “You are the pack leader and I am a mere
slug so I won’t look you in the eyes out of great respect”; and
36
 Understanding Animals; Understanding Ourselves

(4) “I submit to your authority and will not challenge you or

attack you, so I’m bowing before you in submission by laying
on my back, peeing as a gesture of my low stature and exposing
my vulnerable belly, hoping you won’t kill me.” This is a perfect
example of miscommunication between human and canine. Joe
and Maggie are not using the same “language,” making it
difficult—if not impossible—for either of them to accurately
understand one another.
It is essential to communicate our feelings to an animal in a
way it can understand and not let other feelings or thoughtless
actions get in the way. If our puppy runs away from us and we
command it to “come” in an angry tone of voice, we only
communicate that we are definitely not someone that puppy
wants to come to! When we are angry or in a bad mood, our
displeasure is what is conveyed to the animal, instead of what
we are really trying to tell it. If we only communicate our own
expectations to an animal without understanding what that
animal is trying to communicate to us, we will fail to connect.
How, then, is it possible to have a true bond with a companion
animal if we have no way to communicate with each other?

Understanding Body Language

Animals communicate in a different way than humans do,
but they tend to communicate with a more consistent set of
actions and signals. And because animals’ responses are often
clearer and more predictable, they can provide a release from
the very demanding and often confusing subtleties of human
behavior, peer pressure, and social interactions. When we learn
how to interpret their signals and become able to successfully
tend to their needs, we also begin to realize that the world does
not revolve around us. Companion animals can help teens not
only develop empathy, but also better social skills.
We also need to pay attention to what our pets are telling us
through their body language. For example, horses communicate
through their head position, tail movement, ear position,
muscle tension, and eyes. A nervous or excited horse will have
tense neck muscles and hold its head up high. Wide eyes with
37
Chapter 2

the whites showing indicate a fearful horse, while soft, relaxed

eyes indicate one with confidence. And, while horses will turn
their ears in the direction of what they are paying attention to,
ears that are pinned back may indicate imminent aggression
instead.
University of Vermont student Jessica Katz agrees, based on
her experience as an intern at a bird refuge: “Body language is
as important with birds as it is with dogs and other companion
animals. And this internship was all about body language.
Reading birds is by far the most important concept anyone who
interacts at the refuge needs to comprehend and an ability that I
improved at superbly. When I first walked into the refuge, I had
no idea that a cockatoo’s tongue-clicking motion is related to
happiness or that sometimes head-bobbing isn’t an aggressive
behavior. One might find it strange that birds have their quirks
and phobias just like people . . . although I have to admit that
by the end of my internship I was thinking of these birds as
people in their own right. I did a lot of observing. Birds are no
different than people. It’s just like working with children; they
have their tantrums. When I was able to build up the trust of
some more of the wary ones, it was very rewarding!”
Although birds definitely communicate through nonverbal
body posturing and movements, they also communicate
through sounds. They are a little bit different from some other
animals that people have that may not be able to make as many
variations of sound. And some of them express how they feel by
using learned sounds that come out as human words. Jessica
explains, “African grays can speak up to a vocabulary of fifteen
hundred words. And a lot of the times their vocalization will
indicate exactly how they are feeling.”2
As a result of her internship experience with marine
mammals at SeaWorld Adventure Parks in San Diego,
California, student Kaylah Dodd feels she is also better able to
read body language. “I learned that instead of punishment,
trainers use body language to communicate. For example, when
they were training the seals for a new trick, each time the seal
messed up, the trainers would look away from it and not make
eye contact with it for three seconds. Then they would try
38
 Understanding Animals; Understanding Ourselves

again. Since then, I’ve noticed that when my dog makes a mess
or doesn’t want to do something, he doesn’t look at me. For
example if I call him to come inside and he doesn’t want to,
he’ll look away and ignore me.”3
Although humans exhibit confidence and friendliness with
direct eye contact, in the animal world, direct eye contact is
often perceived as dominance and/or aggression. By avoiding
eye contact, dogs signal submissiveness as well as respect for the
animal or human they perceive to be the pack leader. Staring
directly into the eyes of an animal from the elevated stature of a
A pleasant exchange
human, can trigger defensive behavior since the animal can between Jessica Katz
easily interpret that act as one of aggression. This is even more and Garth, a Congo
exacerbated when positioned in front of that creature instead of African gray parrot
waiting for adoption
at their side or from a less threatening or more submissive
at A Refuge for
position. This can be especially dangerous if a dog feels he is the Saving the Wildlife,
“alpha” and his status is being threatened. Alpha dogs also use an exotic bird rescue
direct eye contact and staring as a way to show dominance over organization. Photo
used with permission,
another animal or human they feel has lower status, while the Jessica Katz.
“inferior” creature is expected to look away. So when two
“alphas” come in contact with each other, the potential for
fighting escalates quickly if neither of them looks away.
Eye contact avoidance and aggressive staring are also
something humans do. For example, people who are lying to
you or trying to keep something from you will not look into
your eyes. Conversely, if you do not want your parents to know
you snuck out with your friends instead of staying home to
study, you won’t look them in the eyes either. Law enforcement
personnel are especially aware of this very human trait and
watch for suspects who look away when asked questions they
do not want to answer truthfully. Staring, however, is all about
power. It is meant to make the creature being stared at feel
powerless and uncomfortable. Bullies always stare directly into
the eyes of their intended victims to intimidate and appear
dominant and powerful.
Animals also study us. As Kyle Fetters observes, “Animals
will sit and watch us a lot longer than most humans will focus
their attention on an animal. They’re just fascinated by us.
Some may be a little hesitant at first but that’s usually because
39
Chapter 2

A tilted head indicates recognition and interest. This dog might have
just recognized a familiar word or phrase such as “ride in the car” or
“cookie.” Photo used with permission, Jeffrey Green, Total Recall
Dog Training.

they haven’t been brought up around humans. I’ve seen animals

that are a little hesitant with new people because they’ve only
been brought up around their own family and I’ve also seen
other animals that live in houses where there are always new
people over. These animals are usually very intuitive about it
and very friendly. I’ve got some friends whose families just keep
40
 Understanding Animals; Understanding Ourselves

to themselves and when I do go over, their cats and dogs will

hide. But even then, to some extent once they get more familiar
with me, they kind of lighten up, too.” Another example of
animals learning to communicate with humans is when a dog
has to go outside to do its business. Kyle explains how one of
his dogs has learned to communicate that need: “He’s too small
to go out by himself, so he’ll come and actually get us to tell us
he has to go outside. Now another person will think he’s just
nagging us or something when he comes in the kitchen, but the
truth is that he’s actually trying to tell us something.”
And animals can be very intuitive about us. They pick up on
nuances of our body language, voice tone, or chemical scents
we give off when we feel strong emotion. Kyle explains further,
“Animals show recognition in different ways. Humans are
based on sight first and then everything else. But animals don’t
necessarily rely on sight as much as humans do. They tend to
depend more on things like sound and smell.” A good example
of this is how snakes use scent. According to Kyle, snakes
actually have a very keen sense of smell. “They’re so sensitive
that way; they use their tongues and taste buds to smell
everything. It’s also the same with a lot of lizards. You’ll see it
when they’re walking around. They’ll stick their tongue out or
touch the ground and check around. They’ll use their noses (or
muzzles or whatever) and go against things to familiarize
themselves with their surroundings. Not many people would
pick up on that but if you’re around them enough you’ll
definitely notice that.”4 Vet assistant Kristy Kosinski adds,
“Both my birds and dog are sensitive to our moods, but while
the dog might be extra affectionate when we’re down, the birds
will mimic our emotions more. If our energy is too high from
anger or excitement, the birds are more apt to get overexcited
themselves and scream or bite.”5
Reading nonverbal body language has also equipped many
teens involved with animals to be able to “read” their peers.
High school can be tough socially, so it helps when teens learn
to read things like “Is this guy trying to hit on me or does he
just want to be a friend?” or “Does that girl think I’m cool or is
she calling me a dork to her friends behind my back”? There
41
Chapter 2

are also teens who may not want to express what they’re really
feeling. Instead, they may display actions or express themselves
verbally in a way that covers up those feelings and makes them
feel better or more in control, even though their words and
facial expressions/body language may conflict.
Jessica feels that her ability to read body language and be
more sensitive to birds has occurred because, like many people
who work with animals, she was already more sensitive to body
language in people. “I’ve always been very intuitive and
observant. Because I like to write and observe people, I realize
that when you look at a person or animals it is not just what
you see on the outside, but there are a lot of nuances. I would
actually say the way I look at strangers or friends relates to how
I observe the birds.”6
University of Oklahoma student Kelli Herbel agrees: “You
do, you pick up on that stuff. I’ve known a lot of people who
say they’re intimidated by me. Whether they know it or not, I
think it’s because it’s hard for them to lie to me. Dogs don’t talk;
they speak through what they do and I’ve pretty much learned
to read that. High school was tough but it wasn’t as tough on
me because I was involved in the dog world and I had a whole
other outside life with these dogs so school wasn’t my whole
world. And that really helped me get through it. I was always
winning ribbons, titles, and awards through showing dogs
whereas my peers didn’t have this additional life so they spent
all their time trying to gain acceptance and everything.”7
Kelli and other teens involved in showing dogs, horses, cats,
or other animals are often in unique positions to learn firsthand
from experts in these fields, as well as to impact spectators
using verbal and body language inside and outside the ring.
Successfully showing dogs has given Kelli a lot of confidence,
which shows in her body language. Not only does a handler
have to work with a dog inside the ring with dozens to
hundreds of spectators watching, she must also be able to work
with the dog outside the ring, speaking knowledgeably and
confidently to strangers many times her age on a range of
subjects. Many people go to dog shows to learn about specific
breeds and traits, and a handler’s comments or ability to handle
42
 Understanding Animals; Understanding Ourselves

555555555555555
IT HAPPENED TO ME: THE BOND IN ACTION
Teresa Hellpap remembers an experience at a 4-H event involving her
teenage daughter Richelle, who has learning disabilities (LD), a girl
named Katie, who had cerebral palsy (CP), and showing rabbits. “The
kids involved in the rabbit events do what’s called ‘Showmanship’
where they’re judged on how well they handle the rabbits and on how
much they know about them. As Youth Leader, Richelle took Katie
under her wing. Because of her CP, Katie drooled all over her rabbit, so
no one wanted to really touch it except Richelle. And even though Katie
was nonverbal, Richelle knew how to understand her and developed a
kind of informal sign language to communicate. Katie really wanted to
do the Junior Showmanship event, but couldn’t tell the judge anything
other than point to different things on the rabbit and use her ‘signals’
with Richelle’s help. But when Richelle wound up winning Grand
Champion Showmanship, which is a very big deal, she took her trophy,
walked right over to Katie and gave it to her instead because that girl
had tried so hard.”
Just like animals, it is possible Richelle understood Katie’s body
language in the same intuitive way she reads rabbit body language. “She
just has an insight into the feelings of all animals and people. Richelle’s
just not wrapped up in herself, like most teenagers. Instead, she’s
wrapped up in everyone else.” With the specific type of LD she has
(expressive language), Richelle has difficulty speaking in front of
people, but instead of letting her LD problems prevent her from pursuing
her dreams, she continually finds ways to overcome her problems
communicating. “Richelle knows tons and tons of stuff but it gets lost in
her brain, so she can’t extract and express it. So if she’s in a stressful
situation, like taking a test or during job interviews, not only does she
get confused about writing it down, because it’s locked in there, she also
has a hard time expressing herself, so people often misunderstand what
she really means.” But when Richelle tackles a subject she feels
comfortable about, she opens up. So not only has Richelle helped other
people through rabbit showing, her rabbits have also helped her
overcome some of her own problems as well. The Wisconsin high school
Richelle attends requires each student to take a speech class,
something Richelle would normally have great difficulty doing. Theresa
explains, “She got an A+ in that class because every one of the speeches
she did was about animals. She never needed note cards or anything
because it came from her heart and from herself. But if she had had to
speak about something she wasn’t familiar with, it would have been very
difficult for her. Richelle now even speaks about rabbits to other people
across the country.”8

43
Chapter 2

dogs can influence people’s impressions about a specific breed

or a breeder’s line.
Body language, however, essentially becomes the dialogue
between animal and human. And this heightened sensitivity to
recognizing and understanding body language not only enables
us to better understand the body language of our peers, it may
make us more intuitive about what other people are feeling
even if they don’t say a word. Kyle agrees, based on his own
experiences: “With animals, you definitely increase your senses
when it comes to body language because they don’t have any
other way to communicate. You can tell to a certain point from
signals, like when dogs cry or yelp, but with reptiles there is a
lot of body language and characteristics in how they might act

Richelle Hellpap and Charlie at a 4-H show. Photo used with

permission, Richelle and Teresa Hellpap.
44
 Understanding Animals; Understanding Ourselves

when you’re around as opposed to when someone else is

around. I mean, they get scared when someone new is holding
them, but it’s just like watching a new person getting
introduced to someone else who may be a little shy or
uncertain. They are always a little hesitant at first but they will
open up to certain people, while, on the other hand, there are
also some people they just don’t like. I had a snake that
specifically didn’t like one of my friends. That was the only one.
My friend didn’t do anything to cause it, but it was very
apparent in the snake’s actions that he just didn’t like him.”
While people not in tune with body language may be
comfortable communicating in situations where body language
is not visible, many of us actually rely on it so much that when
it is absent, we feel uncomfortable. Without tone of voice
and/or body language, it is easy to misinterpret soundless words
on a page, just as it is easy to misinterpret a voice when you
can’t see the body language of the person on the other end.
During her internship application process, Kelli was expected
to do a phone interview that made her extremely
uncomfortable and nervous because she wasn’t able to see the
facial expressions or other body language cues of the
interviewer. When asked if she felt her lifelong involvement
with dogs had made her more reliant on those nonverbal body
cues, she responded with a definite yes: “Not only have I had to
learn to read dogs but, as a herding trainer, you also have to
learn to read livestock sheep or cattle to know what they’re
going to do and that has taught me a lot. And, because of that,
I’m also very sensitized to the nonverbal in what people are
saying . . . or not saying.”9 Therefore, when visual body
language cues are removed from communication, people who
rely on them for communicating feel uncomfortable and
insecure in the situation, just as if they had a blindfold on in an
unfamiliar place.
Prey animals like horses and rabbits need to understand
body language in order to avoid being killed. Because of this,
horses, for example, are much more skilled at reading body
language than we are. In fact, horses are one of the most
perceptive of all domestic animals in reading body language in
45
Chapter 2

Katie Green overcomes her shyness around horses by interacting

with Midnight at Equestrian Connection. Photo by the author.

non-equine species. Most teens involved with horses would

agree that these animals usually know our moods as soon as we
step into their world. Our posture, movement, actions, and
tone of voice convey our innermost thoughts and feelings.
Horses also communicate to other horses and to us using a
combination of vocalizations and body language.

SPEAK TO ME

“When Tekila hears me cry she usually starts talking

to me . . . but when I’m sick she usually just lays on
me and licks my eyebrows.”—Faye Nuddleman, Iowa
pre-vet major10

Humans rely heavily on communicating through the meaning

found in words and the way they are arranged. We can tell
someone we love them in a sad, happy, or soft tone of voice,
which gives nuance to our feelings—but the meaning of the
46 words “I love you” remains the same. This is why “mixed
 Understanding Animals; Understanding Ourselves

signals” can be so confusing. For example, if a friend tells you

that he or she likes you, you can interpret that in different ways,
depending on the nonlanguage cues. If you hear “I like you” in
a soft, upbeat tone and see your friend smiling and engaging
you with friendly eye contact and body and arms relaxed, you
will most likely believe that sentiment. If, however, you hear “I
like you” in an angry or mocking tone of voice while your
friend exhibits no facial expression, avoids eye contact, and sits
slightly turned away from you, arms folded tightly, you would
question his or her motive.
In animal vocalizing, however, sounds relate to meaning. For
example, a broad spectrum of animals, from dogs and mice to
elephants and hawks, all have one thing in common. The
sounds they make and their meanings are based on something
other than words, and these meanings are universally
understood by species other than the one that utters the sound.
Big (scary) animals make low sounds; small (innocuous) ones
make high sounds. And almost universally, low-sounding
growls indicate aggression, while high-pitched whines
communicate fear. In some ways, humans also respond to these
same rules, at least on some subconscious level. Most people
instinctively use a low, rough tone to express anger or
displeasure, while using a soft, high-pitched tone when talking
to a baby or a loved one.

ACCEPTANCE AND SELF ESTEEM

Being needed is a basic and instinctive human desire. Whether

in a job or a relationship, humans benefit from feeling
necessary. It gives us purpose. And for many teens, that need is
fulfilled by having a companion animal. Kelli says, “With
people you’re always running the risk of being dumped on. And
that’s a tough thing to accept whenever you’ve given someone
so much and they barely notice. I mean, maybe it’s just human
nature for them to not think it’s a big deal. But when you give
something to a dog, they always give back. And they don’t ask
for much in return. I’m usually that person who gives so much
to people and no one ever remembers. But that’s what’s so great
about dogs. They always remember.”11 47
Chapter 2

Teens with LD or other difficulties often deal with self-esteem

issues along with their problems learning in school and the peer
pressure that surrounds the teen years. Richelle Hellpap says,
“People with LD just need a little push to get like comfortable
talking to people. The rabbits have really helped me with doing

5555555555555
IT HAPPENED TO ME: THE BOND IN ACTION
Art student Andy Wick is especially in tune with subtleties of
body language because of KB, a dog he rescued after a dog-
fighting sting in a Chicago neighborhood. “What’s crazy about
this guy is how I’ve trained him to communicate to me. He’ll
express what he’s thinking and feeling at that time with his
facial features. His ears will do something weird if he doesn’t
understand you. His tail says a lot, too. Even the direction he
puts his paws in will mean something different.” What Andy
realizes is that not only has he encouraged KB’s nonverbal
communication through positive reinforcement, he has actually
learned to read his dog’s body language to the point where he
can understand even the most subtle expression. And KB also
understands Andy’s body language, including the nuances and
meaning of voice tone and specific words.
Andy also feels this ability has made him better able to read
human body language. “I mean, like, you can’t really
communicate with a dog and here you’re basically trying to
teach them English but yet they can’t talk or speak it. So
you’ve got to learn what they’re saying in a different manner.
And this is the best way I’ve come up with to understand him.
Through body language.” Like Richelle, Andy has also
developed the ability and sensitivity to “read” other people, to
the point that he can understand what people are saying even if
they also cannot speak. Through body language and other
subtleties we learn from close contact with animals, is it
possible that interactions with them not only make people
more sensitive to them and them to us, but also give us a whole
level of communication that most people just don’t have? Andy
says, “It definitely did help me quite a bit to understand people
and all animals. Like all dogs I come up to just to say hi to and
pet on the street. You find out all about who they are right off
the bat. You let them smell your hand real quick and then you
know just from looking at their eyes if they accept you or not.
KB’s taught me so much about that.”12

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 Understanding Animals; Understanding Ourselves

stuff and meeting new people. They even got me able to talk in
front of a group! I am comfortable around the rabbits and
animals in general, so when I talk about them it’s like I am a
whole different person than I would be if I didn’t have the
animals. So if I didn’t have animals, I know I wouldn’t be able to
tolerate the feelings of talking in front of a group of people, or
meeting new people. But the rabbits help me to basically relax. I
don’t have to impress anybody. I can just be myself around
them.” Richelle feels that one reason teens get such positive
feelings from animals is that animals don’t judge. “A lot of the
high school ‘drama’ that goes on is because humans do judge
and they can do it in a cruel and unfair way. I think animals feel
who you really are, while your friends think you are so much
like them. So if I am with a whole bunch of friends, or even
when I am with a few of my friends, I am kind of different. I am
not myself. They all think I am this one person and I have to live
up to these expectations. But with the rabbits, I am me.”13

HOW ANIMALS AND HUMANS LEARN

“Whenever I do homework, [my cat, Cosmo] always

comes onto my desk and sits on my work or behind
my computer. He loves the company and probably
also the heat of the computer. He’s my companion
when I work. Sometimes, when I need to study for a
test, I’ll pretend I’m teaching him because it helps me
learn.”—Rachel G., New York high school student14

One of the most universally recognized tools for imparting

knowledge is learning by example. Since humans are such
social and visual animals, we have always had the advantage of
taking in surprisingly great amounts of knowledge just by
watching and imitating others. This is referred to as “learning
through observation.” For example, we are able to learn the
specific movements to a new dance just by watching our friends
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Chapter 2

perform the different steps. This is how many teens learn skills
such as fixing cars, playing sports, or keeping up with the latest
fashions or hair and makeup. And it is also how children
growing up in environments that include gangs, drug users, or
criminal activity learn to mimic those types of behavior.
But humans aren’t the only ones who learn this way.
Learning through observation also helps baby animals learn
important life skills such as how to catch food, what dangers
to avoid, and how to communicate within packs, herds, flocks,
and other groups. And it is one of the ways companion
animals, such as dogs and cats, learn about us. When we touch
a kitten or puppy very gently, we teach it that humans can be
gentle and trusted not to hurt it. Conversely, when an animal is
treated roughly or even abusively, it learns not to trust our
species.
There are also more abstract forms of learning through
observation. While the expression “Imitation is the best form
of flattery” doesn’t condone copying someone else’s poem
and passing it off as our own, it does reinforce our awareness
of the benefits of learning through observation. This is partly
because as humans, we all have the ability to shape what we
learn by a process called modeling. This occurs when one
person imparts knowledge to another through examples of
behavior. We say we are “modeling a behavior” when we do
something in a certain way and whoever observes then
imitates or adapts that behavior to what he or she has
already learned. The familiar term “role modeling” means
exactly that: We are modeling something specific and
assuming the role of example behavior. Through modeling,
parents teach their children, teachers teach students, and
friends and peers teach and learn from each other. And like
human children, a puppy raised with other dogs that act
aggressive or are fearful of other people, animals, or physical
characteristics (such as people wearing hats) will often learn
these same aggressive or fearful responses, since that is the
only behavior being modeled and taught by the other canines
in the pack. Animals may also become role models for
humans. For example, teens who have never experienced
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 Understanding Animals; Understanding Ourselves

TEENS AND GRADES:

HOW PETS CAN IMPROVE LEARNING
A survey mentioned in an issue of the trade
magazine Pet Products News and discussed in
Deborah Straw’s book Why Is Cancer Killing Our
Pets? seems to suggest that animal companions
can also help students achieve higher test scores
and grades. The study included two hundred people
between the ages of seventeen and twenty-five, and
found a remarkable correlation between owning a
pet and achieving high SAT scores and grade point
averages. On average, pet owners achieved scores
that were higher than those of non–pet owners. And
it seems that the more time the student spent with
the animal, the higher the scores or grades.15

positive physical interaction and do not know how to touch

others in a nonaggressive manner may learn to be gentle
through therapeutic interaction with animals that interact in
a nonthreatening, gentle manner.
Humans also have the capacity to deceive or offer
contradictory visual signals that can be inconsistent or
confusing when coupled with verbal or other sensory signals.
As an example, a “poker face” hides all thoughts and emotions
to prevent someone from “reading” you. But the subtleties of
our body language, chemical scents, and nuances of our posture
or voice tone are readily observed, learned, and understood by
our companion animals. And repetitive behavior modeling can
reinforce their knowledge. Of course, not all repetitive behavior
modeling results in positive behavior. Dogs placed in
environments that encourage gentle play will learn to interact
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5555555555555
A PERSONAL GLIMPSE FROM THE AUTHOR
“I never had a dog growing up because my mother was afraid of
dogs and didn’t want the responsibility that accompanied
owning one. Her reaction to approaching dogs was that of
apprehension and avoidance, which I also modeled when I was
young. Each time a neighbor’s dog got loose and started racing
around, I would run into the house, modeling the fear behavior
my mother had taught me.
However, my girlfriend Andrea, who lived a few houses
away, had a dog: a well-mannered, gentle collie named Toy.
Although we didn’t realize it at the time, through years of
observation and role modeling Andrea, I not only learned I
didn’t have to be afraid of dogs, I also learned, by observation,
how to interact properly with a dog by the time I was a teen. It
was not only Andrea but also Toy who taught me. Observing the
dog’s responses and actions, I learned about dogs and their
behavior. And as I became more comfortable and confident
around the collie, I subsequently took that knowledge and
adapted it, molding it into my own personality and using it with
other friends’ dogs that were not always as gentle and well-
behaved. Those wilder, often untrained dogs also taught me, as
well, as I observed their behaviors and discovered how to get
them to respond. Eventually, I stopped running into our house
when a neighbor’s dog got loose and instead learned how to get
the dog to come to me and settle down so I could simply clip on
a leash and bring it back to its home.
Had I continued to model my mother’s fear, however, and
never had the opportunity for the positive interaction and role
modeling from Andrea and her collie, I might have remained
unsure around dogs and, as a parent, would have modeled the
same behavior to my children as my mother had modeled to me.”

without harming another. Dogs placed in environments that

encourage fighting, however, learn to fight. And because of its
fear, an animal that is afraid will not necessarily learn what a
human is trying to model, and may learn to associate human
actions as something fearful instead.

THE REAL “BITE” ON BITING

52
All of us have bad days. We miss the school bus or our car
won’t start. Then we get a bad grade on a paper, flunk a test, or
 Understanding Animals; Understanding Ourselves

5555555555555
SCIENTIFIC TIDBITS: WHO’S LAUGHING NOW?
Animal behaviorist Patricia Simonet’s discovery of a panting
sound with a louder and higher frequency than a dog’s regular
panting suggests dogs may actually express a form of laughter.
Caught on tape, this discovery may possibly help dogs cope in
stressful situations. According to the research paper “Dog
Laughter: Recorded Playback Reduces Stress Related Behavior
of Shelter Dogs,” published in the proceedings of the 2005
International Conference on Environmental Enrichment, dogs
vocalize during play encounters using barks, growls, whines,
and a “breathy, pronounced forced exhalation” often referred
to as a play pant. Canines typically exhibit a play face (mouth
open, lips pulled back, similar to a human smile), play bow
(front down, rear up), and/or chase movement to initiate play
when they hear the play pant sound.
The Spokane County Regional Animal Protection Service
(SCRAPS) in Washington State operates a shelter where a tape of
this sound is being used to study the effects on stress-related
behavior in shelter dogs. When the canine laughter recording was
played in half of the kennel but not in the other half, the
therapeutic results were astounding. According to the research
paper, typical stress-related behaviors such as lunging, cowering,
pacing, and cage biting greatly decreased in the dogs who heard
the tape. These same dogs also exhibited improvement in social
behavior, while the animals not hearing the recording exhibited no
behavioral changes at all. The long-term effects could potentially
help make shelter dogs more adoptable by reducing stress-
related behaviors. Playing the tape in other stress-inducing
environments such as boarding kennels, grooming salons, and
veterinary offices could also help reduce dogs’ stress and change
their association to anticipated pleasure instead of fear.16

have a fight with our best friend. We’ve all been there. The
instinctive “fight or flight” response, coupled with the hormone
swings of adolescence, can sometimes swing us out of control
and evoke anger, rage, or other emotional extremes. But those
feelings can get us into trouble if we decide to take on the
school system, other drivers on the road, or our girlfriend
instead of the saber-toothed tiger we were meant to fight when
we were hard-wired with that instinct. There is a difference
between having a bad day and having a bad day where we also
53
express or act out our feelings inappropriately through
Chapter 2

aggressive acts that hurt ourselves or others, or damage

property. Prisons and juvenile detention facilities are filled with
teens and young adults who didn’t quite understand that
difference.
Animals in the wild can also act in ways viewed as dangerous
and unacceptable in human society—especially when they feel
threatened or unsafe. It is part of nature and survival. Sadly,
many pets wind up in animal shelters for displaying “aggressive
behavior,” which usually means an animal has bitten a person or
another animal. While there are many domestic animals and
pets that have learned inappropriate behavior responses—as
well as animals that are truly aggressive—many of these biting
incidents may be caused by approaching and handling an animal
incorrectly: It was simply the animal’s instinctive reaction to that
unintentional threat.
The good news is that much of what makes a pet feel
threatened and respond aggressively can be reduced by simply
learning how to think like that animal. For example, staring
into a dog’s eyes, especially when approaching from the front,
would be interpreted by many dogs as a threatening, aggressive
act. In the wild, frontal approach and staring is equivalent to
saying “Oh yeah? Just try me! I’m in charge here, not you!”
Staring is used similarly by humans with other humans as a
means to intimidate. Watch any sports event to see the referee
or the umpire getting right into someone’s face, eyes wide and
staring in an angry expression, and yelling as loudly as possible
to get his or her point across. Like animals that fluff up feathers
or raise hackles so their fur stands up, we also try to make
ourselves appear larger so we can dominate the other person in
a confrontation. When animals displaying all these signs begin
to close the space between themselves and the creature they are
trying to impress, a fight is imminent.
When done properly, however, humans also indicate interest
by staring, such as staring at performers on a stage or into the
eyes of someone we love. These complex combinations of body
language illustrate how easy it can be to misunderstand cross-
species behavior and why animals can easily misinterpret our
body language and respond inappropriately to other signals.
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 Understanding Animals; Understanding Ourselves

In obedience training and competition, a dog needs to pay

strict attention to its human handler and not be distracted by
other dogs and people nearby. The dog must also perceive its
own status beneath that of the handler to perform the exercises
required and not challenge the handler’s authority. When
coupled with positive reinforcement such as a treat, a clicker
sound, or verbal praise, most dogs can be taught the “obedience
watch,” which basically enables the dog to maintain eye
contact for extended periods of time with its human handler. In
this activity, dog and human are positioned side by side (a
nonthreatening position) and the dog stares right into the
handler’s eyes, performing various obedience exercises, while
the handler returns the dog’s gaze. The positioning difference is
subtle but important, and any threat is removed by
conditioning the dog to receive something pleasant while the
staring occurs.

With ears alert, mouth open, and lips pulled back in

a smile, this dog’s body language signals intent,
nonaggressive interest in his handler. Illustration by
the author.
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Animals can also misread humans because of specific

instincts. Herding instinct in dogs, for example, is actually a
redirected prey drive, shaped and molded by centuries of careful
breeding. Instead of finding prey and killing it, these dogs have
been bred to control the animal’s movement without harming it.
While some herding dogs use their herding instinct to
independently protect the flock and others wait for their human
owner to give them commands to move stock, they all have the
one thing in common: a strong redirected prey drive that can be
aroused in a totally human environment where small children
are running around, waving their arms, riding bicycles,
laughing, and doing all the normal things human children do.
Dogs like shelties or corgis that herd by nipping at the heels of
livestock will instinctively nip children if not taught otherwise,
while dogs like the German shepherd dog may also perceive
children or others who approach their children as intruders and
respond with protective aggression. Children wearing shorts and
sandals can easily wind up with bite wounds from a single nip.
These dogs are then sent to shelters and labeled as aggressive.
Kyle Fetters feels this can also happen with any dog from
any breed that isn’t familiar with or comfortable around
children. “My neighbor had a purebred golden retriever that
attacked kids. It even wound up biting me when I was younger!
The owners were teens when they got him and maybe because
of my size the dog didn’t view me in a positive way. We have a
golden ourselves, which is probably the gentlest dog I’ve ever
met. Our little min pin [miniature pinscher] will bite onto [our
golden’s] leg and the golden will just walk around with him
hanging from him. He’s just very understanding and tolerant.
But that’s his individual personality.”17
Cats may also display territorial aggression toward non-
family-member animals. Not usually territorial toward people,
cats tend to bite humans for different reasons than dogs might,
often responding aggressively with what appears to us to be little
or no provocation. Many cats have a threshold for being
touched or petted. For some cats, it can take longer than most
people engage in touching them to reach their threshold, but for
others, the threshold is met within minutes. When that happens,
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 Understanding Animals; Understanding Ourselves

the cat’s body will change from relaxed and loose to tense; its tail
will begin switching, its ears may flick, its head may quickly turn
to look at the hand that is petting it, and its pupil size may
become reduced. The moment any of these body signals begins,
it is time to stop touching the cat. If these nonverbal body cues
are ignored, that person is likely to get bitten or clawed.
Birds, horses, hamsters, and other prey animals will also bite
if provoked and warning signs are not recognized. For example,
birds use their beaks as protection in the wild against predators
such as snakes and birds of prey, but rarely against members of
their own flock. Instead, they vocalize (scream) or use body
language that includes posturing or fluffing their feathers to
make them appear larger to resolve conflict. Large-billed birds
in captivity, however, will bite human members of their “flock”
when they feel threatened, fearful, or injured—or just for
control. Learning to read a bird’s body language is essential to
prevent getting bitten and to learn not to “reward”
inappropriate behavior.

COMPETITION AND CONFIDENCE

In the movie Babe, a little pig learns to herd sheep as successfully

as a dog with generations of genetic sheep herding programmed
into it. The basic lesson of the movie is that success isn’t about
what you’re born with or what others think of you; it’s about
perseverance and having confidence that you can accomplish
your goal. Sometimes that goal may be one that involves
animals. Teens can participate in a variety of competitive sports
and activities that concentrate on how their animal looks or
sports that involve intense training and physical activity.
Involvement in sports such as the various animal breed shows;
dog agility, obedience, freestyle, or flyball; or in equestrian
barrel racing, jumping, or dressage is not only fun, these
activities can definitely increase the bond between a teen and
their animals through spending time together and intensifying
communication. They can also help teens gain confidence, poise,
and the willingness to not give up—traits that will later benefit
them in interpersonal relationships, schooling, and careers.
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Chapter 2

Smooth-coated collie racing through an agility competition course.

Photo used with permission, Jeffrey Green, Total Recall Dog Training.

It may seem like a lot of work to train an animal to the level

needed for competition or performance, but what really
happens during the hours spent is that the teen and the animal
are spending quality time together doing something positive
and creating a strong bond. Initially, handler and animal build
confidence and trust by learning the skills needed for
competition as well as learning about each other as individual
creatures. For the animal, the time spent positively reinforcing
behavior also reinforces the idea in the animal’s mind that these
activities are pleasurable and that this person can be trusted
completely. Training also provides an opportunity for the
animal to learn how to better interpret human body language
and vocalization. And young people who learn and understand
how to communicate with another species also learn to respect
other living creatures. Working and accepting an animal as an
equal member of a team changes the playing field of “man and
beast” into a human-animal bond.
A beautiful example of that human animal bond is visible
between canine obedience handler and dog or between
equestrian and horse. Watching a deeply bonded obedience or
riding team in action is like watching a carefully choreographed
pas de deux in which each movement is skillfully matched, step
by step, with both members of the team perfectly in tune with
each other. Additional examples of this poetry-in-motion bond
are the dog-handler agility, flyball, and freestyle dance teams or
the various horse-handler jumping, harness, or barrel-racing
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 Understanding Animals; Understanding Ourselves

teams. Training a dog or horse for these activities takes many

hours of work, beginning with basic obedience and simple skills
and gradually working into more precise and complex
movements until the animal and handler are working in
complete unity, focused only on each other and not on the
distractions around them. And, in addition to the trust and the
bond they develop, the main reason they can work in unity is
that both the animal and the human handler have learned how
to clearly communicate with each other.
Animals can also teach a deeper discernment to teens
involved with them. Because animals do not communicate with
language as we do, we must learn to read their body language
and vocalizations. Two of Brigitte Mason’s horses exhibit
totally different responses to being called to come. “We think
my Arab mare was abused before we got her. If she’s in the
pasture and she doesn’t have her halter on, she won’t go
anywhere near a man if they try to get her. Of course, I just go,
‘Cookie, come,’ and she comes right over, but my dad has to
stand there for ten minutes trying to coax her to let him put a
halter on her. She’s just not trusting. The quarter horse,
however, is completely trusting and will come to anyone. If you
ask him to come, he’ll go, ‘Sure, I’m coming!’ whereas you have
to really earn the mare’s trust.”18

BONDING THROUGH COMMUNICATION

The bond between our pets and us can be so intense it

sometimes rivals the closest of human friendships and adds to
or even takes the place of other types of social expression.
Animals study us and even adapt to our often strange human
expectations in ways that totally contradict their own instincts.
Those of us who are closely bonded with a companion animal
often feel our pets are so incredibly intuitive to our moods and
needs, they seem to read us better than we can even know
ourselves. Kyle has had some friends who don’t understand his
connection with animals or share his empathy with them.
“Certain guys tend to think of animals as nothing more than
‘just an animal.’ They don’t see things the same way as I do. But
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Chapter 2

the innocence that animals portray is why I’m so attached to

animals and why I will empathize with them, even sometimes
over a human.” This sentiment also relates to movies where
animals appear to get hurt. While Kyle knows the animals
aren’t really being hurt, it just looks too real! “The animals
being portrayed didn’t want to get hurt or be there in a
battlefield, but they are so loyal to their humans that they wind
up in the middle of a battle. It’s like the loyalty between a police
dog and a police officer or just a dog and his owner, where
they’ll defend you with their lives without any question. I think
that shows true character in a way that few humans can match.
And you can’t beat that, having someone who’s going to be
there for you no matter what.”19
Many young people feel their human friends, peers, or
family members do not always understand them nearly as well
as their companion animals do. Is that because we also struggle
with our own emotions and social situations? Or perhaps,
because of our own unique complexities, it is much more
difficult for us to fully understand ourselves, much less other
humans who are equally unique and complexly different. On
the other hand, in addition to their own complex behaviors,
animals have the built-in ability to observe and understand.
These may be instinctive survival skills for hunting, mating, and
safety, but that ability to learn, understand, and adapt is also
how they survive in our world of complex human behavior.

NOTES
1. Richelle Hellpap, interview with the author, October 2006.
2. Jessica Katz, interview with the author, December 2006.
3. Kaylah Dodd, interview with the author, September 2006.
4. Kyle Fetters, interview with the author, September 2006.
5. Kristy Kosinski, interview with the author, January 2007.
6. Katz, interview with the author, December 2006.
7. Kelli Herbel, e-mail to the author, September 2006.
8. Teresa Hellpap, interview with the author, September 2006.
9. Herbel, e-mail to the author, September 2006.
10. Faye Nuddleman, interview with the author, April 2007.
11. Herbel, e-mail to the author, September 2006.
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 Understanding Animals; Understanding Ourselves

12. Andy Wick, interview with the author, September 16, 2006.
13. Richelle Hellpap, interview with the author, October 2006.
14. Rachel G., interview with the author, January 2007.
15. Deborah Straw, Why Is Cancer Killing Our Pets? (Rochester,
VT: Healing Arts Press, 2000), 5.
16. Kirsten Vance, “Is Rover Rolling Over with Laughter?”
Modern Dog (Spring 2006): 12; plus information from articles found
at www.petalk.org/research.html (accessed April 14, 2007).
17. Fetters, interview with the author, September 2006.
18. Brigitte Mason, interview with the author, August 23, 2006.
19. Fetters, interview with the author, September 2006.

61
 Friendship
3

Human association with other living creatures is an essential “Animals

part of who and what we are. This need, in fact, is a basic always tell the
biological imperative similar to that of hunger. We function truth; they never
better when we have regular and satisfying social contacts, lie. I mean,
both physically and emotionally. Studies show that people it s not like
connected to other people live longer—not because social your cat will
interaction makes problems go away, but because friendship rub up against
helps us cope better with adversity.2
you, settle into
your lap, start
But what exactly is a “friend”? According to Merriam-
purring and all
Webster’s Online Dictionary, a friend is “one attached to another
the while be
by affection or esteem,” as well as “a favored companion.” trying to figure
That’s the meaning most of us would recognize. However, out a way of
another definition of friendship also includes “one that is of the escaping and
same nation, party, or group.”3 Most teens and young adults finding a
would consider that definition to be as important as the first! different
Friendship is very important for humans; without friends we family to live
become isolated and feel lonely. Developing and maintaining with! You can
active, healthy relationships gives more meaning to our lives. always depend
Whether friendships are made through attending church youth on your pet.”
programs, being part of neighborhood organizations and clubs, —Christina Aviza,
former Kentucky State
or hanging in the mall with a couple friends, belonging to a
University student1
group can afford teens a sense of security and belonging to
something larger than one’s self.

FRIENDSHIP AND BELONGING

Once humans and dogs became allies, we were no longer alone

in the world. We not only had a friend to stand by us for 63
Chapter 3

hunting and farming, we also had a companion to cheer us on!

Instead of treating animals as merely a commodity for food,
clothing, or other resources, we learned to trust them and
taught them to trust us. By taming animals, we became a little
tamer ourselves, because in order to maintain trust with our
new friends, we also had to become gentler and less savage.
One fundamental reason we need positive interaction with
animals is simply that they are different from us. By being in
touch with creatures outside our own species, we are reminded
that humans occupy only a small place in the grand scheme of
existence. It helps us see the human race in perspective—that
we are part of the natural order, not the dictators of it. In
allowing us a glimpse into peaceful coexistence between
humans and animals, companion animals remind us that we
and the material things we surround ourselves with are not as
important as how we treat others, that we show compassion
and accept others because of who they are instead of how they
look or what their financial or social status might be. A dog will
treat both a wealthy celebrity and a physically disabled veteran
equally. Cats do not distinguish between designer clothing and
clothes off the discount sale rack, nor do horses, ferrets, rabbits,
and other kinds of companion animals. In fact, celebrities and
other people with wealth and power, as well as those with
physical disabilities or disfigurement often bond closely with
pets simply because animals love them for themselves and not
for their social, financial, or physical positions or limitations.

HUMAN-ANIMAL INTERACTION:
THE MUTUAL BOND

“I don’t think a dog or cat could actually ever really

lie to you, but lots of people are quite willing to lie to
you to just benefit themselves. You can’t beat the
trueness that an animal gives.”—Kyle Fetters,
suburban Illinois teen4

64
 Friendship

How, then, does the human-animal interaction help in mutually

satisfying ways? While we all need some sort of social contact,
in animals (such as birds that hang in flocks or horses that live
in herds) this need seems to parallel that of young people
seeking peer group membership. Chase Herndon, a college
student at Indiana University, believes humans and animals
have mutual needs. “All animals—including human—require
some kind of sociality, whether it is with their own species or
another. Interaction is an important part of life. By working
with animals, I am able to provide that interaction to both the
animals and myself. With animals, socializing is required in
order to survive at all. This is especially true with prey animals
that need a group for safety. Humans can easily survive on their
own. Henry David Thoreau did fine, as an example, but people
may be less happy being alone than if they were part of some
tangible community.” Chase feels that being part of a
community also gives animals and humans greater opportunity
to learn skills they would not have been able to learn alone.
“For example, there’s no way birds could migrate as far as they
do without drafting behind their group nor could wolves hunt
as successfully without their packs. I mean, emulation is crucial
to survival as instincts can only take animals so far.”5
It is possible humans could survive alone, but humans would
not thrive alone. Because healthy touch is crucial to humans,
depriving a baby of love and touch, for example, can have
devastating results. Young people in conflict with their families
or who are not in social peer relationships might find stroking a
cat’s fur or holding a snuggling guinea pig in their arms to be
very pleasurable. Additionally, the technical age in which we
live is often devoid of sensory experiences. We spend most of
our time touching plastic or other nonliving surfaces when we
hold cell phones and iPods, load MP3 players, or IM our
friends. Touching and being touched by an animal connects us
emotionally and physically with another living creature.
High school junior Dana Bouchard agrees: “I definitely
think owning and caring for an animal can help teens from
feeling lonely or unloved, especially having a pet you love and
that loves you back. They are always there for you. I have one
65
Chapter 3

KITTY, BY CHRISTINA AVIZA

Since 8 yrs old,
lucky number birthday,
my baby
named kitty
sleeps with me,
comes when I call her,
greets me at the door.6

cat Angel, who we adopted a couple years ago. I’m the only
person in the house he trusts; he only goes in my room if he’s
not hiding away in the basement. It’s like he’s guarding me. All
he wants to do is lay next to me. Whenever he does, he’s the
happiest cat in the world.”7

Cuddling with a puppy can be very soothing as

well as initiating the bonding process. Photo
used with permission, Jeffrey Green, Total
Recall Dog Training.
66
 Friendship

BRINGING THE FAMILY TOGETHER

“My mom has been an animal lover since she was a

little girl and she has had a huge influence on me.
That’s why we have three dogs, two cats, and a
horse!”—Dana Bouchard, suburban high school
student8

Mutual love for animals can also build bridges between teens
and their parents during rough years when conflicts test even the
best of relationships. When parents and teens are involved in a
mutually pleasurable activity that allows them to spend time
together, such as training and showing animals in competition
sports, they can develop more respect for and trust in each other
in addition to achieving their goals and developing close bonds
with their companion animals. Brigitte Mason has lived with
animals as long as she can remember. It was Brigitte’s mom,
however, who influenced her respect for animals and brought
her into this circle of animal involvement. “My mom wanted me
to have horses and be able to have the kind of experiences she
had had when she was younger. And because she had really,
really loved her horses, she wanted me to experience the same
thing. And my dad was okay with that.”9
Christina Aviza’s grandmother was quite influential in her
appreciation for animals. “My grandmother and I have always
been close. She’s only owned a dog as a pet herself, but even as
a kid, she said I had a lot of patience. My grandmother always
thought I should go into teaching or vet services.”10

MEETING OTHER PEOPLE

Having a pet can open new doors to making friends. It’s hard to
say why people seem more comfortable speaking with a
67
Chapter 3

“If I am walking alone, no one talks to me. But, having

my dog’s a real conversation opener. People have
something to start talking about.”—Kelli Herbel,
college student from rural Oklahoma11

stranger who has a dog than they do with one who is walking
alone; perhaps a person with a dog appears more nurturing or
caring, or more trustworthy because the dog trusts that person.
Kelli Herbel feels that people with dogs just tend to interact
more. “For guys, it’s easy to approach and talk to me when I’m
by myself, but it will either be about me or about him. But if I
have a dog with me, he can approach me and make it about the
dog. And I think that eases things up for some people. Maybe it
eases tension cause then it’s not a boy-girl thing. It kind of
neutralizes everything.”12
Kyle Fetters agrees. “I think that has a lot to do with it. I
think that, for a girl, if I was walking down the street with a
dog, she’d probably feel a lot more comfortable saying, ‘Oh
hey, I really like your dog, dude,’ or whatever. I think animals
have a lot to do with a comfort level of like, Hey, he’s got that
animal so he must be a good guy or vice versa—like if he had a
scary looking animal to be wary of him. However, I think
people read into that a lot without even knowing it. I mean,
walking a dog you are always bumping into people. It’s a topic
of conversation if nothing else and it always seems to be on the
lighter side as opposed to walking up to someone with a sad or
unfortunate situation or story. It seems to be that people always
associate better things with animals than with anything else.”13
Art student Andy Wick lived in an apartment in Chicago with
his dog, KB. When asked if KB ever helped him make friends or
meet girls, he responded, “Definitely! The dude’s gorgeous. Every
time I take him walking, without a doubt I get at least ten to
fifteen girls stop to pet him and say, like, ‘Hey, what’s going on?’
or ‘He’s so beautiful,’ or something like that! Definite socializer;
helped me out in those terms. And he just loves meeting other
68 people as well. It’s actually been a beautiful thing.”14
 Friendship

Tracy Glickauf is a college grad who grew up in the suburbs

and attended a small college in Wisconsin but now lives in an
upscale trendy area in a large midwestern city. She jokes about
a friend’s response to her dog, Risky: “I had a friend who hated
animals. However, when she saw how many people talked to
me simply because I had Risky, she wanted me to rent Risky to
her to pick up men.”15
Because animals pick up on nonverbal cues humans often
miss, they can be good judges of character. Veterinary X-ray
technician Karen McCoy rescued a dog that came from a real
abusive situation and was afraid of men. “She was terrified of or
would hide from every guy I dated. Then one night, Brian came
over. I went into the basement to get him a can of soda and told
him my dog was afraid so she’d just leave him alone. But by the
time I came back upstairs with the drink, she was sitting in his
lap. So much for my dog who was afraid of men! She picked ‘the
one’! We’ve been together now for eleven years.”16
Jessica Katz says, “I think my dog is a really good judge of
character. When it comes to some of my friends, my dog has
been a better judge of character then I was. I dated someone in
high school for a month but Hobbs didn’t like him at all! And
after a month he just dumped me. Hobbs was happy and so was
I.”17 Christina also feels her cat is a good judge of character.
“She doesn’t like a few of my friends. The one friend she
dislikes the most smokes. Every time he comes into the house
she gets angry and the hair on her back stands up. But with my
current boyfriend, she liked him instantly. I’m not sure if it’s
because every time I’d come home I’d smell like him or if she
just really liked him. Sometimes she even trades my lap for his
but will keep her eyes on me, unless she’s sleeping.”18
Bonding with an animal that understands them and doesn’t
expect them to talk helps teens who are shy, and having that
animal at their side during social situations deflects attention
away from them and onto the animal. And when the other
person’s attention is focused on the animals, shy teens don’t
have to talk about things that might be bothering them or
things they don’t want to reveal about themselves. Andy says,
“I am a little shy; it’s just my style. I can definitely talk
someone’s ear off but I’ve got to be comfortable around them 69
Chapter 3

first.”19 Kelli agrees strongly that her dogs have helped her meet
people and feels her involvement with animals has made her
more approachable—especially to her peers—since it gives
them something else to focus on. “I walk my dogs all around
town and it seems like if I see someone, they are much more
willing to talk to me when I’m with my dogs. It’s really a[n] . . .
ice breaker, if you have a dog!”20

PEER ACCEPTANCE AND UNDERSTANDING

Teens who are closely bonded with pets or involved in activities

involving animals may discover that other people don’t always
understand. It may even be difficult to find friends through the
“mainstream” outlets of school. Kelli’s family has been
involved in showing dogs for many years. She states, “Growing
up in a household with so many dogs, you’re always watching
and observing different interactions, different relationships
between the dogs. That’s something that’s made me more
sensitive to how people react to one another. When I went to
dog shows I made a lot of friends, but that was mostly because
they understood me. People in my high school did not
understand why I spent so much time with my dogs. Instead of
partying or going to the mall when my friends wanted to, I’d be
like, ‘Guys, I have dogs!’ They just didn’t understand that.
They’d say, ‘Well, I have a dog, too, and it’s out in the
backyard.’ I’d be like, ‘No, there’s a difference.’”21
Other teens are fortunate enough to have friends who do
understand. Jessica says, “My friends are all really wonderful
about things like that. Whenever I am home over breaks Hobbs
goes everywhere I can take her. My friends completely
understand. They don’t mind going for a walk around the block
with her because they all adore her.”22
Our love for animals can also create a bond between
ourselves and other people with similar interests. Activities and
organizations with animal interaction often become catalysts in
developing friendships with others who share the same passion
for animals or a specific animal or related activity or sport.
These are often people a teen would not have met any other way,
70
 Friendship

since they may come from a different area or

go to another school. And the bond that can
develop between people with a passion for
animals transcends age, race, or background.
For example, Janet Carhuayano visits several
urban dog parks during her dog-walking
client runs in Manhattan and has met many
other dog walkers that way. Although most
are much older than she is, Janet knows she
could completely rely on any one of them if
Dana Bouchard relaxing with her dog,
she ever needed help. Richelle Hellpap also Chase. Photo used with permission, Jane
has made an entirely separate group of and Dana Bouchard.
friends of various ages and backgrounds
through her involvement with rabbit shows and 4-H. And
because Richelle is involved with educating the general public
about rabbits, she also meets hundreds of people at the various
county and state fair competitions.

5555555555555
IT HAPPENED TO ME: THE BOND IN ACTION
High school student and rabbit expert Richelle Hellpap lives in
a small town in rural Wisconsin and has been actively involved
in 4-H programs since she was a child. When one of her
hamsters died, she decided to change to rabbits for practical
reasons. Richelle explains: “Hamsters don’t live as long as
rabbits; they only live about two years whereas rabbits live
seven to eleven years. I wanted to have something that would
live longer, be more social than a cat but not as big as a dog.”
After reading and researching about rabbits, Richelle and her
mom obtained a mini lop-eared rabbit, a breed that is very
gentle and laid back. Then a friend invited Richelle to come to a
rabbit show with her and show her bunny. He was actually the
worst bunny at the show according to the judge. Even though
her rabbit didn’t win, Richelle soon got another bunny because
she liked the competition. She also started meeting people at
the shows, and, according to her mom, even though Richelle
was always the kind of kid who’d speak to anyone, she just
bloomed throughout the years of showing her rabbits.23

71
Chapter 3

A teen can accomplish amazing things when the motivation comes

from within. Richelle Hellpap wanted a portrait of herself with her
favorite rabbit. She decided to teach herself to paint and signed up
for an evening adult open painting class. Although a self-portrait can
be difficult for even an accomplished artist, she saw it through with
lots of encouragement from the teacher and her adult classmates,
who all enjoyed her enthusiasm and determination. Photo used with
permission, Richelle and Teresa Hellpap.

WORKING ANIMALS

While most of us think of teens as having a bond with the

family dog or cat, some teens can develop friendships with
72
animals that would be not be considered household “pets” and
do not live in their homes. They may have parents who are
 Friendship

reluctant to take on the responsibilities involved in caring for a

dog or cat, so they have no family pets. There are many
different avenues young people can explore with both domestic
and nondomestic animals that do not actually live with them or
live outside a human household. Entertainment venues such as
SeaWorld’s marine mammal shows or Renaissance Faire

5555555555555
IT HAPPENED TO ME: THE BOND IN ACTION
Brigitte Mason is an Illinois high school student who loves
horses, competes in horse shows, and is planning to pursue a
career in equine genetics. Like many teens involved with
animals from a young age, Brigitte started riding lessons when
she was young. “We always had pets at home. Once we got our
barn completely built and we got Cookie (my horse), my dad
said we could have animals as long as there was a place to
have them live. We’ve had horses since I was eight and have
since added four goats, a dog, and two cats. So animals have
just always been here.”
Because of the variety of animals Brigitte lives with, she has
developed different relationships with the different species.
“The goats are just kind of there; those are my mom’s. I’m quite
attached to the two cats just because I like their personalities. I
wouldn’t consider them as companions, but more like a pet.
They come up to me when they want to be petted and then they
leave when they want to be left alone. And that’s how I like it.
So I pet them when they want it and when they don’t, I don’t. But
it’s different with the horses, especially now with my quarter
horse, because he’s a companion. He’s someone I like to go and
spend time with and talk to. I’m usually out there doing
something with him every chance I get. The first mare I got, my
Arab, she’s also a companion. Just because she was my first
horse, there’s that special bond of ‘first horse’ and being an
animal that’s all yours.”
Like people, animals have different personalities. And
sometimes their personalities do not mesh with ours. While
Brigitte feels close to her two horses, she does not feel that
way about all horses, even with other horses her family owns.
For example, she doesn’t consider her mom’s horse to be a
companion to her. “It’s because she doesn’t get along with me.
So we have, like, some personality issues there. And then we
have the older horse. He’s really just more of a pet. He’s just
someone who’s there, someone who is fun to do stuff with
sometimes because he’s safe and easygoing.”24 73
Chapter 3

jousting and hawk demonstrations also offer chances to

become part of the entertainment as well as participation as a
spectator. Teens interested in nondomesticated animals or who
want to pursue careers in related fields can also find internships
and employment opportunities in places such as zoos,
aquariums, amusements, and wildlife parks or refuges. Here
they not only develop bonds with the animals, they also can
develop friendships with other people involved in these places.
4-H is a huge nationwide organization with clubs and
chapters in nearly every state. Originally developed at the
beginning of the twentieth century to introduce new
agricultural technology into farming communities, it gradually
expanded to focus on teaching “leadership, citizenship and life
skills” to young people living in both urban and nonurban
areas. Its membership currently consists of youth from all types
of backgrounds and walks of life. This national community has
been instrumental for decades in encouraging youth and teens
in positive involvement with animals.25 Through local 4-H
clubs, teens can raise animals classified as “livestock” and
become involved in various county and state fair exhibitions
and competitions. Many of these teens then go on to study for

Brigitte Mason offers a salt lick to her horse Cookie, after a horse
show. Photo used with permission, Brigitte and Robert Mason.
74
 Friendship

agricultural or other animal-related careers. Teens involved in

4-H activities often come from farming communities or families
where raising livestock means that the animals are primarily
being raised not as pets or companions, but for food and an
income for the family. Kelli was involved in 4-H in high school,
but she did not show livestock. “I think the mentality for that
type of involvement with animals is that if you do well showing
your animal, then they’re gone; they’re auctioned off if you win.
I think some of that mentality does come from the area because
you really couldn’t be bonded with an animal knowing the end
result. I could never do something like that. I’ve always thought
of all my animals as friends.”26
When animals are raised with lots of contact with humans
and in human environments, they become used to things we
take for granted. For example, a working dog kept in an
outdoor kennel in the country, with no contact with people
outside the owner’s own family, is unlikely to be interested in
meeting and greeting people it doesn’t know, whereas a dog
that is raised and kept inside a busy suburban family house
where doorbells ring, people (including strangers) come and go,
and the high-pitched shrieks of children are a daily occurrence
will be more outgoing. While some working dogs can adjust if
brought into a new environment with people who understood
how to properly help the animal make the transition, much of
the dog’s personality will still be shaped by that initial imprint
as a working dog. Brigitte’s dad, Bob Mason, explains: “How a
horse acts has something to do with how the horses were raised.
Were they raised like horses or were they raised like dogs? If
you have a horse that’s a working animal and is raised like that,
then that’s how it will behave. They may become pets, but they
start off as a working animal and, as such, you expect certain
things of them. All our horses are working animals. Some
people think they can change the animal into something else if
they’ve been raised as working animals but they can’t. But if
you raise horses as pets, you get a different personality out of
them.”27 Brigitte adds, “And we treat them in different ways.
Like, my horse is more my performance companion than my
pet, but I’ll always expect stuff out of him that people who just
75
Chapter 3

look at their horses as pets or companions would not expect.

Like, when I’m riding my horse, I expect him to behave the
whole time I’m sitting on him.”28
In addition to working with domestic animals normally
associated with agriculture, teens may also become involved
with working animals through participation in various sports
that include anything from tracking or hunting with dogs to
riding in rodeo competitions. Some teens also own or live with
service dogs or miniature horses that work as therapy horses or
guide horses. These animals are considered working animals,
although they may also be treated as pets when not working.
The difference between working animals and animals that are
considered “just a pet” is that the working animal’s primary
function is to perform a task or series of tasks in addition to

IT HAPPENED TO ME: THE BOND IN ACTION

In addition to her rabbits, Richelle Hellpap also raised a
lamb one year as a 4-H project. She knew going into it
that whether she raised Charlie or someone else raised
him, he was still going to be butchered, so she decided
to make sure he had a good life for as long as he was
alive. Because the Hellpaps could not take care of the
lamb with Richelle in school and her parents were at
work, Charlie stayed on the sheep farm during the week
and came home with the Hellpaps on the weekends. At
the Hellpaps’ home, Charlie hung out on the deck with
the family’s golden retriever. Richelle feels strongly
that Charlie had a better life than he would have if he
had just been at the sheep farm all the time. “And we
also had a better life bringing him home with us
because we enjoyed him and he enjoyed us, although
he mostly enjoyed being with our dog!”29

76
 Friendship

providing companionship, whereas a pet’s primary purpose is

to provide companionship. The bond between teens and these
types of working animals, however, can still be very strong.
Kyle Fetters says, “It’s amazing how selfless these animals
can be. You know, like guard dogs that will give everything they
have. Or working dogs that bring livestock wherever their
owner tells them to, without any question, without them asking
for anything in return. It really shows how strong a bond with
an animal can be. In a human situation, there would be
immediate questions and doubts, like ‘Why am I wasting my
time?’ or ‘Why am I even doing this for this person?’ But that’s
never there when it comes to these animals.”30

NURTURING AND COMPASSION:

IT’S NOT ALL ABOUT ME

“My dog has taught me to take a break, get up and

away from the computer on a summer day and just go
out in the yard to play ball or take a walk. If I didn’t
have a friend like him to whine and nag me to stop
and play, I’d never get any fresh air!”—Katie Green,
college student, Northern Illinois University31

Friendship is based on more than just accepting another creature’s

friendship and offering yours in return. Trust is an important part
of the equation in both human-human and human-animal
friendships. We trust our friends not to harm us, and they expect
the same from us. But beyond basic trust that we will not harm
them, what other ways do we demonstrate that they can trust us?
While we may benefit greatly from our bond with animals,
friendship should be mutually beneficial. Our companion animals
are always there for us. But are we always there for them?

77
Chapter 3

Taking care of animals and bonding with them teaches

young people many valuable life skills, including
communication, responsibility, and compassion. People who
interact positively with animals may actually become better
nurturers. Teens who develop a strong bond with the animals
they live with sometimes start thinking more like their animals
and like adult humans than like people their own age. Because
animals are dependent on us for so many things, teens actually
need to think differently if they want the animal to survive and
thrive. High school sophomore Jenn Papa agrees. “Our family
recently got a new puppy and he is a handful! Someone has to
be there all the time. You have to take him outside to go to the
bathroom, walk him, run him, and basically do everything!
Taking care of this puppy is kind of like being in training for
having kids one day. If you have an animal, it’s the same thing
as having a kid in that you have to care about them in the same
way.”32
In developing a friendship with another living creature, we
begin thinking outside ourselves. Once that transition occurs,
we may also talk more about our animals than we talk about
ourselves and choose their needs, feelings, and happiness above
our own. This behavior is extremely atypical for most teens,
who are normally in the “It’s all about me” mode for years
before they develop serious long-term relationships, have
children, and turn to the “It’s all about my child” mode instead.
When teens become closely bonded to an animal, do they stop
being self-centered and instead feel, “This is my responsibility;
this is my baby”?
Brigitte believes the answer to this question is complex.
“The nurturing part is definitely something my horse taught
me, because although I may have cared because I knew it was
the right thing to do, that’s as far as it would have gone. But
once I got my own horse and realized I had to start taking care
of the horse and it isn’t all about me, I became much more
caring in general. I also became much more aware of other
people’s feelings and how different situations sometimes
necessitated different feelings and responses. So, if I asked
someone, ‘Are you okay?’ it actually meant that. I really did
78 care if they were okay. If someone got hurt and needed
 Friendship

something, I would actually go and get it, not just because I had
to but also because I really did care.”33
Mary Dyrhaug feels the same way about her dog,
Mackenzie. “I almost know what she wants and needs by the
looks she gives me. Our bond is very strong. There have always
been babies in my family, so I’m used to taking care of others.
But having her always around, always needing something, has
taught me a lot—especially patience!”34
To have a life worth living, we need more than just our
health and having our basic physical needs met. We also need to
connect with those around us and to contribute to their lives.
Many teens find it difficult to connect with family or social
peers in a positive way. Interacting with a companion animal,
however, can offer important moments of love, friendship,
responsibility, and dependence we all crave. A dog’s wagging
tail or a cat’s purring against our legs can instantly transform us
from feeling isolated and alone to feeling needed. And because
animals also look beyond our clothing, hair, and piercings and
instead see the subtleties of our facial expressions and body
language, they may understand us more intimately than most
people are capable of doing.
Caring for an animal also introduces teens to respect, self-
control, and responsibility. Although animals will not “cure”
them of their problems, animals often reach them in ways other
people and traditional treatments cannot, especially because an
animal friend can offer unconditional love that is nonjudgmental.
And as a result of positive interactions with animals, many
troubled young people can become more responsible, more
caring, and more able to improve their outlook on their situations
or conditions. Teens who care for animals may also learn to take
better care of themselves through taking care of others. Instead of
sitting around for hours playing video games, chatting online, or
just vegging in front of the television, teens can take their dog for a
walk, play a game of cat-and-mouse with their cat, or make sure
that their hamsters’ bedding is clean. In doing so, they interact
with another living creature instead of communicating solely
through inanimate technology and also get some exercise at the
same time. Making sure an animal is kept clean and comfortable
can help reinforce the benefits of good hygiene in themselves. 79
Chapter 3

FRIENDS AND ACCEPTANCE

Much of what teens do and how they act is for the sole
purpose of being acceptable to their peers. It takes
courage to act out of the ordinary, especially in front
of your peers. In human society, where girls are
expected to be gentle and the guys are expected to be
tough, showing compassion or nurturing in front of
peers can often elicit varying responses.
For example, when it comes to empathy, Kyle has
always had an appreciation for the simpler creatures
that runs much deeper than just curiosity. “I think that
there are times growing up when kids get the ‘boys
being boys’ tough-guy attitude when they’re trying to
be tough and be hunters, like chasing after squirrels or
whatever they might be doing. But I was always the
one that was, like, ‘Why are you doing that? Save a
life!’”35 Brigitte explains further: “If people know how
I became caring they might think, ‘Oh that’s really
weird,’ but since I kind of started off teen-wise in
[high school] with a new group of friends, they just
kind of expect it. This is because at our school you
Pets can help teens feel less
lonely just by wagging their tails don’t push, you don’t shove, you don’t say mean
or initiating play. Illustration by things about anyone, and you are expected to be kind,
the author. caring, and a leader. You aren’t expected to be a teen;
you’re expected to be a nice person. So the kids at my
school wouldn’t think that a caring aspect is weird at all
although some other kids outside my school might.”36

“For me, animals have always been the perfect

definition of innocence. That’s where my appreciation
comes in, because I think that what humans seem to
lack, animals still can provide. When it comes down
to it, all they really do is just care when they’re
attached to you. That’s all. They’re just like kids in a
way.”—Kyle Fetters, suburban teen37

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 Friendship

Developing this mature attitude is especially important

when owning a companion animal. Many typical college
lifestyles put animals at risk by either exposing them to non-
pet-proofed dwelling places with secondhand smoke, exposed
electrical cords, and extermination chemical residue, where
there is sometimes access to alcohol, drugs, and spoiled food.
Trish Hampton notes that owning her dog has completely
changed how she thinks: “I was the typical college student
before I owned my dog, Butchie. I used to go out drinking or
partying with my friends three or four nights a week. I didn’t
care what time I got home and wasn’t really even paying
attention if I got to work or class on time. I just figured if I got
there, I got there; if I didn’t I’d just call in sick.” Once Trish
adopted her dog, however, all that changed. Trish now chooses
to spend money on her dog’s safety and well-being instead of on
her own pleasure. Butchie has totally changed her life, but it is a
change Trish willingly sought. “Not only have I cut down on
how many nights I go out, I won’t leave until I know she’s
settled in her kennel. I’ll leave the music on so she doesn’t feel
she’s alone in the dark or I’ll get a sitter or board her for short
periods of time. I am so concerned about making sure
everything will be okay for her, that I’ve actually stopped
calling up friends and saying, ‘Let’s go out.’ Now technically I
can still go out, but after paying a boarding fee, I don’t have the
money to party!”38
While taking care of animals and being responsible for their
physical and emotional needs increases young people’s levels of
independence and responsibility, it also requires commitment
and time. Teens are so busy with school, activities, and social
life that spending time with their pets might not always be
convenient. When teens have daily responsibilities taking care
of multiple animals—or, in the case of teens like Brigitte or
Richelle, who also have responsibilities getting ready for a
show—what happens when their human friends want to do
something like go to the beach or shop at the mall? How do
teens respond when the voice on the other end of the phone is a
classmate saying, “Hey, come to a party”? How understanding
will friends be when you have to tell them you can’t hang with
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Chapter 3

them because you need to do something with your horse, dog,

cat, or rabbit instead?
Brigitte responds: “Most of my friends understand because
they also have extra activities that are as important to them as my
horses are to me. The first words out of my friends’ mouths will
be, ‘I know you have something to do with your horse, but . . .’
They will actually ask me things like, ‘I’m having a party from this
time to this time, so tell me when you could be available to come
just so I can see you for a little bit.’ Overall my friends are all
pretty understanding, and if they’re not, it’s kind of like I’ve
chosen my horse and that’s what I’m going to do. I can’t tell my
horse, ‘Sorry, I can’t feed you tonight because I decided I’m going
to a party!’ Now, my best friend does get tired of it a little bit, but
that’s because we’ve have known each other since second grade.
She’ll just roll her eyes and say, ‘You’re always doing something
with your horse!’ The one thing, however, is that the parties start
later now. So if a party starts at eight o’clock instead of in the
afternoon like they did when I was younger, I usually have most of
my chores done by then, anyway. Otherwise I do my chores and
then go.”39
Not all of Trish’s friends, however, accept the limitations that
come with the responsibility of owning an animal. “A lot of my
friends are very ticked off I have a dog! One of them actually told
me he misses hanging out with me, but every time he calls me to
see if I want to go out for a drink or hang out somewhere, I tell
him, ‘I have to find a sitter for the dog’ or ‘I need to do this for her’
or ‘I can’t leave until she’s asleep.’ I can understand why he is
upset with me though because he just had to put his two dogs
down.”40 So while her friend truly misses the spontaneity of doing
things with Trish, he may not lack understanding. It might be
easier for him act annoyed and dismiss Trish’s involvement with
her dog than to be reminded of how much he misses his dogs.
Iowa college student Faye Nuddleman’s friends also do not
always understand. “I mostly have trouble going out at night with
friends when I’m at home because I get distracted easily by the
cats. It takes me an hour longer to get ready when I’m home than
at school and most of my friends get upset with me. They have to
come in when I’m getting ready so they can yell at me and tell me
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 Friendship

to stop playing with the cats. But my friend Emilee understands.

She has the same problem with her dogs at home!”41
Teens who do not feel the need to “connect” with an animal
tend to have a more self-focused lifestyle. They only have to
think of themselves: what they want to do or what makes them
happy. When teens develop a bond with a companion animal,
however, their focus shifts away from themselves and onto their
companion. Mary feels that shift actually marks an important
milestone in transitioning from thinking like a child to becoming
a mature adult. “I think that some of my friends who have never
had a dog or are afraid of dogs are really missing out. Of course,
they aren’t aware that they are. But there’s just something a dog
or pet can give you that you can’t get anywhere else.”42 Kristy
Kosinski feels that caring for her birds has helped her become
more responsible than many of her peers. “I have to be home at
a decent hour to put them to bed and up at a reasonable time to
wake them up. They’re not as much work as a human child, but
I’d say they’re on par with dogs and the like, so at twenty years
old I had four things to care for, while most of my peers were off
living in dorms doing who knows what.”43

YOU CAN DEPEND ON ME

Is it possible that taking care of animals helps prepare some teens

to explore meaningful social relationships and eventually become
parents? Growing up in a midsized city in Iowa, Faye feels
animals helped her learn to nurture. “I never had any younger
brothers or sisters, so I usually played with my dogs and cats as if
they were my children. A lot of the kids I went to school with
never thought of animals as being part of the family like I did.”44
Kelli feels that taking care of an animal helps prepare teens for
many of the responsibilities that come with parenting. “There are
many people who think they can raise children, but they can’t
even raise a dog! Taking care of an animal is not as much
responsibility as having a child but it’s very similar. With both of
them, there’s someone depending on you. One difference is you
can leave dogs in their crates for a while, but you can’t do that
with a kid.”45 Christina agrees: “Kitty has really taught me
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Chapter 3

A mother models to her child the proper way to treat a puppy at an

animal adoption event. Photos used with permission, Jeffrey Green,
Total Recall Dog Training.

responsibility because I have to take care of her, feed her, clean

her litter box, give her attention, play with her, and teach her
right and wrong. At the same time, my experience with her has
also taught me to feed myself right, keep good hygiene, and clean
my room. I think having a pet is the perfect first step before
having a baby, because then you can make sure you are able to
take care of someone else. Plus, if you find out that you aren’t
responsible enough yet to take care of someone, it’d be easier to
put a pet up for adoption than if you started with a child first.”
Although Christina doesn’t think teens should get a pet with the
intention of just giving it away if things get a little difficult, she
adds, “A child’s something you really can’t just give away.”46
Teens who are totally committed to their companion
animal’s comfort, safety, and care may have friends who are not
responsible enough to be trusted with the safety and well-being
of another living creature. It’s challenging enough to be
responsible for an animal when you live at home with other
family members who are equally committed, but when you
bring a pet into a college environment with roommates (and
their friends)—especially ones not familiar with taking care of
animals—the potential risk of danger to your pet increases.
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5555555555555
SAFETY FOR ANIMALS ON CAMPUS
Choosing a college and finding suitable housing is a challenge
for any student bound for higher education. Whether a student
lives on campus in a university dorm or apartment, off campus
in private housing, or commutes from home, one thing is
certain: The college lifestyle can present dangers to companion
animals. Items that pose a danger should never be left
anywhere your pet can touch or ingest them. Some of these
potential problems include:

6 Cans, bottles, and glasses from alcoholic beverages

6 Makeup, medications, and other personal hygiene products
6 Open windows with no screens, electrical cords, computer
wires, etc., which are potentially dangerous for any animal
that chews or become entangled in them
6 Foods like chocolate, avocados, and onions, and many
common houseplants that are harmless to humans but
toxic to animals.

BRIDGING THE GAP

Animals have an amazing ability to bridge the gap between

different types of people. Instead of seeing other animal lovers
as being a specific race, culture, or age, we instead perceive
them as people with a common interest in animals. Is this
because people who love animals tend to connect better to
others, or is it because we have learned from our companion
animals how to choose who we can trust?
Kyle feels it’s a little of both. “For example, you might see
someone walking down the street and judge them unfairly just
from the way they look. But if you see that same person
walking with a dog, that perception changes. Of course, while
some people might think they can read what kind of person you
are based on the type of dog you’re with, just having an animal
around you shows a certain level of companionship and
compassion. Granted, there are also some species (like snakes)
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555555555555555555
IT HAPPENED TO ME: THE BOND IN ACTION
Growing up with younger brothers and sisters, Trish Hampton was used to closing doors
behind her and felt that caretaking and nurturing were just extensions of how she grew
up. But when teens who have never taken care of anyone else or are still learning to
become self-sufficient suddenly become responsible for an animal, it is often the animal
that suffers from their lack of experience. One incident that changed Trish’s life made
this quite apparent.
Trish had gone out and left her dog, Butchie, in her apartment, safely locked in the
kitchen behind a baby gate, like she always did. Some time later, one of her roommates
called to tell her that Butchie had just been hit by a car because the roommate’s
boyfriend had left the door open and the dog had gotten out, chased a squirrel, and ran
into the street. Butchie’s injuries were not life threatening; however, Trish was really
upset because she was so far away at that point. She instructed her roommate to take
the dog to the nearest emergency vet office and that she would meet her there as soon
as she could. “I was so worried if Butchie was going to be okay, if she would need
surgery or if she’d need a cast . . . basically if she was alive! I was crying and crying and
crying. And by the time I got to the vet, I was furious.” But her roommate hugged her
immediately and told her how sorry she was—that it was an accident and that they didn’t
mean for this to happen. That calmed Trish down quite a bit. Fortunately, Butchie just
had a few scrapes and bruises and a minor fracture in her pelvis. But Trish was definitely
not prepared for the emergency vet care bill. Also, Butchie had only limited movement
and couldn’t navigate the stairs for about a week, so she needed to be carried
everywhere, which meant Trish had to take time off from work. Although her roommate’s
boyfriend told Trish how sorry he was and that he didn’t mean for it to happen, about a
week later he left the back door open again right in front of Trish. “Butchie got up and
started walking to the door. When she got about two feet from the door, he realized, ‘Oh,
my gosh! I have to close the door!’ and he quickly went and closed the door.”47

or types (like pit bulls) of animals that are scarier for some
people. Not that there’s anything wrong with the animals or the
people, but because those animals can be more violent or
aggressive, it would then take a more dominant and confident
person to keep those animals in line. And there are also people
who choose certain animals or breeds for reasons that have
nothing to do with compassion but to reflect the kind of person
they are or how they will look. For example, if I was walking
down the street with a poodle versus two giant pit bulls, people
will think totally differently about me. And if a girl was walking
down the street with two giant pit bulls, people would have a
86 different impression of her than if she was with a poodle.”48
 Friendship

Young people who are involved with animal activities may

find they don’t have to be as socially competitive as their
classmates, because involvement with animals and animal-related
activities also teaches fairness and respect for others. Teens
already involved with companion animals take this to another
level when they develop friendships from and through their
involvement in animal sports. Brigitte explains, “I have what I
call my ‘horse friends,’ who are a completely different group
from my school friends. And then when you are at school you
can have just five friends and that’s completely okay because you
don’t have to worry ‘Am I popular at school?’ or anything like
that. You know you’re okay because you also have your horse
friends. It’s nice to know you have another group of friends you
can depend on.”49 And those “horse friends,” “dog friends,” or
“rabbit friends” not only vary in age, they also help blur cultural,
economic, and other differences. In animal sports and shows,
everyone is equal. There, it isn’t about age, culture, or status; it’s
how you behave—how you treat each other and encourage and
help each other out. From her numerous experiences in 4-H
activities and rabbit shows, Richelle feels camaraderie can
develop through competition. “At the rabbit shows, we talk the
whole time because we all have a common interest with the
rabbits. Plus, there is less of a gap between the people who show
animals, no matter what their age or background, because we
tend to also have the same problems in general.” It’s different in
high school, however. There, Richelle sees a gap between people
based on their neighborhood or race, whereas at the rabbit shows
those barriers are already broken down between different people
because their common interest makes these and other differences
insignificant, so none of that matters.50
When Christina started college at Kentucky State University,
she found herself in the minority, both culturally and racially. “I
had a really hard time making friends, due to color, but when
people would come to my dorm room to see my roommate they’d
also see a picture of my cat that I had up on my bulletin board.
And they’d start to talk to me and get to know me for me, instead
of my color. With one girl, it reminded her of home and how
much she missed her cats. It gave us a chance to bond and become
friends because it was something we both cared so much about.”51 87
Chapter 3

MAKING COMPASSION A LIFESTYLE

The sense of responsibility teens develop through their close

bond with animals can also carry over into their relationships
with other people. Christina says: “Having a close bond with
Kitty also helped me with my coaching basketball to young
kids. I learned to be more sensitive and understanding of some
one else’s needs; to give love and not yell at them.”52
Richelle began visiting nursing homes with her animals when
her 4-H leader initiated a service project. At the first visit, Richelle
fell so in love with the people that her leader couldn’t get her to
leave because she was so busy visiting all the residents and hearing
about their histories and lives. For example, a ninety-two-year-old
lady in a wheelchair, who was being pushed by her seventy-year-
old daughter, saw the bunny and started crying. When asked why
she was crying, the daughter said her mother had never touched a
rabbit. The woman’s expression of joy touched Richelle so much,
she decided that every person in that nursing home needed to
touch her bunnies. So instead of staying in the community room
with the rest of the 4-H volunteers, Richelle went door to door
with her rabbits, taking them out of the basket and putting them
in the beds with the patients while she sat and talked with them.
She began visiting regularly, first with her rabbits, then with her
dog and her duck, and she often visits without her animals
because she enjoys the residents’ stories so much.
Although many teens are self-centered and egocentric, those
involved with animals exhibit compassion for all living things.
And because of their actions, these teens and the animals they love
can become role models in friendship for everyone around them.
College graduate Reshoma Banerjee feels strongly that caring for
an animal teaches you how to care for something outside of
yourself and, in turn, teaches you how to be responsible.
“Responsibility is a major issue when it comes to young people
having pets. Pets are like an extension of the family, so you need to
teach yourself how to care for them. But it’s not just responsible
guardianship. It’s also a living example of the true meaning of love
and friendship, which is to do everything you can to keep them
surviving and sustaining a life that’s worth living.”53
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NOTES

1. Christina Aviza, interview with the author, November 23, 2006.

2. Linda Blasser, “Make New Friends,” Buffalo Grove
Countryside, December 28, 2006, 61–62.
3. Merriam-Webster’s Online Dictionary, “Friend,” www.merriam
webster.com/dictionary/friend (accessed April 14, 2007).
4. Kyle Fetters, interview with the author, September 2006.
5. Chase Herndon, interview with the author, February 2007.
6. Christina Aviza, e-mail to the author, November 23, 2006.
7. Dana Bouchard, interview with the author, September 2006.
8. Bouchard, interview with the author, September 2006.
9. Brigitte Mason, interview with the author, August 23, 2006.
10. Aviza, interview with the author, November 23, 2006.
11. Kelli Herbel, interview with the author, September 2006.
12. Herbel, interview with the author, September 2006.
13. Fetters, interview with the author, September 2006.
14. Andy Wick, interview with the author, September 16, 2006.
15. Tracy Glickauf, e-mail to the author, October 2006.
16. Karen McCoy, interview with the author, September 8, 2006.
17. Jessica Katz, interview with the author, December 2006.
18. Aviza, interview with the author, November 23, 2006.
19. Wick, interview with the author, September 16, 2006.
20. Herbel, interview with the author, September 2006.
21. Herbel, interview with the author, September 2006.
22. Katz, interview with the author, December 2006.
23. Richelle Hellpap, interview with the author, September 2006.
24. Mason, interview with the author, August 23, 2006.
25. National 4-H Headquarters, www.national4-hheadquarters
.gov (accessed April 16, 2007).
26. Herbel, interview with the author, September 2006.
27. Robert Mason, interview with the author, August 23, 2006.
28. Brigitte Mason, interview with the author, August 23, 2006.
29. Hellpap, interview with the author, September 2006.
30. Fetters, interview with the author, September 2006.
31. Katie Green, interview with the author, September 2006.
32. Jenn Papa, interview with the author, October 2006.
33. Brigitte Mason, interview with the author, August 23, 2006.
34. Mary Dyrhaug, interview with the author, January 2007.
35. Fetters, interview with the author, September 2006.
36. Brigitte Mason, interview with the author, August 23, 2006.
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37. Fetters, interview with the author, September 2006.

38. Trish Hampton, interview with the author, September 2006.
39. Brigitte Mason, interview with the author, August 23, 2006.
40. Hampton, interview with the author, September 2006.
41. Faye Nuddleman, interview with the author, April 2007.
42. Dyrhaug, interview with the author, January 2007.
43. Kristy Kosinski, interview with the author, January 2007.
44. Nuddleman, interview with the author, April 2007.
45. Herbel, interview with the author, September 2006.
46. Aviza, interview with the author, November 23, 2006.
47. Hampton, interview with the author, September 2006.
48. Fetters, interview with the author, September 2006.
49. Brigitte Mason, interview with the author, August 23, 2006.
50. Aviza, interview with the author, November 23, 2006.
51. Hellpap, interview with the author, September 2006.
52. Aviza, interview with the author, November 23, 2006.
53. Reshoma Banerjee, interview with the author, December 2006.

90
 Choosing Our
4 Companion
Animals

MAKING CHOICES “ People shouldn’t

get pets if they
We all have to make decisions; it’s part of being alive. A aren’t ready to
simple choice like which pizza topping we prefer is easy to care for them or
make, but many other decisions may require more effort. love them.”
Buying a car, moving to a new house, or picking the right —Natasha McDonald,
college are all big decisions. In fact, young people may switch suburban high school
colleges and majors almost as often as they change their jeans. student1
It isn’t uncommon for college graduates to have attended two
or three colleges or universities by the time they receive their
undergraduate degrees!
Important decisions take time, commitment, and thought.
While we usually don’t make these types of decisions in haste,
many people choose a companion animal based on impulse. A
cell phone or car can be sold or traded in if it doesn’t perform
well or is quickly outgrown, but animals shouldn’t be thought
of as commodities. And unlike switching colleges or majors
when we change our minds, it is not reasonable to assume that
if a pet doesn’t perform well or we outgrow our interest, we can
just get rid of it or neglect it. It’s a big step to bring an animal
into a household, and there are big decisions that should be
made before that happens.
Animals are a big responsibility. Depending on the animal,
you may be taking on a ten- to twenty-five-year or longer
commitment, with the inevitable changes in routine and living
space or the noise and messes that can accompany the type of
animal you are considering. Daily feedings, making sure the
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A PERSONAL GLIMPSE
Communications major Kelli Herbel is a third-generation dog
handler who has been showing dogs in AKC breed shows since
she was a child. Beginning with handling her own dog as a
“junior handler” at age ten, Kelli was showing other people’s
dogs in the show circuit by the time she was sixteen. But she
always thought of the dogs as companions rather than just
dogs to show as commodities. “They were all my friends! I
never really understood the mentality of people who show any
kind of animal as just a show animal. I mean, for you and the
animal to show well, they just do better if you are both enjoying
doing it and have some sort of bond.”2

water bowl is always clean and filled, daily dog walks, and
cleaning cages, stalls, tanks, or litter boxes all take time and
commitment. Is everyone in the family willing to adjust?
Companion animals will need to adapt to humans and their
rules, but that takes time and effort, especially with those that
may be more independent or more dominant, or have
instinctive needs or actions that conflict with what is acceptable
to us. For example, large birds such as cockatoos and macaws
not only need incredible amounts of social interaction with
their human flock, they also have an instinctive need to chew,
potentially creating lots of mess and damaging human
possessions. They also are very vocal (read: noisy) and can be
rambunctious or attention seeking at what might be considered
by teens to be very inappropriate times!
Financial considerations such as food, equipment, bedding,
vaccinations, spay/neutering, and routine vet care should be
added in, along with the potential for additional vet bills due to
illness or injury. Animals can accidentally get out of the house,
ingest things they shouldn’t, or develop diseases. As an
example, routine teeth cleaning may cost around $300, but
treating a dog for some types of cancer may cost more than
$5,000. Broken legs, intestinal blockages, and other surgical
procedures can add up in the thousands, as well. And with dogs
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 Choosing Our Companion Animals

5555555555555
THESE ANIMALS ARE REALLY SMOKING!
Research has shown that smoking is not good for our health,
but have we also considered the impact of secondhand
smoke on our companion animals? A young person may not
smoke, but roommates, friends, or family members who
smoke may place resident companion animals in danger.
Not only do cats and dogs exposed to large amounts of
smoke develop eye inflammation and chronic discharge,
there seems to be another serious potential side effect.
Studies conducted at the Tufts School of Veterinary Medicine
have discovered a strong connection between secondhand
smoke and cancer of the mouth in cats. An additional study
at Colorado State University indicates that dogs may develop
a higher rate of nasal cancer when exposed to the smoke,
as well. For more information on these studies visit
www.tufts.edu/vet and www.cvmbs.colostate.edu.3

living an average of ten to fifteen years and cats living fifteen to

twenty years or more, these numbers can really add up over a
lifetime! There is also the emotional investment of loving a
companion animal and then having to eventually say goodbye
with euthanasia, burial, or cremation.
The time you spend evaluating your situation and
researching what animal or breed might best suit your lifestyle
and personality will be time well spent. Bringing an animal into
your life should not be an impulsive act or a decision made on a
whim. Instead, the choice should be predicated on whether you
and/or your family have the desire, ability, time, and resources
that it will take to care properly for that specific animal
throughout its lifetime.

ALLERGIES

Allergies can affect the type of animal you choose to live with.
People allergic to animals are usually reacting to an animal’s
dander (dead skin continually being shed), saliva, or urine.
While cats and dogs top the list, other animals such as birds,
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Puppy Love: Bonding with Tuxedo, a border collie puppy. Drawing by

Katie Green, used with permission.

rabbits, or horses can also trigger reactions in humans. There

may also be specific breeds or types within a species that cause
more symptoms than others. For example, a person may be
sensitive to golden retrievers but not to poodles. The amount
and time of exposure can also play a critical part. While
severely allergic people often experience symptoms within
minutes of entering a home where an animal lives, others may
show symptoms only when exposed for extended periods of
time or if exposed to multiple animals in the same environment.
Although no one in Kelli Herbel’s family is allergic to
dogs, her boyfriend is. “He can be around some dogs, but not
all of them. He has border collies and loves them, but they
don’t live inside his house. My German shepherd sheds a lot
and bothers him the most, so that’s been kind of tough. So we
wind up spending most of our time at his place because
there’s dog hair everywhere in the air in mine. It’s hard for me
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 Choosing Our Companion Animals

5555555555555
HAIR’S TO ALLERGIES!
Although there is no such thing as a 100 percent hypoallergenic
dog, breeds with nonshedding coats cause fewer reactions
because they produce less dander. What makes one dog breed
less likely than another to trigger allergic symptoms? The
answer is simple: Along with their minimal shedding, they have
hair instead of fur, so many people with allergies can live quite
comfortably with them.4

Some breeds less likely to provoke allergies include:

Bedlington terrier
bichon frise
Chinese crested
Irish water spaniel
Kerry blue terrier
Maltese
poodle (all varieties)
Portuguese water dog
schnauzer (all varieties)
soft-coated wheaten terrier

to truly empathize with him because I really don’t know what

it’s like to have allergies. I mean, growing up with dogs and
being at dog shows, you eat food there and you know there’s
dog hair in it because there’s dog hair everywhere at a dog
show.”5
Sometimes sensitivities to animals just develop. And they
can develop at any age. However, people whose parents have
allergies or who have sensitivities to other environmental
substances are more likely to develop or exhibit reactions to
increased contact with animals. Chase Herndon has
experienced this. “I developed allergies around sophomore year
of high school. Recently I’ve had to go see an allergist as it’s
become progressively worse. In a few years, I will probably end
up just getting shots so I can continue working with animals
without worrying.”6 Fortunately, Chase reacts to animals with
fur and not feathers, so he is still able to maintain his close
bond with his African gray parrot, Yoshi.
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Chapter 4

Chase Herndon with Yoshi, an African gray parrot. Photo used with
permission, Charles Herndon.

Jessica Katz has to take allergy medication. “And, since I am

also an asthmatic, exposure to animals can cause issues.” Jessica’s
allergies and asthma have also affected her choice of animals. “I
grew up with fish because I was very allergic to everything else
when I was young. I am still sensitive to cats and small animals
and small animal bedding. But now that I am older we have more
pets, including my Standard Schnauzer, Hobbs, who I luckily did
not have allergies to. In fact, I attribute my love of animals to her.
If we hadn’t gotten her, I would have never walked into the pet
store, gotten a job or be pursuing animal studies in school!”7
Teens who would like to have a pet but have allergy issues
with furry animals might discover that fish or various types of
amphibians and reptiles such as frogs, turtles, or lizards make
good alternatives. According to Kyle Fetters, who has had
reptiles growing up, “They are a more ‘neutral’ pet in that
sense.” Cats and dogs especially will leave traces of allergens
throughout a home, but because reptiles usually live in
containers that are confined and self-contained, the chance of
96 allergic reaction with family members also diminishes.8
 Choosing Our Companion Animals

5555555555555
KEEP ALLERGIES UNDER CONTROL
There are ways to keep reactions to animals under control for
you, your family, and guests.
6 Keep animals such as dogs or cats out of bedrooms, off
the furniture, and out of the car, or use covers that are
washed frequently.
6 Wash your hands after handling animals, pet toys, or
bedding. Avoid touching your eyes or nose when handling
them and do not allow animals to lick you.
6 Clean and vacuum often and run a portable HEPA air
cleaner in rooms where there are animals.
6 Brush pets daily and, if possible, bathe weekly. Use an
allergy-reducing spray on your pets after grooming. Feed
your pets high-quality food with enough fatty acids to
keep their skin healthy and prevent excess shedding.
6 Check with your doctor for allergy medications, shots, or
other possible treatments.

WHAT’S YOUR LIFESTYLE?

When exploring the many variables involved in choosing a

companion animal, we also need to consider different human
lifestyles. Could variables such as living in an apartment versus
a home, or living in the country as opposed to an urban
environment, help determine what type of animal will best fit a
young person’s lifestyle? Jessica believes that choosing a pet is
more than just preferring one type of animal. “It’s also a matter
of space and time commitment. For example, if you are a busy
executive living in the heart of a large city, then maybe a
desktop aquarium would be the best choice. But if you have
acres and acres in the country you can basically choose
whatever animal or animals your heart desires, as long as you
take care of them properly.”9
College grad Jason Green grew up in suburbia with dogs,
but now lives in a multiple story building in a dense urban 97
Chapter 4

neighborhood. The condo building he lives in has a strict “no

dogs” policy. “Yeah, my parents can’t even bring their dogs to
visit. It’s kind of not fair because I’d like to have my dogs visit
me, but on the other hand, it would be total chaos if everyone
in the building had dogs. Not to mention the chance of messes
in the hallways or a dog fight in the elevator!” There are no
restrictions, however, on fish and other simpler creatures that
live in a contained environment, so Jason has a large saltwater
aquarium in his condo that he maintains diligently. “I’ve always
been fascinated with the delicate balance of the coral reef, so it’s
been a real challenge, as well as a pleasure, keeping this going.
And I’m considering adding a second tank, just because I enjoy
caring for these creatures so much.”10
An important factor to consider is the type of animal best
suited to you and your personality. Although parental choices,
space, allergies, and time commitments may determine the
animals or breeds teens have close contact with, are there also
distinctive temperament differences between young people who
actively choose one type of companion animal over another?

Even a solitary goldfish in a bowl can offer companionship.

Illustration by the author.
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 Choosing Our Companion Animals

SLEEP HABITS
Different animals have different sleep-wake
patterns, depending on their biological clock.
Although most wakefulness is naturally triggered
by daylight, nocturnal animals such as cats,
raccoons, and owls are more awake at night and
prefer to sleep during the day. Does that sound
familiar? Most teens would agree that they prefer
to stay up until the wee hours of the night and
then sleep until noon or later. Since most teens
tend to be night owls, a nocturnal animal such as
a hamster or cat might be a great choice!

Within different species, breeds exist that vary in traits such as

independence and ability to be handled. For example, the bold,
spirited Thoroughbred horse is a much different companion
animal than the more docile, easy-to-handle American quarter
horse. Is it possible we are attracted to a particular type of
animal because our individual personalities mimic or mesh with
that pet? For example, some teens are more socially active in
groups or “packs,” while others are more content with a friend
or two or consider themselves as “loners.”
Based on her own experience growing up with animals and
working at a vet clinic, Kelli thinks there might indeed be a

Dogs and cats will usually sleep during the day while teens and other
family members are gone. Illustration by the author.
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Chapter 4

correlation between temperament and the attraction of specific

humans to specific animals: “Cats are very solitary and
independent. I see cats as being more ‘about me’ whereas dogs
are ‘everything’s about you.’ I also learned from working at the
vet clinic, dogs seem to be attached to people while cats seem
more attached to places. And that actually kind of goes along
with choosing dog breeds, too, because certain dog breeds are
very independent. My grandparents bred Lhasa Apsos, which
are a very independent breed. It really is all about them. I
actually consider them to be the cats of the dog world. Whether
they think they need you or not, they like to act like they don’t.
And a lot of cat owners may also think like that, kind of like
they don’t need anyone else.”11
When we consider that dogs are pack animals, horses are
herd animals, birds are flock animals, and so on, and that
animals like cats, hamsters and reptiles are naturally more
solitary, perhaps people who feel more comfortable with certain
types of animals feel that way because it is easier to develop a
bond with something that is familiar. As Katie Green states, “It
is better to make the choice of having one happy Betta fish
swimming around in his little ‘Betta bowl’ than to know you
have failed an animal that is lonely and miserable because you
made the wrong choice to be his guardian.”12
Adapting is part of the survival instinct. Dogs learn to see their
humans as their pack. Herd and flock animals, like horses and
birds, also adapt to living with multiple people just as they would
a herd of horses or a flock of birds. However, many people expect
animals to just adapt to us without our help. Without it, many
animals wind up in shelters. Jessica believes animals need to know
what to expect when they live with humans. “People don’t really
understand what they are undertaking with a Malaccan Cockatoo
or a full size macaw. It takes at least three or four interactive hours
a day with a bird like this, and if you are not able to fully accept
the bird into the family you are probably going to have an
unhappy animal. Every animal needs routine in its life and the
human owner needs to be consistent. No matter what type they
are, companion animals need to look to the human for
reassurance and know that is how they are supposed to behave.”13
100
 Choosing Our Companion Animals

Kyle has some additional advice for young people. “If you’re
someone who’s looking to do something worthwhile, definitely
invest some time in animals. The biggest thing is you have to do
whatever’s right for you and your circumstances, but especially
what will be best for the animal. Just don’t overwhelm yourself
with a bunch of animals thinking that’s the answer to any
problem you might have, because that could just be more
stressful. That’s the most important thing to remember, because
many teens think it’s either all or none . . . that you either have
to have a lot of something or none at all. Our family happens to
have four dogs and five cats. A lot of people would think that’s
a lot, but for us it is fine. And one dog or one cat or even one
fish in a bowl can be just fine for other people. If you’re looking
for a good companion and loyalty, you really can’t go wrong as
long as you always offer the same back to the animal.”14

THE CANINE-HUMAN BOND: MAN’S BEST FRIEND

“When I first lived on my own I hungered for a strong

bond with a dog. When I was having a bad day, it was
comforting to come home to a being that had
unconditional love for me. Also, I didn’t have to
explain myself to Risky; she was just there for me.
Still is.”—Tracy Glickauf, Beloit College graduate

Ask dog lovers why they love dogs and you will hear as many
reasons as there are breeds. Like us, dogs are social creatures
that love to play and interact. Dogs see us as members of their
pack, while we see them as a member of our family. It is because
of this instinctive similarity that dogs also possess the ability to
fit right into different human household environments and
situations. Whether it is because they make us feel safe, make us
laugh, or just provide companionship, one of the main reasons
people love dogs so much is that they give unconditional love.
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Rebecca Britz with a litter of puppies. Photo used with

permission, Rebecca Britz.

As one teen put it, dogs simply “make us feel good because they
are always happy to see us!”
Dog ownership responsibilities can mean different things
to different people, depending on where they live as well as
their specific circumstances. For example, owning a dog or
several dogs in suburban or rural settings can be very
102 different from owning a dog in a large city or other urban
 Choosing Our Companion Animals

setting. One of the most significant factors involved is that of

walking the dog. When young people live in apartments that
have no yards or where dogs are not allowed to use the yard
for a bathroom, walking a dog several times a day is a big
responsibility, especially if they have to travel in elevators or
up and down several flights of stairs, exit the building, and be
escorted a block or more to a park or other area where they
can relieve themselves. And the climate and the dog’s health
or age—as well as their owner’s—are other variables that
often play a large role in deciding on the size and type of dog
to choose.

IT HAPPENED TO ME: THE BOND IN ACTION

Art student Andy Wick lived in an apartment in Chicago’s south
Loop while attending college when he chose to adopt a dog he
named KB. It was a very difficult time for both Andy and KB while
they learned to live with each other. “KB’s only toys had been old
tires and bricks, so he had to go through a complete change. He
had absolutely no idea how to play or interact with humans. The
first months were really nuts. But he finally got the idea that I was
there to nurture him and he then adapted to that real fast. I had to
walk two blocks just to go to the park and there was a lot of traffic
and lots of noise, too. So he really had to get used to people and
other dogs and all kinds of things going on.”15

THE FELINE-HUMAN BOND: RELAX AND PURR

Second in popularity only to dogs, cats top the list as one of our
favorite companion animals. Young people who may be gone
from early in the morning to late in the afternoon attending
school, work, and other activities often prefer having a cat. One
of the downsides to owning a dog is that someone has to be
there to let the dog out every few hours. Cats, however, do not 103
Chapter 4

“Cats help me to unwind. Their presence is really just

very relaxing to me and I feel really de-stressed
whenever they’re just rubbing against my legs or
purring.”—Kelli Herbel, University of Oklahoma
student16

need to be brought outside or taken for walks to “do their

business.” And unlike many dogs that would basically eat until
their stomachs burst, cats are very content nibbling on food
throughout the day.
Another reason people choose to have a cat is simply that they
are not allowed to have a dog where they live. Newlywed Jey
McGahan adopted her cat, Dexter, from the Anti-Cruelty Society
a few years before she got married. “I grew up with dogs, but I
chose a cat because I lived in an apartment that didn’t allow dogs.
Dexter is pretty independent, but he has the spirit of a dog in him,
so it was a pretty good choice. It was nice having someone who
loved me unconditionally to come home to every day.”17
Cats adapt to living in human households by learning about
humans. This makes them very attuned to our moods and
feelings. Cats can also help calm, which gives teens a sense of
peace. In our stress-filled world, that ability to help relieve our
anxieties and make us feel peaceful makes the cat a very
valuable companion.
The bond teens can have with their cats can be just as intense
as with any other companion animal. Christina Aviza comments
about her cat, Kitty: “I love her so much; it’s going to be the
hardest thing in the world when she dies. She’s not just a pet;
she’s family, too.” Christina adds this advice for all teens who
choose to have a close bond with a companion animal: “Love
them no matter what. It’s the best feeling ever when something
loves you so much, especially when you don’t have to do that
much for them and you don’t expect anything in return.”18
104
 Choosing Our Companion Animals

Faye Nuddleman and feline friend at a cat show. Photo used with
permission, Faye Nuddleman.

THE EQUINE-HUMAN BOND: POETRY IN MOTION

A companion animal can also be an animal many people

consider to be livestock. Anyone who has ever watched a horse
and a rider knows that there is no other animal that can
command so much power and speed and at the same time share
that experience with humans. Horseback riding is not the only
activity that establishes rapport between animal and human,
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Chapter 4

and teens who choose involvement with horses must do more

with them than ride. Horses need a lot of care and are
expensive to care for. Horses need to be groomed, fed, shoed,
and brought out to pasture and back into the safety and shelter
of their stables. In addition, their stalls need to be kept clean
and fences kept in repair. Cleaning a horse’s stall is much more
time-consuming than cleaning a rabbit cage, for example, and
may also involve lots of dust and mess. Teens who have made
the commitment to horses, however, don’t seem to mind these
chores because it is often through these activities that a closer
connection is developed.
Brigitte Mason has had horses for years and rides and shows
her horses in competitions all over the country. A high school
student, she still finds the time to maintain her horse caretaking
as well as her school work and a busy social life. While Brigitte
doesn’t share the same interest in other tasks, like cooking, her
parents totally support and encourage her in her involvement
with her horses. Her father, Bob Mason, says, “And that’s
totally forgivable because of the way she applies herself through
her horses and the way she conducts herself in school and in her
extracurricular activities. It wasn’t like we said, ‘If you don’t do

Brigitte Mason enjoys a beautiful winter ride with Cookie. Photo used
with permission, Brigitte and Robert Mason.
106
 Choosing Our Companion Animals

this, then we’ll take your horse.’ She had the horses and she
acted responsibly. We don’t have TV and she can’t get anywhere
without our car so she is trapped enough right now!”19
Like other teens with animals that need to be cared for on-
site, Brigitte has made the choice to not leave for any extended
periods of time unless someone is home to take over her
responsibilities. Instead of going on more traditional family
vacations, Brigitte’s family often plans trips that include the
horses. But once in a while the Masons cannot incorporate their
horses with their family vacations. Brigitte explains, “Then the
horses stay behind. They’re part of the family, but they stay
behind then. I miss them, but it is a good break from being with
them all the time and having to do stuff. And then, of course,
I’m very happy to see them when I get back!”20

CHOOSING A BOND WITH BIRDS, RABBITS, SMALL

MAMMALS, REPTILES, AND OTHER EXOTICS

Not all teens wind up bonding with dogs or cats. And

sometimes what starts out as a casual interest can develop into
something much more.
Although vet assistant Kristy Kosinski didn’t have any pets
until she was six years old, she has always loved animals and
would spend hours looking out the window watching the birds
and squirrels. Then she got a cockatiel named Spike. Although
Kristi spent less time with him during junior high, by the time she
was sixteen or seventeen years old, she snapped out of that “too
cool for anything related to home” thing and decided to reinforce
their earlier bond. “I realized what a treasure I had. He’s very
sweet and gentle with me, sings songs for just me, preens my
eyebrows and eyelashes, and is in general just a great bird. And
he is very strongly bonded to me.”21 After graduating high school
Kristi adopted her second bird, Kiwi, a Greater Jardine (an
African parrot), and then Peanut (a budgie that her aunt found
outside), and Brutus (a cockatiel she fostered and later adopted
from A Refuge for Saving the Wildlife). By the time she was
twenty, Kristy chose to give the veterinary field a try and got a
full-time job as a vet assistant at a small animal practice.
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Chapter 4

Cockatiels are intelligent, social birds that often mimic the sounds
they hear. Drawing by Katie Green, used with permission.

Some young people feel that animals such as reptiles, fish,

rabbits, or hamsters may be perfect matches for them because
they lack the time to devote to animals that need more
attention. Ruth Toht, a high school student, decided to get a
hamster instead of a dog because she is involved with
extracurricular sports activities in addition to hours of
homework each night. “Most people just think that because
hamsters are just little animals, you don’t care about it, but
once you get a hamster you get really attached to them. I have a
hamster whose name is Domino. I play with him a lot and pet
him. If I’m having a bad day, I usually sit on the couch, get
108 something warm to drink and have Domino just playing
 Choosing Our Companion Animals

5555555555555
WHEN SOMETHING GOES WRONG:
HOW SOCIETY VIEWS ANIMALS
When we choose to have an animal that is protective or that
society views as dangerous to approach, we sometimes are
forced to make difficult choices we wish we didn’t have to make.
Whether right or wrong, many municipalities have ordinances
prohibiting certain dog breeds that have the potential to harm
through misdirecting or misinterpreting their instinct to protect.
In 2006, Andy Wick finally received word that he had been
accepted at the University of Oregon, a school he had really been
trying to get into. But because the notice was last minute, he
only had two weeks to find an apartment out of state, get
packed, and move. His plan, of course, was to bring KB with
him—that is, until he discovered how difficult it was to find a
landlord willing to rent to him where the university was located.
So even though Andy was now able to attend the school of his
choice, it appeared that the dog he had rescued, lived with, and
loved for four years couldn’t come with him. “Basically what I’ve
found was that no one wants to take on the responsibility for
housing bully breeds. [Landlords and management companies]
kept on saying their insurance wouldn’t take him even if I have
insurance for my dog. KB’s got a whole résumé from the past
landlords he’s been with, and they still wouldn’t accept him.
What disturbs me the most is that any breed, including smaller
dogs, can also bite. And small dogs cause just as much damage
in an apartment. He’s not a ‘pet’ to me. He is my life right there;
he is my family. Like, he is what I was considering the very
beginning of ‘my’ family, or at least my own branch of it. I wanted
him to stay with me for the rest of his time and my time, that’s
the thing. But I have to go on with my life. I’ve got to do what I
need to do in order to survive in this world, which means going
back to school. And it’s going to be very bad; it’s going to be
hurtful. He’s just been so precious to me.”22

around. That usually makes me feel better. He’s kind of my little

friend here at home.”23
Sometimes our choices in companion animals are a direct
result of outside influences. Kyle has had at least some type of
reptile for as long as he can remember and is a perfect example
of a teen whose choices were partly influenced by the media.
“Growing up when Steve Irwin came out, made him a big part
of my life and I really enjoyed doing the ‘Steve Irwin’ thing, kind 109
Chapter 4

of going out and trying to find reptiles in their real habitat and
catching them. I wouldn’t try to keep them or anything; I just
enjoyed touching them and looking at them and all. Then I’d
release them. Or, on occasion I’d come across some creatures
that were being picked on and then I’d help them out.”24
Companion animals can serve as noncritical, loving friends
who patiently listen to us no matter what. They, in turn, can
find purpose and pleasure interacting with humans who
provide all the comforts they need. When we consider all these
factors and choose our pets based on what is best for the
animal, we take another step toward becoming responsible
animal guardians.

NOTES

1. Natasha McDonald, interview with the author, December 2006.

2. Kelli Herbel, e-mail to the author, September 2006.
3. “Second-Hand Smoke Is Bad for Pets,” Pet Product News
International (October 2006): 41.
4. Nancy Muklewicz, “Allergies,” Bichon Frise Breed Column,
AKC Gazette (December 2005): 61–62.
5. Herbel, e-mail to the author, September 2006.
6. Chase Herndon, interview with the author, February 2007.
7. Jessica Katz, e-mail to the author, December 2006.
8. Kyle Fetters, interview with the author, September 2006.
9. Katz, e-mail to the author, December 2006.
10. Jason Green, conversation with the author, March 2007.
11. Herbel, e-mail to the author, September 2006.
12. Katie Green, conversation with the author, September 2006.
13. Katz, e-mail to the author, December 2006.
14. Fetters, interview with the author, September 2006.
15. Andy Wick, interview with the author, September 16, 2006.
16. Herbel, e-mail to the author, September 2006.
17. Jey McGahan, interview with the author, February 2007.
18. Christina Aviza, interview with the author, November 23, 2006.
19. Robert Mason, interview with the author, August 23, 2006.
20. Brigitte Mason, interview with the author, August 23, 2006.
21. Kristi Kosinski, interview with the author, January 2007.
22. Wick, interview with the author, September 16, 2006.
23. Ruth Toht, interview with the author, September 2006.
110 24. Fetters, interview with the author, September 2006.
 Defending the
5 Innocent: Animal
Abuse and
Environmental
Concerns

FROM JOY TO SADNESS: ANIMAL ABUSE “I don’t

understand how
The majority of people who invite animals to share their lives people can have
treat them with respect and compassion. But while responsible absolutely no
breeders, animal shelters, and rescue organizations are usually compassion
very careful to place animals in suitable homes, many other toward an innocent
sources treat purchasing an animal solely as a business and often
transaction. Basically, anyone with minimal financial resources defenseless
can obtain an animal from sources as varied as puppy mills, animal. It
online brokers, and “free giveaways” in store parking lots or irritates and
flea markets. frustrates me to
Not only do most people spend more time deciding which no end.”
car to buy than they do when considering getting a pet, they —Kaylah Dodd, former
San Diego State
must also pass both a written and a driving test, obtain a
University student1
driver’s license, and, in many states, have mandatory insurance
coverage. But acquiring an animal—a living creature that can
live with us longer than we own most vehicles—requires
nothing more than a person simply being able to obtain it. And
the reasons are not always for companionship.
Family services major Katie Green recalls when a college
student she knew told her about a decision he had recently
made. “He had had two gerbils and when one had died, he
didn’t want to buy another one. And since he had heard
somewhere that gerbils couldn’t be happy by themselves, he
decided to just let the surviving gerbil out in the wild to have
‘one last good fling.’ That was a horrible thing to do! You can’t
just let a domesticated prey animal out in the wild like that to
111
Chapter 5

fend for itself! That was a certain death sentence. Why didn’t he
just take it to a pet store so it could have a chance to get a new
home?”2
Christy Anderson and her sister learned early on that not
everyone views animals with the same compassion they felt.
One year, when Christy and her sister were young, her parents
invited some friends and their two young boys to their summer
home in Door County, Wisconsin. While walking on their
beach, the children spotted a dead, partially decayed fish. The
boys immediately started throwing rocks at the fish while girls
hysterically begged them to stop. Neither the adult friend nor
her boys could understand why they were upset about throwing
rocks at a dead fish. These boys may not grow up to become
animal abusers, but children who have been taught to have
compassion for all creatures can grow up to make a tremendous
difference for living animals that need compassion.
Teens and young adults who bully others often mistreat
animals, as well. Rich Weiner, founder and executive director of
the avian rescue organization A Refuge for Saving the Wildlife,

5555555555555
A PERSONAL GLIMPSE
Iowa college student Faye Nuddleman has witnessed animal
abuse firsthand, and it infuriates her. “One of my brother’s old
friends deliberately swerved to hit a cat in the road instead of
swerving to miss it. He actually had a couple of my girlfriends
in the car with him at the time that he hit the cat and all he did
was laugh when he did it. I also had a neighbor that never let
his dog outside so he was constantly sleeping in his own waste.
I would go over there every day to feed the dog, water him, and
bathe him. I absolutely can’t stand hearing about animal abuse.
I don’t even like hearing about friends going hunting. One friend
at school likes to talk about hunting and says cats are meant to
be thrown up in the air and shot at. I always get defensive when
people here talk about hitting cats with cars or shooting them.
They usually bring it up when I talk about spoiling my cat. Then
they say cats are pointless and they talk about abusing them.
They don’t realize that pets have feelings just like humans and
they also don’t realize they have needs like humans also.”3
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 Defending the Innocent: Animal Abuse and Environmental Concerns

sees many birds that have been mistreated. “Many times we get
birds that have a tough time with young adults and teens
because of their background. The fact is so many of these teens
are not taught to respect animals as feeling, living, breathing
creatures or even perceive that they can be a source of
enjoyment. They’re just something that’s a bother. And it takes
a long time for these abused birds to get beyond that. It takes a
minimum of three years to turn around a bird that’s been
abused for a year.”4
Sometimes teens act out, especially if they are being abused
at home by their parents. Because they view an animal as
beneath them in status, they, in turn, begin abusing it. Rich, a
police officer for many years, is very familiar with this pattern.
“It’s a cycle of violence that we see time and time again. It’s
actually the whole history of violence. If violence is what
someone is taught to do, that is what you are going to do. Most
often the abuser will go after the animal in the household to
make the other people in the household fearful, especially in
situations where they can’t go after the other people. But the
animal will cower and run in fear. It’s a very difficult thing to
erase.”5 Clinical grief counselor Laurel Lagoni adds, “In
general, teens who abuse animals are likely to have been abused
themselves and the cycle of abuse and violence continues and
escalates. Teens who abuse animals choose them as victims for
the same reason that adults choose children—they are easier
victims and can be controlled.”6 The likelihood (and
consequences) of being caught abusing an animal are also less
significant than if the victim were human.
Although the strongest survive in nature, with fights to the
death for food, water, territory and mates, the cycle of violence
and abuse does not exist in the animal world. Sadly, this is one
of the main differences between animals and humans, because
we are the only creatures that perform abusive acts for pleasure
and justify them as being “okay.”
When we think of animal abuse, we usually think of animals
that have been beaten, starved, or tortured. But animal abuse
actually comes in many different forms. Something as common
as tying up a dog and not providing water or shelter may not
seem like abuse, but it is if it is done out of intentional neglect 113
Chapter 5

or if it causes the dog discomfort or pain. Tying a dog outside in

the yard for a couple hours on a beautiful autumn afternoon is
not the same as chaining a dog in a yard for hours or days at a
time without shelter or social interaction, and in all types of
weather. Newspapers, television, online news sites, and other
media are filled with stories about starving animals, dogs
wearing collars so tight they cause open wounds, and horses
standing in filthy stalls and in pain from stones and festering
sores in their hooves. Sadly, Animal Planet’s Animal Cops never
runs out of real-life abuse and neglect situations to film. And in
both the programs and in real life, the stories don’t always have
happy endings.
It would be impossible for most of us to fully understand the
scope of animal abuse nationwide. We only know about the
ones that are discovered. So many animals that end up in
shelters, rescues, or foster care are victims of neglect or abuse—
or worse. Some of them don’t survive the torture.
In January 2007, a disturbing and graphic video was posted
on the website MySpace by the seventeen-year-old Texan who
filmed it. In it, the teen encouraged his pit bull to attack and
maul a stray cat. The teen’s statement was equally disturbing.
When questioned by the police as to why he did this, the teen
answered that he got a “rush” seeing the animals fighting and
one animal killing another one.7 In a similar story reported by
WGAL news, three young men and a seventeen-year-old girl in
Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, received a free cat from a
newspaper ad. They subsequently trapped it in a basement,
poked it with broomsticks, and then used a pit bull to kill it.
Police only discovered this abuse after the girl brought a
videotape they made during this torture killing to school and
showed it to a classmate.8
The March 26, 2007, issue of People featured an article
about Dr. Melinda Merck, an Atlanta-area veterinarian who is
one of only a handful of veterinary forensic specialists in the
country. The article describes a scene of torture involving a
three-month-old puppy. After its muzzle and paws were duct-
taped, it was cooked alive in an oven. The article notes that
people like Merck are making a difference in helping to fight
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crimes in which animals are victims of abuse and torture.

Because of Merck’s vivid reconstruction of the events that
involved the helpless puppy, the seventeen- and nineteen-year-
old defendants pled guilty to aggravated animal cruelty and
were sentenced.9
Universally, people who love animals may experience
discomfort watching any form of animal abuse or suffering,
even if they know it is make-believe. Movies like Bambi or Babe
brings tears to the eyes of young and old alike. While some
teens seem to be perfectly comfortable watching movies that
depict animals being shot, drowned, or trapped in a fire or
other frightening situation, many young people find it very
difficult to comprehend that anyone would do anything
intentionally to harm an animal. Is it possible that peer pressure
may influence much of the mainstream response to pop
culture’s depiction of animals and suffering?
College student Kaylah Dodd witnessed an incident that
suggests this could be the case. “One of my friends had a new
puppy. It was like only five or six months old. Well, the puppy
was playing and got a little rough and bit one of his friends. My
friend slapped the puppy really hard, to the point where he
wobbled when he tried to walk. That really upset me and I told
him that beating the dog wasn’t going to make him understand
what he had done wrong. I’m just hoping what I told him made
him think before he acted again.” Some abusers start young.
Kaylah feels that “little kids can be pretty mean to animals, too.
I remember one time I was walking with my grandma and these
little kids were stuffing a kitten into a tiny lunch box! My
grandma walked over immediately and told them to stop.”10
Kyle Fetters adds, “There are so many sad situations that
happen, you just want to be a vigilante looking for people who
do these kinds of things. I’ve heard so many twisted stories
through the shelter (where my mom volunteers) about people
abusing these little tiny dogs. I mean, they have no reason to be
doing that other than maybe it makes them feel better about
themselves. Personally, I’ve never been able to associate causing
harm to anyone else, let alone especially an animal, as a way of
making me feel better about myself.”11
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People who harm animals may also harm people. So

whether you care about animals that are neglected, abandoned,
or abused because of a moral obligation to care for those who
need our help, or because cruelty to animals is illegal in all fifty
states, or just because it’s the right thing to do, helping to stop
animal abuse actually winds up helping everyone.

WHY THEY DO IT

In order to get an animal to trust them, teens must learn to

avoid certain types of behavior, especially rough, violent, or
hurtful actions that animals might perceive as a threat to their
safety. While most teens learn positive social skills from parents
and family, others may not. Teens who exhibit hurtful
behaviors with animals have either never been taught to inhibit
their impulses or deliberately choose to do so because it makes
them feel powerful. And not all teens respect living things or
think that animals have any feelings.
Whether abuse is the result of intentional mistreatment,
neglect, or an act of cruelty resulting from ignorance, animals
need our protection. Fortunately, there are many ways young
people can help make a difference. Kelli Herbel lives in a rural
area and grew up with animals, so she has always respected
them. “Teens can help a lot because many of animal abuse cases
I hear about actually involve teens. The very violent ones usually
involve those teens who are just one step away from hurting
people. I’m not saying all are hurting animals, but there have
been some terrible stories about dogs being tortured and abused,
and usually it’s by teenagers. And, you know, that’s definitely
not a good situation. Especially while I’ve been in college, I have
seen so many people who just have dogs as status symbols or
because they look tough or it makes them look tough. I know it’s
probably dependent on the area of the country you live in, but
there are a lot of people here who like to have big scary-looking
dogs in the back of their pickups because it makes them look
cool. That’s partly why everyone is afraid of my one dog, my
great big teddy bear German shepherd who loves everyone and
only wants to give you the biggest lick on the face that you’ve
116 ever got. Everyone’s afraid of him because of those people that
think it’s cool to have mean dogs.”
 Defending the Innocent: Animal Abuse and Environmental Concerns

Katie grew up in a suburban environment and has had dogs

almost her entire life. She comments: “Perhaps having a mean
looking dog becomes an extension of themselves or maybe they
are just trying to overcompensate for something that they don’t
have. Or maybe they are so scared themselves, they have to
have a dog that looks even scarier. Having a dog that appears to
be scary can help compensate for their own fears or feelings of
being powerless.”12
Kelli observed something interesting after her internship
experience at the American Kennel Club headquarters in New
York in 2006. “I think it is much harder owning a dog in New
York City, so if you do own a dog there, it’s because you truly
appreciate that dog. It’s much easier to go buy a dog and just
throw it in your back yard here (in a rural area) than it is to own
one there (in an urban area) where you have no yard and have to
walk the dog in all types of weather. That takes real dedication.”13

IT HAPPENED TO ME: THE BOND IN ACTION

Reshoma Banerjee volunteers with a rescue
organization that makes a difference for abused
animals. She recalls one specific story about a husky
named Mooney. “I immediately felt connected to him
because both my college and middle school’s mascot
had been a husky. I was terribly saddened by his
story. Mooney’s former owners had neglected him.
They did not feed him properly and left him outside all
the time. So because he was devoid of any human
care and love, flies had chewed off his ears. He also
tested positive for heartworm. Mooney wound up
getting adopted by a wonderful couple with a
beautiful home and another husky. Not only is he in a
much better place where he is loved and cared for, he
also has a playmate! He’ll never be lonely again.”

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MAKING A DIFFERENCE:
THE POWER OF THE INTERNET

The Internet influences all of us by spreading information and

knowledge and bringing together people from all over the
world and from all types of situations. We can learn almost
instantly about topics like responsible pet ownership, various
animal breeds and species, and new breakthroughs in
veterinary science. It is also a marvelous source for people
seeking adoptive pets, purchasing animal-related
products/supplies, or just as a means to share photos of pets
with other online buddies. The ability to share so much
information to so many, however, can be a double-edged sword.
While some people may use the Internet to search for the
perfect dog to adopt, others use it for questionable, unethical,
or illegal purposes. The Internet may be a very important and
powerful tool for disseminating an endless amount of positive
information, but it also has a dark side.
The anonymity of information disbursed on the Internet has
made it the perfect breeding ground for stories and graphic
displays on many controversial subjects, including
pornography, racial hatred, religious cults, adult predators,
and, unfortunately, various forms of animal abuse. The rapid
growth of peer-to-peer networks such as YouTube and
MySpace has created even more opportunities to expose teens
to disturbing stories and graphic depictions of animals that are
tortured, abused, neglected, maimed, or killed. While teens may
easily exchange harmless information with other teens through
these networks, they have now also become the innocent
recipients of upsetting images and information.
In addition to this visual assault on the unknowing, the
power of the Internet is coupled with failed efforts at policing
online sites and lack of control over the type of content
displayed. As a result, animal abusers can find and
communicate with others who have similar tastes. Some
people also use sites such as MySpace or YouTube to promote
the violent abuse of animals as “entertainment.” When you

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consider that MySpace alone hosts millions of users

worldwide and appeals especially to teens, it is apparent that
displaying animal abuse there can potentially target young
people. Even more horrifying is that it also exposes how many
young people are actually turned on by explicit depictions of
animal abuse. The reaction of getting a “rush” watching one
animal kill another can translate into other perversions and
crimes. One of the latest Internet fads is that of “crush
videos,” where animals are tortured and killed using sexually
explicit forms of torture.
Is it enough for teens to know that animal abuse is wrong
and that not everything displayed online is acceptable, or can
teens actually use their own unique resources and abilities to
make a difference? While the easy, instant dissemination of
information via the Internet seems to be a substantial part of
the problem, it may also be the solution. Many young people
feel they should harness the power of the Internet to counteract
the negative ways it is being used—by enlisting that very same
tool to spread the word that animal abuse is wrong. Online
websites from organizations such as In Defense of Animals
(www.idausa.org) use the very same peer-to-peer networks to
spread awareness and encourage people to report animal abuse
to the proper government regulatory agencies. Until a solution
is found to better control the content displayed online, many
humane organizations are choosing to use MySpace and other
high-volume sites to promote a very different message. By
posting videos and other graphic illustrations with a strong
message about why animal abuse is wrong and displaying them
on the same sites that exploit animals, their collective goal is to
help educate people to the horrors of animal abuse.
Reshoma Banerjee suggests that teens who love animals and
are interested in eliminating animal abuse and neglect should
harness the power of the Internet to help spread the word
individually to all their friends, online groups, and chatrooms.
She feels that teens and young adults can make a difference by
just being aware of the world around them and by seeking aid
for animals in need.

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STOP ANIMAL CRUELTY: WAYS TEENS CAN HELP
While this book is primarily concerned with adolescents from
the United States and Canada, teens across the globe can
help stop animal abuse by following some of these
suggestions:

6 Learn to identify and recognize animals that have been or

are being abused.
6 Get help. If you see someone hurting an animal or see any
animal who looks sick, injured, or deprived of adequate
food, water, or shelter, contact the police, local animal
care, control agency, hotline, or an adult you can trust.
Write the facts down while they are fresh in your mind so
nothing will be forgotten or left out. Do not try to help the
animal yourself, because you might get hurt, especially
with an animal that is injured or fearful.
6 Educate family, friends, and others about animal cruelty
and its connection with human violence and other forms of
abuse by sharing information from organizations such as
the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to
Animals (ASPCA), the Humane Society of the United States
(HSUS), and local humane organizations in your area.
6 Be a responsible pet owner. Show others how to properly
treat animals by caring for your own pets with kindness.
6 Report websites that encourage animal abuse to their
service providers so the sites can be removed.
6 Start an animal protection club at your school or get
involved in the HSUS Teen Network, a free online service
that provides members with e-mail updates on animals and
environmental topics. Other humane organizations and
animal registries also have online chats and blogs.

For more information, check online at www.aspca.org,

www.akc.org, and www.hsus.org.14

High school student Ruth Toht has a real bond with her
hamster, Domino, and doesn’t understand how people can hurt
animals. “All animals do is make you happy. But there are times
I can kind of see the reason why they might want to. I’m not at
120 all saying it’s right, but maybe they’re just in a bad situation
 Defending the Innocent: Animal Abuse and Environmental Concerns

themselves and wind up taking it out on the animal. Or, like,

the kind of thing that happened to me in 2006. I was just
walking my grandma’s dog and a loose dog attacked. It bit my
grandma’s dog, but luckily it didn’t get me. This is one of those
situations that make me understand why some people can fear
animals or react by hurting them because they’re afraid of them
or afraid of what they might do.”

ANIMAL ADOPTION AND RESCUE

“Rescuing an animal is more than just giving them

somewhere to live. It’s taking that innocence and
giving it back to them because then they’re not living
in fear again and wondering ‘Am I going to be able to
eat tomorrow? Am I going to be hit tomorrow? Or am I
going to be beaten or shot . . . or whatever it might
be.’”—Kyle Fetters, suburban Illinois teen15

Animal companions can enrich our lives in many ways. But

without the proper awareness and knowledge of how to be a
responsible pet owner or animal guardian, adding an animal to
a household can have disastrous consequences instead.
Sometimes the best intentions don’t always turn out to be
the right solutions. When she first started college, Kelli was
faced with an unexpected dilemma. “My dad came to visit me
during my freshman year in college and he showed up at my
door with a kitten he found in the middle of the road! He had
actually stopped traffic in this four-lane road, got out of his car,
and picked up this tiny kitten. It was the size of my hand! Even
though that was a very noble thing he did, I’m standing there
thinking, ‘What am I going to do with this cat, ’cause I’ve got
dogs!?’”16
Many people make poor decisions about the types of animal
they bring into their lives. Mismatches between pet and owner
often result in the neglect or abandonment of the animal, as
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A PERSONAL GLIMPSE: HELPING ABUSED ANIMALS
Kyle Fetters’s family has adopted dogs and cats for many
years. “We’re just kind of an ‘out-there’ family, kind of open and
loud. The dogs we have right now come from a shelter. These
are dogs that had been abused, but over time you can see them
coming into their comfort zone being around us. And it’s great
to see that! I mean, here you have this dog that when you adopt
them and bring them home, you’re not really sure if they’re
ever going to open up to you, let alone anyone else, and it’s
just so great seeing that happen! Whether it takes a couple
months or longer though, they really do open up. It makes their
lives so much better by just being good to them.”17

well as damage to homes and property. There are thousands of

animals in shelters or rescues and foster care that have been
given up by owners who cannot care for them properly or have
been humanely removed from abusive and/or neglectful
environments. In addition to dogs and cats, there are also many
rescue organizations specializing in other types of pets,
including birds, ferrets, reptiles, monkeys, horses, and rabbits.
The intense compassion for animals that Christy Anderson
demonstrated at a very young age eventually impacted many lives
in multiple ways. While attending college, she began Wright-Way
Rescue, an animal shelter run solely by college students (with
high school and adult volunteers). Within just a few years, the
privately run southern Illinois shelter demonstrated one of the
top adoption rates in the state and caught the attention of the
PETCO Foundation. Since 2004, Christy and her dedicated staff
have made the eight-hour trip twice a month from the southern
tip of Illinois to a far northwestern Chicago suburb with a van
full of adoptable dogs and cats for adoption weekends at a
PETCO store. In 2007 they planned to open a second facility in
one of Chicago’s northern suburbs.
In high school, Christy began working with rescue groups as
well as finding homes for stray dogs she brought home. After
graduation, she moved to Carbondale, Illinois, to attend college
122 at Southern Illinois University (SIU). Christy describes herself as
 Defending the Innocent: Animal Abuse and Environmental Concerns

Christy checks the information on a puppy available for adoption at a

PETCO-sponsored adoption event. Photo used with permission,
Jeffrey Green, Total Recall Dog Training.

just being a “normal” college student at first, involved in

studies and the SIU Equestrian Team. But when a friend living
off campus decided he wanted to get a puppy, the two of them
went to the local animal pound to adopt a puppy. Although
Christy had been to a similar facility in Chicago, this experience
proved to be much different.
“When we got to Animal Control, they were going around
and checking off dogs that were scheduled to be euthanized later
that day. I wanted to take each of them, but we couldn’t; we
could only take one. I couldn’t believe how many animals were
just being put to sleep, because most of the dogs there were very
adoptable.” And Christy knew that given enough time, she
could find homes for each of them. But these dogs weren’t going
to be around the next day. That’s when Christy decided this was
what she wanted to do with her life. When she rented her first
place and began the “official shelter,” she had no idea it would
become anything other than a way for her to fulfill her love for
animals and help them find homes. “I didn’t picture it getting
big. When I first started the shelter, I was doing five or six
adoptions a year. Now I am responsible for twelve hundred
adoptions a year! And it grew that way in only three years.”
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And with that amazing growth, Christy had to learn many

different skills, including fund-raising, managing employees,
administrative details, and every aspect of running a not-for-
profit business—skills that also help her in other areas of her
life. Because Christy and the other shelter members are so
young, they weren’t taken seriously by the rescue community
until their adoption numbers were included in PETCO and
Petfinder’s statistics. “Then people started asking, ‘What’s
going on? Who are these people? Who are these kids?’” As the
shelter grew, Christy knew she needed a larger facility. The
twenty-two-year-old purchased a former bar and grill, using
money she had personally earned and saved along with money
loaned to her by a family member. Wright-Way Rescue is
currently housed on a three-acre property with three buildings,
walking paths, and trails. In addition to the animal shelter and
isolation area used to monitor new or ill animals, Christy plans
to open a dog park and turn the third building into a low-cost
spay/neuter clinic to service the counties of southern Illinois and
offer club-style obedience classes where people pay an annual
fee for unlimited time, so students in the area can afford to
participate. “If we provide a fenced-in area so they can give
their dogs exercise and wear themselves out, the animals will be
a little better behaved and the students are then more likely to
keep their animals.”18
Christy is also exploring the possibility of a career in animal
behavior and continuing with studies in that field. This would
only help the animals she cares so much about since it would
equip her even further to be able to handle the rescue animals
that come into the shelter and need to be worked with in order
to become adoptable.
Kelli has sound advice for teens who are thinking about
getting a dog: “Think about adopting one that doesn’t have a
home before going to a breeder. Breeders almost always have
homes for their puppies because they have the resources, but
there are so many dogs that don’t have a home. It goes back to
people not seeing dogs as individuals and beings that also have
their own personalities and feelings.”19

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5555555555555
IT HAPPENED TO ME: THE BOND IN ACTION
Jessica Katz had life-changing experiences volunteering at the
avian rescue organization A Refuge for Saving the Wildlife. This
no-kill parrot rescue, rehabilitation, and educational adoption
shelter is nestled in a quiet suburb in the Midwest. “There is as
much diversity in the domestic birds at the Refuge as one
would find in people walking the streets of a large city.
Personality wise—the birds can be as sweet as Peachy—a born
cuddler—or as unsocial as a recluse. I loved the variation in
birds and their personalities, especially the challenge of
working with the larger ‘toos.’ Needless to say, my cage-
cleaning skills have skyrocketed, as well as my ability to do so
with minimal damage from the beaks of birds who despise
women for one reason or another. Many birds at the Refuge
have preference to the sex of their human handlers, and I
believe this preference is tied into how they were raised, or is
the result of negative experiences. The turn-in sheets in almost
every bird’s file explained their presence at the Refuge:
divorce, death of an owner, an owner’s illness, a bird’s
aggression towards a member of the family, a birth in the
family, or even the paltry excuse of not having enough time to
care for a remarkable avian. It was heartbreaking, and through
reading and compiling the information for each individual bird, I
was able to associate behaviors with trauma, discover
remarkable vocal or trick abilities that merely needed the right
trigger, and even a bird’s favorite foods. The biographies
posted at http://rescuethebirds.org are something I am very
proud of, and by letting me into the lives of his birds I could see
I had also gained Rich’s trust—another invaluable commodity.
The conclusion is simple: they let me into their lives. ‘They’
being the birds, Rich, Karen (volunteer coordinator), the other
volunteers—they treated me like family. In TV shows or movies,
the intern is often represented as a very young person (usually
referred to as the ‘kid’) who is always sent out for coffee, or
given the least-desired tasks. At the Refuge, however, other
volunteers would thank me for lightening their load! I would
feel like arguing with them over their gratitude—teaching me
about their experience with birds made me feel just as
grateful, and humble. Then again, anyone treated to a large
Military Macaw’s fully extended wings flapping up a storm
might feel a bit insignificant.”20

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Not all teens live in families that share or even encourage

their love for animals. The reasons for this can vary from simple
practicality—such as household members with allergies or
living where pets aren’t allowed—to more complex issues. One
or both parents might work long hours, travel often, or have
other time commitments that make them unavailable to
supervise or care for an animal. They may never have
experienced positive interaction with animals, or they may have
been frightened by one when young and never outgrew their
fear. And if their own parents didn’t encourage compassion for
animals, they might not want to make the adjustments
necessary or even understand why their teens want to have an
animal.
Growing up in homes that do not allow pets or with family
members that feel animals are too much work or just a lot of
mess can make teens who love animals feel lonely, isolated, and
misunderstood, sometimes making them feel angry and
resentful or that something is missing. However, there are
several things such teens can do to overcome the imbalance
between their desire to interact and bond with animals and
their inability to do so in their own households.

Young people willing to adopt or who volunteer at shelters can make

a tremendous difference in the lives of these animals. Photo used
126 with permission, Jeffrey Green, Total Recall Dog Training.
 Defending the Innocent: Animal Abuse and Environmental Concerns

RENT-A-FRIEND!
It’s not always possible for teens to have their own
companion animals. But by “adopting” a “surrogate” pet, they
can still connect with an animal in a very meaningful way.
Although she wasn’t allowed to own a dog growing up, Reshoma
Banerjee began volunteering for a local animal shelter called
Illinois Humane (www.illinoishumane.org) shortly after she
moved to Springfield, Illinois. Many pet stores around the
country sponsor weekend animal rescue/shelter adoption
events, so Reshoma went to one of the pet adoption sites in
Springfield, introduced herself, and told the agency that she
wanted to volunteer. “I went in the very next day and did a shift,
and have vounteered there pretty much every weekend since. I
am making a huge difference for the animals because I spend
time with them and give them some of the care and love they
need. It gives me a lot of satisfaction knowing that I am helping
animals find better homes. Through this organization, I have met
many other dedicated volunteers who also want to stop animal
abuse. It’s a perfect way to network with people because you
share the common bond of loving animals. It doesn’t depend on
age, race, [or] economic or politial status. No one judges you;
they just know you love animals.”21

Animals who wind up in shelters are often very scared,

lonely, and confused. And shelter staff members are often
overworked and understaffed. It may be difficult for them to
give one-on-one attention to the animals because they are so
busy handling paperwork and following legal guidelines. By
volunteering in a shelter, you help both the staff and the animals
by keeping cages clean and water dishes filled, and taking dogs
outside for brief walks and play. You can have a positive impact
in animals’ lives this way and, at the same time, have the
opportunity to interact and bond with them. An added perk is
that you might also meet and become friends with other teen
volunteers at the shelter. 127
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ANIMAL RESCUE AND FOSTERING

In addition to animal shelters that house multiple animals in an

institutionalized setting, there are also animal rescue groups
that place individual animals with individual volunteers in
foster homes. Every dog and cat breed has at least one rescue
group that focuses on finding homes for animals of that specific
breed. The dedicated people involved in rescue and foster care
are usually very familiar and knowledgeable about the
particular species or breed they work with, making them better
equipped to work through any behavioral issues that might be
specific to that type of animal. There are also general animal
rescue groups and individuals that provide volunteer care for
injured animals or mixed breeds. Much like their human
counterpart, foster homes can offer animals specialized one-on-
one care to help make them more adoptable.
When a neighbor asked Julie Kisman’s mom if she would be
interested in another collie, she initially declined, since the
family already had two collies. But when she heard the dog’s
owner was going into a nursing home, she agreed to foster the
dog and help find him a new home. Patrick, as Julie’s family
later called him, slowly became a part of their family and dog
pack. About two weeks later, sixteen-year-old Julie was surfing
online and came across a website for the organization Collie
Rescue of Greater Illinois. She e-mailed the organization about
Patrick and explained how her family had come to foster him.
Collie Rescue sent someone to the Kisman home to evaluate
Patrick and explain more about their process of fostering and
adopting, and offered to post a photo of Patrick on the group’s
website so he could find a new home. About a month later,
Julie’s mom got a call that someone was interested in adopting
Patrick. Although Julie was thrilled, a part of her was also very
sad. “After having him so long, my heart started to ache and
tears flowed. A part of me didn’t want him to leave and go to a
new family! But I did what rescue groups refer to as a ‘home
visit’ where I could check out the people who did eventually
adopt him and he really fit the new family very well.”
With the approval of her parents, Julie fostered several other
128 collies through Collie Rescue over the next few years. Each dog
 Defending the Innocent: Animal Abuse and Environmental Concerns

has a different story, including one who wound up going into

rescue at the same time she was undergoing heartworm
treatment. Although the dog had to be kept quiet and crated for
three to four weeks, her treatment was a success. But Julie and
her family did not adopt her out right away. Although taking in
animals like this can be very labor and time intensive, especially
with medical issues needing special care, these animals often
touch their foster “parents” in a very special way. Julie found it
especially difficult to give her up after forming such a close
bond. “Colleen stayed with us for a good six months until she
got adopted. Giving her to a new family after forming such a
close bond was very difficult, especially bringing her through
the treatment and not really knowing if she was going to make
it in the end. I still keep in touch via e-mail with the family who
adopted her.”
While young people who choose to help foster animals that
need extra medical attention may be more extraordinary, the
rewards of helping in any capacity with rescued, abused, or
abandoned animals is huge. Julie offers advice for teens who
might want to help animals but don’t know where to begin.
“Just look online. There are tons of different sites for animal
rescue groups all over the country. Or look in your local
newspaper or phone book for local shelters and call to see if
they need extra help. Although most of the work that needs to
be done is volunteer and not always glamorous, doing what you
can to help will at least get you started. I enjoy helping sick and
unwanted animals and feel it is very rewarding in the end. It
really helped me get through my teen years. Whenever I felt my
parents weren’t listening for whatever reason, I would be able
to turn to one of my dogs. I figured they can’t talk back!”22

BIRDS AND OTHER ANIMALS IN NEED

Although most people think of dogs and cats when they think
of animal rescue, many other types of animals that have been
abused or abandoned, or are no longer able to be cared for by
their human owners, also need help. Animals such as ferrets,
horses, birds, reptiles, and other “exotics” often find 129
Chapter 5

themselves in the care of people who did not realize what they
were getting themselves into when they first acquired the
animal. People may think it would be “cool” to own a parrot,
sugar glider, or tortoise because they are unusual pets, but after
the novelty wears off and they discover how much time is really
required to care for the needs of these wild animals, they often
think differently.
For example, cockatoos and macaws require tremendous
amounts of attention and interaction. These intelligent birds
have long life spans and a natural propensity to create messes,
noise, and damage when bored. And, like dogs and cats, they
can develop behavioral issues during adolescence that can
escalate and challenge even the most attentive owners. Chase
Herndon and his parents have an African gray parrot named
Yoshi. Chase offers an example of just how intelligent these
birds are. “I am real strong with Yoshi because I work with him
the most besides my dad. We get along well, and Yoshi and I
talk to each other. African grays can have huge vocabularies,
and he communicates with us quite well, way more than people
expect. My friends are always amazed that Yoshi actually
knows what he’s saying. And I mean actual words. For
example, when the phone rings, he’ll say, ‘Hello’ as soon as
someone picks it up. If you do the “charge” whistle, he’ll say,
‘Go Bears!’ He’ll imitate the dogs and cats. He’ll imitate my
mom’s voice and say my dad’s name in her voice. And he’s
always learning new things all the time. Frequently we don’t
even know where he picks it up!”23
Dogs and cats have been domesticated for centuries, but
birds are not domesticated. Their wild tendencies are still there.
While many people think they can leave birds alone in a cage all
day or just throw some birdseed in and say hi once in a while
and they’ll be okay, that is not the case. When birds are
deprived of social interaction, they eventually develop behavior
problems. Parrots and other birds require human guardians
willing to learn about bird behavior and dedicated to meeting
those needs for a lifetime that may exceed their own. Most
people are unable or unwilling to give these birds the attention
they need, so when birds develop problem behaviors, their
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 Defending the Innocent: Animal Abuse and Environmental Concerns

owners get rid of them—or worse, they lose interest and neglect
or abuse them instead. However, birds—especially those in the
parrot family—can live for decades, and once they develop
unsuitable behaviors it can be very difficult to make them
suitable for someone else to adopt.
Rich Weiner depends on numerous volunteers to help with
the dozens of birds he rescues. Many of these workers are teens
and young adults. “Volunteers come to us for different reasons.
Sometimes it’s because they need something to do, or something
to connect with. Maybe they have a love for animals but have
no idea about birds and are curious. Or sometimes they actually
have birds and then they’ll start to volunteer to get more
experience. When they come to work with us, they get to
handle many different kinds of birds and see which type works
out best for them. Whether the teens volunteer every day,
weekly, or only once a month, it still takes time to really
understand how to care for a bird, the long term commitment
involved, and why it is so important to learn. That is the
greatest impact.”24
Some animals may not require the same daily consistency and
interaction that birds need, as long as their physical needs are
taken care of. For example, horses may not need to be ridden
each day as long as their basic survival needs (food, water, clean
stall, etc.) are met. And if they are allowed some interaction with
other horses and/or humans, they won’t develop behavioral
problems. Birds in captivity, on the other hand, consider humans
as their flock. When the owner is gone, the bird is isolated from
its flock. Rich explains, “That’s what makes them fearful. In the
wild, they live in flocks of hundreds, so it makes them feel
isolated if they are alone even for short periods of time. When
they are taken out of their natural environments and into
captivity, you have essentially set yourself up as a substitute for
their natural flock. It is detrimental to their well-being to deprive
them of human contact, especially if they are the only bird in the
house. And it’s harder to keep a bird as a companion animal
because every day you need to re-create the bond. Every day is a
blank slate. You have to keep creating and reestablishing that
bond daily so they understand that you are their flock mate.”25
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The Refuge does not usually place birds with teens or college
students because most young people are too busy for the
commitment a parrot needs. While birds like cockatoos and
macaws may not be the best pet for even the most patient teen,
there are teens and young adults who successfully have other
types of birds, such as parakeets and cockatiels. And
involvement with birds may also lead to a lifelong love for all
types of animals. Teens interested in becoming involved with
birds should work with them in order to first learn what the
birds are all about. Otherwise, the bird pays the consequence.
Rich states that his goal is to put himself out of the rescue
business by getting the word out and helping educate the public
so one day there will no longer be birds in need of rescuing.

MAKING A DIFFERENCE:
POLITICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES

In August 2005, the United States experienced one of the

deadliest hurricanes to make landfall in our recorded history.
According to Wikipedia, Hurricane Katrina was also the most
costly national disaster on record, causing extreme devastation
along the north-central Gulf Coast. Portions of the greater New
Orleans area were completely destroyed when levees and canals
breached, flooding 80 percent of the city and surrounding
areas. Nearly two thousand people and untold numbers of
animal companions, wildlife, farm animals, and others lost
their lives in Hurricane Katrina, and countless animal
companions were lost or separated from their human families.26
No matter what part of the country we live in, none of us is
fully prepared for the devastation natural disasters can cause to
the environment. Unless you experience it firsthand, there is no
way to accurately describe the fury of a hurricane, the
suddenness of a tornado, or the shock of an earthquake. While
some parts of the country regularly have to deal with these and
other natural disasters—including wildfires, flooding,
avalanches, blizzards, and ice storms—most teens never
experience any of these until they go to college in another part
of the country. In addition to the effect these powerful natural
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 Defending the Innocent: Animal Abuse and Environmental Concerns

forces can have on pets and other domestic animals, the impact
on regional wildlife can be intense, since each of these natural
disasters can damage or destroy the ecology of the area and
may require different responses.
So what can teens do to help with environmental and
ecological issues? And what kind of impact can just one teen
make? Kaylah has a real passion for ecology and feels there are
many ways that teens and young adults can make a difference
in the world when it comes to environmental and ecological
issues. “There are endless opportunities! Write letters to your
representatives, start recycling programs at school and at home,
and tell your friends about what they can do to help. You can
even go online and adopt a whale! Educating ourselves about
environmental causes is most crucial as we get older, including
spreading that knowledge to our peers. While natural disasters
are devastating to the area, I also think it’s also nature’s way of
reminding us we can’t control everything. Disasters like Katrina
may destroy the ecology of that area for a while, but you can
look at it as a clean slate. People can build in the area again and
hopefully be more sensitive to the environment.”27 Chase also
feels teens can make a huge difference by just getting involved.
“Look around your community for ways to get involved. There
are plenty of animal shelters and environmental clubs ready to
serve and be served by passionate teens. In addition, teens have
unparalleled energy for topics that combine with their love for
animals. When nurtured by the right organizations and
mentors, teenagers can contribute proactively in many causes.
While teens may find it difficult to make an impact with
legislation when they are too young to vote, it is important that
teens develop their own values to bring to the polls or to their
jobs if they decide to get involved in government later on in
life.”28
For teens interested in animal-related social or legal issues,
there are many ways to get involved and help make a difference
where age and experience won’t matter. Alert the news media to
the problem by contacting local TV news stations or programs
such as 60 Minutes. Contact your local newspapers. If possible,
search for reporters who have done other animal-related stories
133

Chapter 5

Pop Culture—Legally Blonde 2

The movie Legally Blonde 2 addresses the subject of animal abuse
and clearly shows how young people can make a difference in the
lives of animals when they put their mind to it. In this movie, the
heroine (played by Reese Witherspoon) introduces a bill to stop
animal abuse and testing on animals (“Bruiser’s Bill”) and leaves
her law firm to work in Washington, D.C., as a lobbyist for animal
rights. Witherspoon’s character goes through a long, laborious
process to uncover information about various politicians and the
dogs they’ve owned so she can subsequently play on their
emotions and love for dogs to secure votes for the bill, which,
predictably, wins out in the end.
Of course, that is Hollywood’s version of how things turn out
happily every after. Unfortunately, initiating and passing
legislation is usually a long, complex process that involves a
great deal of work, finances, and support. For teens interested in
careers in law or politics, working in the area of animal rights or
environmental issues can be an ideal way of combining a career
with a love for animals.

and may be animal lovers themselves. You can even express

your views by attending town or village meetings or writing to
local, state, or other governmental officials about the issue. The
important thing is to do something!
There are many national organizations and advocacy groups
involved in legislative issues. If they are made aware of the
problem, they might be willing to lend a hand and use their
voice and funds to help. At the very least, they might be able to
suggest another course of action that you might not have
thought of. There are also an increasing number of colleges and
universities offering courses on animal ethics and animal
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 Defending the Innocent: Animal Abuse and Environmental Concerns

welfare issues. Even a number of law schools, including the law

schools at Rutgers, Indiana University, and University of
California–Berkeley, offer courses, as well as specialties, in
animal rights law.
Faye Nuddleman lives in a city that has an overabundance
of stray cats. “We have problems with people not spaying and
neutering their cats, and then they end up with kittens. When
the kittens’ eyes aren’t even open yet they dump them in a box
and set them outside of the Humane Society. I used to be a part
of the Humane Society; however, recently I have been doing
some research online to see if there is a way for me to do
anything to help increase the punishment in Iowa for animal
abusers. I would really like to see harsher punishment for
people that are abusing or neglecting animals.”29
One of the differences between generations is how each one
sees and responds to the world in general. Unlike any
generation before them, people born between 1981 to 1995,
referred to as “Generation Y,” have grown up with all kinds of
computer technology, from the Internet and video games to
iPods and text messaging. It is as natural to anyone in this
demographic group to communicate via podcasts, IMs, or blogs
as it is to see blue skies and green grass. Just the sheer amount
of information accessible to teens from all over the world is
staggering!
Kaylah feels it is this technology that enables teens to speak
with other teens throughout the world, learning from their
peers in the process. While many young people may never
experience a close bond with a companion animal, Kaylah
believes that respect for life is imperative for everyone. “I
sincerely hope anyone who has ever had a dog or cat—or
basically any relationship with any animal—can see and
understand how special they are. It is important they also
broaden that thinking and realize all animals are special and
deserve a healthy life, preferably in their natural environments,
and will want to preserve the wildlife we have, as well as take
steps toward bettering the earth’s condition. Relationships with
their pets should not only be an inspiration for teens to open
their homes and hearts to all animals, but also to encourage
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them to learn what they can do to help keep all animals safe
and healthy.” And the media, as well as other entertainment
venues such as SeaWorld, can help educate people on
environmental issues. “Pairing a show featuring trained marine
mammals with a powerful message can have a great impact on
the visitor’s lives and help everyone realize the importance of
keeping our planet healthy. Hopefully that message gets across
to teens.”30 And in making a difference in the environment,
Kaylah feels teens are making a difference for their own future
as well.
Not only is Kaylah interested in the environment, she is also
interested in political and social issues that involve the
environment. She’s trying to make a real difference by becoming
involved in politics and the legislative process and feels that
teens definitely need to get involved in the legislation to get
things changed.

IT HAPPENED TO ME: THE BOND IN ACTION

Kyle Fetters’s fascination with turtles transforms into empathy
when he finds one that needs help. His neighborhood has a couple
of lakes nearby, and one day, he spotted a rather large leatherback
turtle casually crossing the street at a turtle’s pace in the middle
of the busy road. “I was riding my bike when I saw him crossing the
street. This was a rare species and I had to do something to get him
out of danger. They’re pretty low to the ground and not that visible,
so he could have gotten run over very easily. I wound up picking
him up and carried him in my arm while riding my bike all the way
back home. I had to hold my handlebars so I carried him almost like
a Trapper Keeper or a book or something on my side. Leatherback
turtles have really long necks and can reach really far. He reached
behind and tried snapping at my arm a few times, but I got him to
my home safely. It wasn’t a big deal because it was only about a
mile ride. I do remember getting a couple of really strange looks
from people, however, as I rode by! He actually wound up doing
pretty well, so I let him go toward the end of the summer
so he could get ready for winter”31

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 Defending the Innocent: Animal Abuse and Environmental Concerns

There are also internships available for teens interested in

political or environmental issues. By 2006, Kaylah had already
had the incredible experience of participating in several
internships programs involving marine animals, and she
continues to look for additional internship experiences. One
internship program she has been investigating is with
Greenpeace, an organization known worldwide for its work
with marine environmental issues. In addition to career
opportunities, it has a student network that offers many
opportunities for teens to get involved in global issues.
Teens can also get involved in environmental and ecological
issues by joining school-supported clubs or groups. Chase
participated in his school’s Environmental Club, where high
school students helped clean up their local environment and
encouraged riding bikes instead of driving cars to school.
“Sierra Club is a great place to start, either by joining or just
checking out information on their website. It’s a huge
organization that provides tons of information as well as
opportunities to work hands on. Working as a volunteer with
local forest preserves is great too.”32
Once teens turn eighteen, there is yet another powerful tool
at their disposal: They can vote. Frequently, it is the
environmental issues that inspire Chase to actually get to the
polls, because he feels he can tell a lot about a politician’s
character by the way he or she treats the things that can’t vote,
such as the environment or animals.
Regardless which area of concern they are interested in,
it is possible for young people to make a difference for animals.
Kyle sums up why he believes so strongly in helping abused or
abandoned animals, as well as all animals needing our help: “In
a way, it’s all about loyalty. It’s about showing [the animals] and
giving them a reason to trust you and to trust people again. And
just giving them a reason to trust is a great thing!”33
Although love may be the primary impetus in the human
relationship with animals, there can be no real love without
responsibility. It takes dedication as well as being caring and
compassionate. That’s all it takes. But involvement in the
welfare of animals is considered by many to be just a small token
of gratitude for their contribution to the welfare of humankind. 137
Chapter 5

NOTES

1. Kaylah Dodd, interview with the author, September 2006.

2. Katie Green, conversation with the author, December 2006.
3. Faye Nuddleman, interview with the author, April 2007.
4. Rich Weiner, interview with the author, November 11, 2006.
5. Weiner, interview with the author, November 11, 2006.
6. Laurel Lagoni, e-mail to the author, April 17, 2007.
7. In Defense of Animals, “Teens Make and Post Video of Dog
Killing Cat,” IDA Newsletter 6, no. 5 (January 31, 2007),
www.idausa.org (accessed September 18, 2007).
8. “Men Accused of Taping Pit Bull Killing Cat Appear in Court,”
WGAL, June 1, 2006, http://www.wgal.com/news/9305091/detail.html
(accessed May 10, 2007).
9. Ellen Shapiro, “Animal CSI,” People, March 26, 2007, 113–14.
10. Dodd, interview with the author, September 2006.
11. Kelli Herbel, interview with the author, September 2006.
12. Green, e-mail to the author, March 2007.
13. Herbel, interview with the author, September 2006.
14. Tip Sources: www.aspca.org, www.akc.org, www.hsus.org
(March 30, 2007).
15. Fetters, interview with the author, September 2006.
16. Herbel, interview with the author, September 2006.
17. Fetters, interview with the author, September 2006.
18. Christy Anderson, interview with the author, August 19, 2006.
19. Herbel, e-mail to the author, September 2006.
20. Jessica Katz, e-mail to the author, December 2006.
21. Reshoma Banerjee, e-mail to the author, December 2006.
22. Julie Kisman, e-mail to the author, March 2006.
23. Chase Herndon, interview with the author, February 2006.
24. Weiner, interview with the author, November 11, 2006.
25. Weiner, interview with the author, November 11, 2006.
26. Wikipedia, “Hurricane Katrina,” http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/
Hurricane_Katrina (accessed April 14, 2007).
27. Dodd, interview with the author, September 2006.
28. Herndon, interview with the author, February 2007.
29. Nuddleman, interview with the author, April 2007.
30. Dodd, interview with the author, September 2006.
31. Fetters, interview with the author, September 2006.
32. Herndon, interview with the author, February 2007.
33. Fetters, interview with the author, September 2006.
138
 The Bonds of
6 Trust: How
Animals Help
with Emotional
and Social Issues
and Interactions

As humans, we all have a basic need to be loved. However,

it’s also important to be accepted for who we are. The
relationship between a teen and a companion animal is much
less judgmental than one with difficult family members or
peers. This is not to say that a human-animal relationship
should become a substitute for healthy human-human social
interaction, but rather that the human-animal bond can serve
as a catalyst for riding through difficult times, a “time-out”
stress buster without heartbreak, rejection, or failure. And
because that bond remains consistent and unconditional,
animals can provide a feeling of stability when everything else
around us is not.
Vet assistant Kristy Kosinski feels that animals can definitely
help teens who are having problems. “But it also isn’t fair to the
animal if it was purchased purely for ‘Hey kid, you’re sad, have
a kitten.’ I’m very pro-responsible-ownership first. And by
responsible pet ownership, I mean adopting/rescuing when
possible, and providing proper nutrition, as much enrichment
as possible through mutual companionship, and adequate
veterinary care.”1

GETTING ALONG WITH PEOPLE: FAMILY SUPPORT

Most young people who have a passion for animals and

eventually get involved in some sort of animal-related career or
hobby do not suddenly wake up one morning and decide they
like animals. Many of these teens have just always had a heart
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5555555555555
A PERSONAL GLIMPSE
“None of my friends really understood what I was going
through. They thought I was just being moody. Although they
tried to cheer me up by cracking jokes and trying to get me to
do stuff with them, they never really did or said the right thing.
Oh, I went along with them because I didn’t want them to think I
was a total dork. But I was only going through the motions and
pretending to be having fun. I was too depressed to enjoy
anything. And I don’t think they even realized that. The only one
that really knew what to do to make me feel better enough to
laugh and cry was my dog. He just took one look at me when I
felt down, cuddled up next to me and slowly kissed me. Then
he’d roll on his back, put on a silly grin, and make the funniest
sounds that sounded like “Row, woo, row,” like he was trying to
tell me everything was going to be all right. And he made me
feel like it really was.”—Katie Green2

for animals, while others were brought up with animals or had

parents or grandparents who encouraged them to pursue the
human-animal bond.
Brigitte Mason has had a tremendous amount of
encouragement and parental support when it comes to her
involvement with horses. “My mom shows her mare, too, so we
always go to the [horse] shows together. I’m very close to my
mom and also to my dad. I think I have such a close
relationship with them because they do support me.”3
In addition to being influenced by Steve Irwin, Kyle Fetters
believes that an early common interest in nature gave him a
closer bond with his grandmother, who was instrumental in his
involvement with reptiles. “My grandmother was my driver
when I was young. She’d take me to different nature places after
work or on her days off. I’d just walk around the lake with my
net, finding all sorts of creatures with her.”4

FAMILY CONFLICT

Not all teens get along with their parents. Or they may
140 experience conflict with one parent more than another. In these
 How Animals Help with Emotional and Social Issues and Interactions

“I think I had always loved animals but when Maggie

came into my life, everything just changed for me. I
needed the unconditional love an animal gives. I
mean, it’s comforting to have someone that loves
you unconditionally and for who you are.”—Reshoma
Banerjee, college graduate5

situations, animals can help smooth some of the rough spots.

Reshoma Banerjee has experienced family conflict, especially
when she was in high school. Although Reshoma’s parents
would not allow her to have a dog of her own, she found
another option. “There had been a lot of difficulties between

Animal companions can make us feel loved no matter how we feel, how we look, or how our
day is going. Drawing by Katie Green, used with permission.

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Chapter 6

me and my mother, a lot of issues with trust and everything.

Then my neighbor’s dog Maggie came into my life. It was a
miracle and she was amazing. Maggie became my surrogate
pet. She was such a wonderful dog! Every day, she would wait
by the fence for me to come home and, since she was outside a
lot, I began to go outside a lot, too, regardless of how or what I
was feeling. She gave me such a sense of tranquility. Whenever I
was having problems with my parents, I would burst outside
crying, hoping Maggie would be there just so I could just play
with her and pet her. That had such a calming effect on me. I
could just relax and forget about my troubles. She was like an
angel.”6 Jey McGahan also remembers some very rough
moments living at home. Fortunately, she had her dog, Rowan,
to confide in. She feels that having a companion animal
definitely gives teens someone to turn to if they don’t feel
comfortable talking to parents, friends, or other people about
what is going on with them.
While these two examples are typical during teen years,
some young people may actually live in family situations that
are extremely painful. For these teens, positive contact with
animals can make the difference between survival and total
defeat. With teen suicides at an all-time high, it’s important that
young people who are abused, neglected, or depressed find
someone they can trust. For many, working with animals is the
perfect solution. The bond that develops between teens who
have known abuse or neglect and an abused or neglected
animal can be extremely intense. One reason may be the
empathy these teens feel for the animal, while, at the same time,
they feel the animal truly understands how they feel. With the
animal-human bond, teens do not have to feel alone; instead
they feel needed and loved.
By working with animals that need our help, we can also
benefit from helping them in unexpected ways. In addition to
being with creatures that will not judge or criticize, teens who get
involved in volunteer work at animal shelters or other animal-
related organizations also have opportunities to interact with
other compassionate humans. For some, these chance encounters
with people that demonstrate kindness can become life changing.
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 How Animals Help with Emotional and Social Issues and Interactions

Rachel G. lives in Manhattan and had a close friend who

spent most of her time during high school volunteering at the
American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
The friend had a lot of family issues, struggled academically in
school, and was depressed, but didn’t have any pets of her
own. However, instead of seeking solace in drugs, alcohol, or
other choices with negative or self-destructive results, this
teenager sought a different path to help ease her pain. Like
Reshoma, she discovered that interaction with animals could
help her deal with her depression and difficult family
situation. Rachel explains, “So my friend volunteered at the
ASPCA almost every weekend or as often as she could. She
was so unhappy most of the time, but when she was at the
ASPCA and when she talked about the animals, she was so
happy.”7 Reshoma suggests, “Teens and young adults who
might be going through difficult times with their parents, but
don’t have pets, should do as I did, and find some kind of
surrogate pet to relax them and calm them. It will really ease
up on their stress. Or just find a place to volunteer at, like an
animal shelter. The animals there need your love just as much
as you need theirs.”8
Teens who grow up in emotionally or physically abusive
homes with parents that are critical, prejudiced, or use harsh
punishment instead of encouragement and understanding learn
that humans can be very judgmental. They can also lie, leave
you, or hurt you. Many troubled teens seem to connect better
with nonverbal animals simply because they don’t judge or
criticize. And animals give love unconditionally, something that
may be missing in the lives of many troubled teens. What is
certain is that troubled teens who find positive ways of
interacting with animals wind up doing something positive for
themselves in addition to helping these animals.
Richelle Hellpap says, “Animals actually do help. I have
seen it myself. One of my friends was very depressed. Then
she got a pet and that helped her. It’s like she now has
someone to explain things to and she has someone to take
care of. The animal needs her so she feels needed. Now she
has a reason to live.”9
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WHEN IT ISN’T YOUR FAULT : DIVORCE AND OTHER

FAMILY PROBLEMS

“There’s a dark side to everything in life. But if you

bring the light side out, it tends to overpower the
dark. It’s amazing how animals always know how to
do that.”—Kyle Fetters, suburban Illinois teen10

Can having pets help teens in other family situations as well,

such as divorce, parents fighting with each other, dealing with
siblings, and underage drinking, drug abuse, or other issues?
Jessica Katz’s family went through some major changes during
her parents’ divorce, but her standard schnauzer, Hobbs, was
there for her. “She is a very big part of my life. When everything
in my family moved around she was the only thing that kept me
confident. About ten days before I moved to college, my parents
told me they were getting a divorce and one of them was
moving out. It was terrifying when I came home for that first
Thanksgiving break, and basically walked into an empty house.
But the one rock in the ocean was my dog. I love her so much
and I am so grateful for her.”11
Dana Bouchard has experienced that trauma herself, but
was helped through those tough times by her animals. She says,
“ During my parents divorce, I would hear them fighting all the
time late at night and it hurt to hear. It was a very rough time in
my life. And those times when I needed somebody right then
and there, my dog, Angel, would always be there.”12
After a teen’s parents divorce, subsequent dating or
remarriage can create difficult situations as well. Christina
Aviza had major adjustments to make after her parents
divorced and her mother remarried. “Although I didn’t have
Kitty yet when my parents went through their divorce, I did
have her when my mom married my stepdad. Although my
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 How Animals Help with Emotional and Social Issues and Interactions

family always said that there won’t be repercussions, there

always were. But I could ‘talk’ to Kitty and she would never
lash out. I could yell with her, I could cry, and she would never
get angry. She would never ground me. I could tell her how I felt
about my stepdad and she wouldn’t tell me that it was wrong.
So instead of getting angry at them, I could just sit with her and
mellow out. I’d listen to her purr, feel her heartbeat, and it
would calm me down. Kitty gave me a total feeling of peace.”13

DATING AND OTHER SOCIAL ISSUES

“Every human being needs some form of consistency

to obtain some kind of normalcy in their life, whether
it’s a parent, sibling, or significant other. Mine just
happens to be my dog.”—Mary Dyrhaug, college
graduate14

The teenage years and the years that follow, as young people
explore various social relationships including dating and long-
term relationships, broken hearts, and breakups, can be very
rough. At the same time, teens are dealing with the academic
challenges of high school and college. Peer pressure is at its
peak, as choices move from parental control to the teen’s
control and are often based on what their friends choose. These
changes and choices include lots of difficult decisions, some of
which can lead to danger or trouble.
Kyle feels high school can be a very hostile environment for
teens. “You’re on the brink of becoming an adult, where you’re
trying to figure yourself out and everyone else is trying to figure
themselves out. A lot of times people will just do what they
think benefits them, without hesitating or even thinking how it
could affect someone else. So when you think about it, a teen
that has a good loyal cat or dog or other pet would actually
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Companion animals can help smooth the rough times when family
tensions are high. Illustration by the author.

wind up with a much-needed comfort zone. I mean, the

animal’s not going to apologize or anything, but they can be
your companion and spend time with you regardless of
whatever you might have done or not done. Basically, animals
will appreciate you no matter what. This is the opposite of a
person, who, if you don’t do a certain thing or act a certain way
or whatever, may stab you in the back without hesitation. Not
literally, of course!”15
For teens going through tough times or dealing with issues
in their lives such as drugs, sexual orientation, low self-esteem,
learning disabilities, or even just struggling with certain
academic subjects or classes, animals can provide friendship in
a way that people often cannot. One of the great things about
animals is that they don’t fool around and avoid
communicating the truth the way humans do, nor do they
attempt to manipulate and lie.
Christina has also experienced how feeling connected to an
animal can help get through tough times. “I had a lot of social
problems in high school, mostly freshman year. I had few
friends, so sometimes, when I felt lonely, I’d grab a shoelace and
just play with Kitty. With her, I could just be myself. It
eventually became a habit, and, in a way, she also taught me not
to be as shy as I was.”16
Another difficult experience young people have to deal with
is breakups. In fact, one of the main reasons Mary Dyrhaug
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 How Animals Help with Emotional and Social Issues and Interactions

decided to get a puppy during her last semester in college was

that she was going through a breakup with a boyfriend. She had
always wanted a dog, and this seemed like the perfect timing.
“The relationship just wasn’t working out, but Mackenzie took
my mind off of it completely. Instead of constantly worrying
about whether or not he was going to call that day, I had my
dog to keep me busy and have fun with. It sounds corny, but it
worked!” She also made a startling discovery from her
experience. “Honestly, I love my dog more than any boyfriend.
She gives me more of what I need emotionally and can sense
what I’m feeling better than any guy. She’ll give me a kiss on the
cheek or come up and just cuddle at just the right moment.”
While on the surface, it might appear that Mary basically
chose to substitute a dog for her boyfriend, there is really much
more that has grown out of her bond with Mackenzie. She also
considers her dog to be a form of consistency in her life, since
she has discovered over time that human companionship is not
as predictable in duration or quality. “My friends are friends. I
love them, of course, but they’re not family. Friends come and
go. Some of the best friends I’ve ever had are no longer in my
life for one reason or another, and it’s really depressing. It’s kind
of sad because you think they’ll always be there, but then you
go your separate ways, away to different colleges, sometimes
you drift apart, or sometimes it’s more than that. Boyfriends are
slightly different because eventually they could possibly become
family. Or they can break your heart. But I know my dog’s not
going anywhere. And she won’t disappoint or hurt me. She’s my
most dependable friend. And I really think a lot of people
would say that about their pets.”17
Christina says, “After my first boyfriend and I broke up was
the time my cat and I bonded the most—mainly because the ex-
boyfriend had cheated on me. I didn’t tell my mom. Instead, I
just took Kitty into my room and cried. She appeared to be
listening, but never judging or reacting negatively. Kitty lay on
my lap, licked my hands, and just purred. Even though it didn’t
take all the pain away, it eased it quite a lot.”18
In addition to helping teens become better able to interpret
body language, caring for and interaction with animals may
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also help them understand other people’s feelings and emotions

as well. Jenn Papa relies on her companion animal for advice. “I
talk to my dog about everything. I have a boyfriend but we
have a lot of difficulties sometimes; we may agree on one thing,
and then not agree on another thing. But I just have to talk to
my dog about it. By the end of the conversation, I know what I
have to do.”19

THE HEALING POWER OF THE

HUMAN-ANIMAL BOND

“As a teen, it was very calming for me to just go and

sit with my rabbits or dogs. I would wipe my tears off
with my rabbits’ ears or I would go horseback riding.
It was where I could get away from stress and just
relax. Today I can just sit with one of my birds and it
takes me away from everyday life.”—Karen Stoner,
bird refuge volunteer coordinator20

Current social trends in the United States and other Western

countries have made the need for pets and interaction with
animals more important than at any other time in history. More
people live by themselves, without consistent human
companions, because of the increasing numbers of broken
families and increased mobility, with family members scattered
across the country. Teens may often feel they are alone, an
illusion fostered in many suburban and urban environments by
impersonality and alienation. In addition, teens, as well as
adults, are always searching for identity, for something that
confirms their uniqueness.
How does this impersonal, isolated lifestyle affect us? Or
does it affect us? Human beings have an innate need for
touching and being touched. Electronic technology has given us
many advantages, but at the same time it has removed much of
the sensory experiences we need in order to feel “connected” to
148 our world. Instead of going to movie theaters and watching a
 How Animals Help with Emotional and Social Issues and Interactions

movie with dozens of other people, we now watch that same

movie on our computer or on any of a hundred cable, satellite,
or digital TV stations—without ever leaving our bedrooms!
However, in our isolated high-tech society, it is still possible to
meet some of those sensory needs by hugging and stroking a
companion animal.

PLAY AND THE HUMAN-ANIMAL BOND

Animal companions do not disappoint us. When we’re feeling

blue, a cat or dog or horse won’t yell at us for sleeping until
noon. Instead, they poke or bark or kiss us. They do something
silly and we respond by laughing. Unlike the human approach,
animal antics often make us laugh when we’re feeling down,
which is exactly the thing we need to improve our mood. As
Katie Green puts it: “How can I feel depressed about a test
when my dog has just kissed me for ten minutes and is now
rolling around in my dirty laundry with a smile on his face that
shows pure joy? How many of my friends or family members

5555555555555
A PERSONAL GLIMPSE
While Jessica Katz was interning at A Refuge for Saving the
Wildlife, she learned that her mother had breast cancer and
required surgery. When her mom came by the Refuge just after
learning of her condition, she was promptly deemed acceptable
by a few of the birds. Jessica wrote in a journal, “On my Refuge
days, I would return home and cheer her up telling her about
the antics of seventy birds. The Refuge has become a haven for
me; I am able to set aside all of my outside worries in favor of
devoting myself to the birds. It is cathartic, and both the birds
and I benefit from such complete attention. They seem to
sense that something is different about a person who is ill
(even when not visibly so), and avian compassion shines
through. I suppose the latter half of my internship hasn’t
seemed like an internship at all; it’s really avian therapy.
Therapy dogs are a fixture in canine culture; perhaps the next
new thing will be therapy birds. I, for one, would be
enthusiastic to see if it could be done.”21

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would roll around in my dirty laundry to make me laugh?

Okay, how many would roll around in my dirty laundry and
truly enjoy it?”22
Play has a whole new meaning when you engage in it with a
companion animal. Humans often play to win, but animals’
main purpose is to have fun. With animals, the whole point of
play is to engage, and play is initiated for its own sake. It also
has the potential to elevate our mood, especially when our
companion animal’s joy merges with our own. In making our
pet happy, we forget our problems and worries and focus instead
on someone else who has the ability to live in the moment.
With the increasing number of busy dog owners comes the
need to find outlets for our pets to engage in play, especially when
they may be cooped up all day while we are at school or work.
Nowadays, people can drop dogs off at a doggie daycare center,
hire a dog walker, or take their favorite pooch to a dog park,
where they can engage in play with other canines as well as their
owners. Janet Carhuayano lives and walks dogs in Manhattan.
“Here in the city we have quite a few areas referred to as dog
runs or dog parks, where dogs can run and play, meet different
people and dogs, and where we can also meet different people
from the neighborhood. I spend pretty much all my free time at
the dog run!”23 Tracy Glickauf lives with her border collie, Risky,
in the trendy River North area in the heart of Chicago. Like
Janet, Tracy takes her dog to the dog park for a regular romp and
also to meet other dog owners. “After going to the dog park on a
daily basis, it’s inevitable that you develop acquaintances with
other neighborhood dog owners whom you consistently run into.
I’ve gotten to know many of my neighbors, ranging from young
adults around my age to those who are retired. However, we all
have an obvious commonality in our love and bond with our
dogs, that immediately makes it easy and natural to create a
friendship based on that foundation.”24

ANXIETY, STRESS, AND THE EMOTIONAL BOND

Even if a teen has a loving, caring family, the world we live in

today is one filled with an ever-increasing amount of stress.
150 College costs continue to rise. Fluctuations and uncertainty in
 How Animals Help with Emotional and Social Issues and Interactions

“I think everybody could use a pet because of its

unconditional love, and everybody needs a little of
that.”—Christina Aviza, former Kentucky State
University student25

our economy often make it difficult for teens to earn enough

gas money to get to their jobs! Suicide is the third leading cause
for death in teens,26 while, as a nation, we are currently just
coming to grips with the nationwide epidemic of stress-related
obesity.
In an ideal world, schools are supposed to be safe and
parents loving and wise. No one should be judged or ostracized
because of the color of their skin or the type of clothing they
wear. However, events like the Columbine High School
shootings on April 20, 1999, where two students murdered

Stress and how we react to it can affect teens’ health, mood, and
ability to succeed. Illustration by the author. 151
Chapter 6

twelve classmates and one teacher and injured an additional

twenty-one students, or the April 16, 2007, shootings at
Virginia Tech, suggest a different world. Events like these also
remind us that school can be potentially much more dangerous
when teasing and bullying, cliques, and exclusion and social
hierarchies based on economic, racial, or cultural criterion are
accepted as part of teen culture. In addition to natural disasters,
we, as a society, now have to worry about terrorist attacks,
gang violence, and urban drive-by shootings, as well as the
“normal” daily stresses of school, family, and job.
Unfortunately, anxiety and fear are now part of daily life in
America after the unimaginable events of 9/11. In fact, post-
traumatic stress syndrome from that event is still being
evaluated as to its full effect.
Research has shown stress to be a primary factor in many of
the health problems in our high-pressure society. But people of
all ages turn to their animals in times of emotional distress. In
addition to helping us learn valuable life skills, companion
animals can also provide much emotional assistance, especially
as a focus for emotions that family members don’t feel safe
expressing to one another. In trying to reach teens traumatized
or abandoned by society and/or family, therapists use animals
to help heal the pain and break through the defenses that lead
to unacceptable behaviors. Animal-assisted therapy is also used
to help put lives back together for those who have been the
victims of teen violence.
Positive interaction with animals can help young people in
many areas including, but not limited to, social/emotional
confusion and isolation stemming from family problems;
physical, emotional or sexual abuse; sexual orientation; peer
relationships/social standing; racial, religious, and cultural
prejudices; personal or family member substance abuse; and
learning/self-esteem issues. College student Chase Herndon
comments, “First off, taking care of an animal—whether
volunteering at a rescue or having your own pet—keeps teens
busy. And when someone is busy thinking about taking care of
someone else, it takes their mind off of other stressors while
also providing a sense of companionship, responsibility, and
152 success.”27
 How Animals Help with Emotional and Social Issues and Interactions

Jason Green enjoys a relaxing moment, away from the everyday

stress of school, work, and social pressure. Photo used with
permission, Katie Green.

Even an animal as small and simple as a fish can evoke

feelings of calmness in those suffering from anxiety, especially
in situations such as waiting in the oral surgeon’s office for
wisdom teeth extraction or when a family member has been
hospitalized. Many hospitals, clinics, and dental and doctor
offices have fish tanks in their lobbies or waiting rooms because
of the calming effect they have on people.

GETTING INTO TROUBLE

Sometimes life just isn’t fair and we don’t get what’s best for us.
But the way we respond to stress, family issues, and other
problems may also not be the best for us either. While most
teens never get in trouble with the law, some teens do. They can
either make bad decisions or make decisions based on what
they learned from their environment—or, as typical teens
pushing the boundaries, they push just a little too far.
Whether it is because of drug use and underage drinking or
shoplifting, curfew and traffic violations, teens who get into
trouble may be ordered by the court to perform community 153
Chapter 6

5555555555555
IT HAPPENED TO ME: THE BOND IN ACTION
Katie experienced anxiety when she transferred from a
small, local liberal arts college to a large state university.
Not only was she moving into an unfamiliar environment with
a population of thousands where she didn’t know anyone and
where the campus was large and confusing to navigate, her
dogs were now more than a hundred miles away. At first,
Katie didn’t realize the university dorms allowed fish, since
they did not allow other types of pets, so her goldfish,
Melody, stayed at home in her dad’s care. Katie eventually
purchased a new tank system and brought her fish to school,
but the new pump was too strong and poor Melody was
sucked up into the filter, got injured, and died. “I felt guilty
that she died, like I had failed as a pet mom. I thought it was
my fault for taking her to school.” Katie purchased two other
goldfish when she came home for the summer, but they died
too, making the college student feel she was “just one big
failure.”
The academic year that followed was extremely stressful.
Katie found herself struggling in a program for a field she
had wanted to be in all her life. It was her dream, but she was
now dealing with daily anxiety and worry, not knowing if she
would pass her exams and if she had made a mistake in this
career choice. Her self-esteem was at an all-time low. She
began coming home on weekends as often as she could just
to spend time with her dogs. They eased her anxiety and
helped her cope as she eventually made the difficult
decision to change majors and find a new direction.
Fortunately, she experienced success with the classes in her
new major, but she missed having a companion animal. Both
her roommate and her best friend had recently gotten Betta
fish. After Kate saw how well they were doing, she figured if
they could do it, so could she! So she decided to take the
plunge and get another fish. A Betta fish turned out to be a
much better match for her, since they are easier to maintain
and require no complicated equipment or filtration system.
“Saying hi to my fish and feeding him makes me feel wanted
and needed. When I’m gone all day at class, the first thing I
think about on my way home is how my fish is doing! And
since he’s still swimming happily in his little bowl, I now feel
like a success!”28

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service. One of the ways teens can perform these community

service duties is by volunteering at a place like Crossroads
Animal Rescue, a facility in Georgia that combines helping
animals in need with helping at-risk teens.
One of the abused animals coaxed back to health at
Crossroads was a boxer named Frank. According to Crossroads
executive director Rebecca Carey Sowers, “We have had many
abused animals throughout the years, but he came here
malnourished and weighing only thirty-seven pounds. Frank’s
head on top was sunk in, and you could see every rib in his body.
I fed him sandwiches loaded with mayo, and, of course, regular
dog food, and all of our leftovers! In one month’s time he gained
thirty pounds! It took three months to get all the weight back on
Frank so he could be neutered and put up for adoption. But he
left Crossroads after nine months to live in a home that was
selected very carefully for him. We don’t know where he came
from, but Frank wound up being taken care of not only by me
but by all the teens that came here on the weekends.”
Crossroads works with the Forsyth County, Georgia, court
system, which is in one of the wealthiest counties in the United
States. The teens Rebecca sees are all issued community service
from the juvenile court system, which can be anywhere from
eight to one hundred hours. “The teens we see at Crossroads get
into trouble, get caught, go to court, and then get put on
probation for things like truancy, being unruly, drug related
problems, vandalism, traffic violations, etc.—but nothing
extremely violent. And no teen is allowed here with a history of
any animal abuse whatsoever!” The teens that are at Crossroads
from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays, except for
major holidays, perform various types of duties, including
cleaning up after dogs, rabbits, goats, pigs, horses, and other
animals as well as cleaning the pasture, water troughs, bowls,
and feed dishes. They may also be assigned to build things like
fencing for the animals, or they may paint fences and help
around the farm. Teens who feel comfortable handling the
animals are given additional tasks, including walking or washing
dogs and grooming horses. Rebecca emphasizes that “every teen
is treated the same here and assigned similar tasks.”
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Involvement with animals such as rabbits or ducks, which are not

normally thought of as pets, can help teens develop empathy and
improve the way they interact with others. Photo used with
permission, Teresa and Richelle Hellpap.

According to Rebecca, each teen who performs community

service at Crossroads receives a pass/fail report card. And
sometimes they do not pass for a variety of reasons, including
poor attitude, trying to hide and smoke (which is not allowed),
refusing to work, or failing a drug screen. If they do fail, they
are assigned additional replacement hours. She adds, “Some
teens actually get put into courtroom detention and then
reassigned here as well. I utilize work as a consequence for
negative behavior, and those teens who are not interested in
working with the animals are assigned labor like cleaning the
pasture. I never want to force a teen to work with an animal.”
As far as working with the animals and how it helps the teens,
Rebecca has seen lots of positive results. “Even though this is a
consequence to a negative behavior, most kids enjoy coming
here and being outside. It also does appear to help the kids by
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 How Animals Help with Emotional and Social Issues and Interactions

caring for an animal that has been hurt or neglected. We see a

lot of empathy here and have a very low rate (8 to 10 percent)
of recidivism.”29
Although college student Kelli Herbel has never been in
trouble herself, the teens she has observed in her area who do
get into trouble often do so simply because they don’t have
enough to do. “So they’re going out and finding things to do
that they shouldn’t be doing and that gets them into trouble.
How animals can help teens dealing with self-esteem issues or
learning disabilities, however, is something that relates back to
how dogs always give back. And, any time you have that type
of bond, it’s going to help someone like that.”30
Juveniles in detention often lack empathy. That’s why
Crossroads and similar programs across the country are so
crucial: They help teens learn to empathize with animals that
have experienced some of the same things they have. In
addition to the programs that work with teens who have been
convicted of milder, nonviolent offenses, there are also
programs in various parts of the country that combine caring
for animals with teaching violent and at-risk teens to be caring
and responsible.
Project Second Chance is a program in New Mexico that
gives troubled teens in detention centers a chance to do
something positive by pairing them with dogs from local
shelters in need of adoption. Since many of these dogs are
literally on “death row,” these teens learn valuable lessons
about life and death while also identifying with these dogs.
Much like teens who have committed crimes, ranging from
petty theft and drug possession to rape and murder, many
shelter dogs are not easily adoptable because of inappropriate
behaviors. These behaviors may develop for a variety of
reasons, including genetic predisposition, poor socialization
and lack of training, and owner abuse or neglect. And since
many troubled teens who exhibit inappropriate behaviors come
from similar environments and experiences, they can easily
identify with these animals and possibly even learn from their
suffering. The program matches these teens with dogs that not
only have similar tendencies, such as aggression and violence,
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but that also face uncertain futures. In turn, these teens may feel
safer with the dogs as well, since animals do not judge. It is a
win-win situation. Essentially, these teens lose the stigma of
being criminals or “losers,” because the dogs don’t care if the
teens training them have been in trouble. And the teens need to
work hard to establish and maintain trust with animals that
have themselves been in trouble.31
In addition to running the Crossroads Animal Rescue and
working with the teens sent to her through the county courts,
Rebecca Carey Sowers has also taken in and fostered a number
of troubled teens over the years. “Most of the teens I’ve fostered
have been very helpful in assisting with the care of animals.
However, one specific foster teen we’ll call ‘Mandy’ was
especially crazy about any and all animals. She even rescued a
squirrel once!”
According to Rebecca, teens who are abused often develop
reactive attachment disorder and subsequently have difficulty
attaching emotionally to anything. “They try really hard to
push everyone in their life away because, to them, getting close
to anyone or anything is not okay.” Mandy was with Rebecca
for about six months and found a way through this disorder by
attaching to animals. “She had been severely sexually abused
and turned to animals as a way to achieve comfort without
being asked for something in return. Mandy asked to be the one
who got up early to feed the horses. She would get up before
5:30 a.m. and feed them and then groom them right after
school. And she’d ride as well. Even when she got thrown off,
she would get right back on. She had no fear and a huge
passion. She even rescued a pregnant dog that slept in her bed
and had pups there too! Unfortunately, once her family got it
back together and she was on her way to becoming an adult,
she died in a car accident in September 2006.”32

HUMAN AND ANIMAL DELINQUENCY

Some of the reasons teens wind up getting into serious trouble,

eventually resulting in arrest and placement in juvenile

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5555555555555
A PERSONAL GLIMPSE
When she was eight years old, Amanda Nelson’s parents left
her with her baby brother and sister in a K-Mart parking lot
after the parents got busted for stealing. Amanda and her
siblings grew up living in a series of foster homes. “I have
definitely had some hard times. I was living in a group home for
two years. I did not trust people or want to have anything to do
with them, I felt hurt, lonely, abused . . . didn’t feel like I was
worth being on earth.” Then she was fostered by Crossroads
director Rebecca Carey Sowers. Amanda says, “The animals
were like me. Abused. They had been hurt like me. They had to
trust me to help them. That’s actually how I learned how to
trust people. And I am okay to talk about it now because I know
it was in my past and not everybody is like that.”
At one point, Amanda adopted a dog of her own that became
a very special friend. She felt having her dog made the moves
and transition much easier for her during the three years she
had him. “I was passed around a lot to foster homes in
different states. But I had my dog, Sneakers. We had each
other and him being with me made me feel better because new
places were so hard for me. I had no family, and Sneakers did
fill that hole in my life. Animals love you no matter what.”
Unfortunately, Amanda eventually had to give him up. “I hated
to have to give him up. But I didn’t have anywhere to live and I
felt bad for him always moving him from place to place and
different states. I felt he needed a family and to be in one
place. So he went to the Humane Society, where they could find
him a good home. It was the hardest thing I have ever had to
do. It was like giving away my kid.”
Although she had already turned twenty-one, Amanda made
the choice on her own to return to Crossroads and her former
foster mom in 2007. “I wanted to get my life together because I
was going down the wrong path.” And she feels that being in an
environment with all these animals—and, of course, her foster
mom—is helping her get her life back. “Since I have been here I
have gotten a full-time job and am saving for a car. I really don’t
know how to explain it, but I am just more relaxed here.” And
Amanda has also developed a bond with Benjie, a dog at
Crossroads. “He’s just a small gray-and-white dog. I am not
sure what kind he is. My mom found him in a box a long time
ago before I knew her. But he sleeps with me every night.”33

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detention facilities, are the same reasons why many animals

also wind up in shelters. Adolescent dogs and cats are being
given away or abandoned in disproportionate numbers because
of their out-of-control behavior. Many difficult or aggressive
behaviors that begin as puppies or kittens usually reach their
peak during adolescence, when hormones rage and animals
push owners to the limit.
The average pet owner, however, is usually not equipped or
knowledgeable enough to handle problem animal behavior. Pet
owners must be able to maintain the respect and leadership
position within the family, pack, flock, or herd, but must not
abuse the animals in order to maintain it. It’s a fine and often
difficult balance. Most pet owners do not understand that
principle, nor do most people know how to establish and
maintain themselves in that position, especially if they have an
animal that exhibits dominance, aggression, or other problem
behaviors.
People themselves often give confusing and mixed signals
that can create behaviors that are the opposite of what they
want. For example, bite inhibition in animals is a lesson taught
by mother, father, and/or siblings in the wild. All puppies have
the instinct to bite and the need to chew during the teeth-cutting
months, so they must be taught by us, their surrogate parents,
what they are allowed and not allowed to put their teeth on.
Many humans, however, will play “rough” with their young
animals, encouraging them to be “mouthy” by grabbing
clothing, arms, or hair “in play.” That only teaches the animal
to associate placing their teeth on humans as something fun to
do—a behavior that only escalates as they get older. What
started out as a cute puppy antic of grabbing your arm becomes
unacceptable behavior when that cute little puppy has grown
into a hundred-pound Rottweiler!
According to people who have worked with troubled
juvenile delinquents, many of these young people come into the
system with serious social behavior problems, and they often
come from abusive or neglectful environments. Add the
hormone fluctuations adolescents experience along with the
pressures of school, peers, and other external forces, and you
160 have a recipe for trouble. Teens and young adults will often act
 How Animals Help with Emotional and Social Issues and Interactions

out how they feel internally in inappropriate ways, which can

include abusing siblings, strangers, or animals.
Most teens grow up in environments where they feel cared
for and safe, with parents who bond with their children as soon
as they are born. The bonding process itself is very complex and
involves a combination of instinct, sensory stimuli, cultural
practices, and learned behaviors stemming from the parent-
child relationship the parents had with their own parents.
Babies are also born with instinctive responses to various
stimuli. For example, the scent of a baby’s head or the sound of
an infant cry can trigger a response in the parent, while the
touch of a mother’s breast will trigger an instinctive rooting and
suckling reflex in the baby. Although the relationship may be
challenged during the teen years, the bond between parent and
child usually continues throughout childhood, into adolescence
and beyond.
For many teens, however, human interaction has not been so
positive. Victims of abuse as well as adolescents with behavior
problems, physical disabilities, or other problems may have
difficulty forming and maintaining positive human
relationships. According to a special report in the October 2006
issue of Pet Business, a pet industry trade magazine, most
physically abused children and adolescents who enter therapy
programs have problems with healthy touch. However, when
psychiatric and other therapies are combined with
“nontraditional” therapies using animals, amazing things can
happen. And it is because of the bond created between these
abused young people and animals, plus the unconditional love
shared in this unique nonverbal communication, that healthy
touch can be reinitiated.
Places like Inner Harbour in Atlanta, Georgia, a facility that
provides multiple levels of psychiatric care for children and
teens under eighteen years old, combine traditional therapies
with nontraditional animal therapy programs. Children and
adolescents with behavioral problems or who have experienced
physical or sexual abuse benefit from a grant program that
funds and provides various animal therapy programs for
medical staff, therapists, and volunteers. These various
therapies include an equestrian program as well as the Pet Care 161
Chapter 6

Trust Foundation’s Animals in the Classroom program. More

recently, Inner Harbour’s equine program has been expanded to
a multispecies program that also includes dogs, cats, birds,
reptiles, amphibians, and fish, plus a nature program focusing
on a nearby forest and lake. Although dogs and cats are the
most common animals used in animal-assisted therapy, the
combination of school classrooms, nature center, and barns on
the twelve-hundred-acre campus has allowed Inner Harbour to
expand the typical therapy boundaries. Various exotics, such as
frogs, snakes, and bearded dragons, along with animals like
rabbits and guinea pigs, are now a part of the therapy program,
as are animals such as butterflies or deer.34
And the impact these animals have on the children and teens
is pure magic. Because many of them may not have had a loving
family, these animals become their family. The animals provide
and receive love, require food and care, and introduce
compassion and responsibility into the lives of children and
adolescents who may never have experienced that before. These
animals provide play and laughter; they also provide
companionship for teens who have never experienced real
friendship.
Animals can invoke feelings of safety and comfort with
touch, as well as the pure pleasure and joy found in watching
and interacting with them. They can also be a great motivation
for success in school. As many of the teens have stated, when
animals also become your friends, you have someone outside of
yourself to care for. And when you have a friend, you have a
sense of hope. You are not alone.

NOTES

1. Kristy Kosinski, interview with the author, January 2007.

2. Katie Green, interview with the author, January 2007.
3. Brigitte Mason, interview with the author, August 23, 2006.
4. Kyle Fetters, interview with the author, September 2006.
5. Reshoma Banerjee, e-mail to the author, December 2006.
6. Banerjee, e-mail to the author, December 2006.
7. Rachel G., interview with the author, January 2007.
8. Banerjee, e-mail to the author, December 2006.
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 How Animals Help with Emotional and Social Issues and Interactions

9. Richelle Hellpap, interview with the author, October 2006.

10. Fetters, interview with the author, September 2006.
11. Jessica Katz, e-mail to the author, December 2006.
12. Dana Bouchard, interview with the author, September 2006.
13. Christina Aviza, interview with the author, November 23,
2006.
14. Mary Dyrhaug, interview with the author, January 2007.
15. Fetters, interview with the author, September 2006.
16. Aviza, interview with the author, November 23, 2006.
17. Dyrhaug, interview with the author, January 2007.
18. Aviza, interview with the author, November 23, 2006.
19. Jenn Papa, interview with the author, October 2006.
20. Karen Stoner, interview with the author, November 11, 2006.
21. Katz, e-mail to the author, December 2006
22. Green, conversation with the author, December 2006.
23. Janet Carhuayano, interview with the author, October 2006.
24. Tracy Glickauf, e-mail to the author, October 2006.
25. Aviza, interview with the author, November 23, 2006.
26. Teen Suicide: Adolescent Suicide Statistics and Prevention,
www.teensuicide.us (accessed April 16, 2007).
27. Chase Herndon, interview with the author, February 2007.
28. Green, conversations with and e-mail to the author, December
2006.
29. Rebecca Carey Sowers, interview with the author, March 22,
2007.
30. Kelli Herbel, e-mail to the author, October 2006.
31. Keith Oppenheim, “Troubled Dogs and Troubled Teens Try to
give Each Other New Life,” CNN, July 9, 2006.
32. Sowers, interview with the author, March 22, 2007.
33. Amanda Nelson, interview with the author, April 2007.
34. John L. Pitts, “Natural Therapy in Special Classrooms,” Pet
Business (October, 2006): 152–55.

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 Life Changes:
7 College, Country,
and Careers

GOING TO COLLEGE “College bound

now and learning
Making decisions about college can be difficult enough, but to live on my own,
teens who are closely bonded with their companion animals far away from
face additional choices. Besides individual social needs, my fuzzy friend
academic goals, and career plans, students must decide and everything
whether to go to school in state, out of state, or attend a local else I’ve known.”
commuter college—and whether to include an animal in those —Katie Green, college
plans. How does this critical issue affect their ultimate student, Northern
decision? Illinois University1

High school student Nichole Freeman has definitely thought

a lot about this dilemma. “I have been trying to find a college
that allows me to live off campus my freshman year so I can
have a pet. My parents would never let me take my dog with me
because everyone in my family loves him, but I don’t think I
could live that long without a companion animal. I just can’t
imagine coming home to nobody.”2 Janet Carhuayano chose to
attend a commuter school in New York because she felt she
couldn’t live without her dogs. “When I’m gone for just two or
three days, I miss them terribly. How could I stand it for two or
three months? Maybe dogs don’t have a real sense of time like
we do, but they know when they haven’t seen somebody for a
long time. If they haven’t seen you in days and then they see you
again, they are truly happier than any person would be.”3
College choices are normally based on many variables,
including academic programs, affordability and/or available
scholarships and grants, campus size, student body
demographics, social activities, and campus location. For teens 165
Chapter 7

who want to include companion animals in their plans, there

may be other considerations, including restrictions imposed by
the colleges themselves.
High school student Richelle Hellpap is just beginning to
prepare for college. She has already found that school activities
take up much of the time she used to spend with her rabbits.
“Being in school takes away time to play with them at night
and feed them. They don’t get to see me as much as when I was
in eighth grade. Sometimes I feel kind of bad about it, like they

5555555555555
A PERSONAL GLIMPSE
Once she made her college decision, University of Vermont
student Jessica Katz was unable to take her dog with her to
school because school policy does not allow animals in the
dorms. “I miss Hobbs more while I’m at school than I miss my
family. I can talk to them on the phone to find out how they are,
but I have to actually see her to know how she is.” Jessica
feels, however, that having a pet in the dorm can create tension
between roommates, in addition to subjecting an animal to the
college lifestyle. “It can be dangerous with all the substances
such as makeup and medication and other things. On my
campus there actually are no apartments, so for my situation,
it’s more a matter of space and time. Of course in an apartment
you also have to think of noise restrictions.”
But after completing her internship at a bird rescue
organization, Jessica discovered she could still be involved
with birds when she was home on breaks. “Of course, no
animal-related internship is complete without learning the
hardest lesson of all—as a college student it would not be
feasible for me to adopt. Since I own no other birds, and refuge
birds must be tested vigorously for a variety of communicable
avian diseases, however, I was the perfect candidate for—drum
roll—fostering! Taking care of Drake, a male Indian Ringneck,
one summer completely made up for not bringing anyone home
permanently. It was the most intimate experience I had that
summer, and when a family disaster occurred, there was even a
feathered friend waiting for me to cuddle with him when all was
said and done. Drake’s entry into my life marked the first time I
have ever had a bird in my house, and as a result have been
privileged to a whole host of learning experiences!”4

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 Life Changes: College, Country, and Careers

kind of know that I am getting older and things change.”5 And

college life definitely changes the amount of time and money
students have to devote to an animal. Without the safety net of
family, students can find themselves with problems and an
animal that ends up neglected or not taken care of properly.
Animal-loving teens who consider themselves to be close to
one or more of their parents or grandparents usually have
family members and role models who also love animals. Chase
Herndon says, “I consider myself close to both my parents and
grandparents. Both my parents have been supportive of all our
animals and each has their own preference/passion (dad—dogs,
mom—cats). I probably got most of my passion for animals
from my mom, as she’s loved animals since she was younger
too. And also, my dad grew up on a farm, so he is quite familiar
with animals of all kinds. I pretty much grew up with a zoo at
home, including having two black labs, two cats, a bird, three
aquariums, a bunny, and a man-made pond that I maintain and
stock with koi [a type of fish]. I’ve also had turtles, lizards, and
other dogs and cats over the years. I miss all my animals while
I’m at college, but I do have an outside bird feeder here at
school.”6
Once teens make their decisions and move to college—with
or without their companion animals—they often have trouble
adjusting. Even though they want to become independent and
prove how grown-up they are, they are often surprised at how
much they miss their families—or at least how much they miss
their pets.
Kyle Fetters decided to attend an out-of-state school in
Boston and could not take any of his pets. Although he got used
to it, there were definitely times when he missed the simplicity
and loyalty of animals, as well as their friendship. “It was very
strange to me, because growing up, I can’t remember a single
day when I didn’t have a dog, cat, or something animal coming
up to me and meow or bark. And leaving that was definitely a
little strange. I mean, I loved going away to college. I met a lot
of new people, and that was nice, but it was also really a lot
different for me. It was lonesome not having any animals
around.”7 While Kyle was not allowed to have any animals
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other than fish in the dorm, he still managed to find a way to

get his “animal fix” at school. “Whenever I would walk down
the path, there were always people walking with their dogs.
You couldn’t go outside without seeing a dog or bumping into a
dog. I actually learned a lot more about dogs because I was
around all kinds of different breeds I’d never seen in person
before.”7
Jessica Katz also needed interaction with an animal, so she
got a Betta fish. “That’s basically the only thing we are allowed
to have in the dorms here. I have had him since moving in and
owe him so much because he’s just hilarious.”8 Northern
Illinois University student Katie Green also has had fish
throughout college. “Even though I’m in an apartment now, I’m
in one that doesn’t allow dogs so I’m glad to have my fish. But I
can’t wait to graduate and get back home to my dogs. It’s been
a long six years!”9
Sometimes students transfer to schools back home after a
year or two instead of “toughing it out.” Before Jey McGahan
got her cat, Dexter, she had an incredibly hard time adjusting to
being away at school, especially since she couldn’t have any pets
in her college dorm. “It was so hard for me to be alone all the
time. I hated it. I ultimately ended up moving back home and
transferring to Columbia College, where I could live in an
apartment in the city [Chicago]. Having my own place and
being able to have an animal there for me really helped me get
through that difficult period.”10
Like other teens making college decisions, Brigitte Mason is
taking everything into consideration, including her ability to
bring her horses with her and find suitable housing for them.
While her primary focus is to find a school that meets her
academic needs, to help her become an equine geneticist, she
knows that her ultimate decision will not only affect her ability
to continue showing her horses but also prevent or enable her
to just be with them. As a high school junior, Brigitte was
carefully looking into several different universities, both in and
out of state. While she would actually prefer to go out of state,
she feels that would present an added challenge and test the
bond she shares with her horse. “If we’re going to have to travel
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 Life Changes: College, Country, and Careers

a long distance, she’ll have to get used to a whole new

environment. So if I do go out of state, it will kind of test our
relationship to see just how much she really does trust me in
that new environment. But I’m very emotionally attached to my
horse and my horse is very emotionally attached to me, so I
don’t think it will be a problem. Instead it will be more like just
another step in stuff that I do with him.”11
College graduate Mary Dyrhaug waited until her last year of
school before getting her Shih Tzu, Mackenzie. “I felt the
timing was right my last year of school because I lived in a
townhouse close to campus. Some of my neighbors were close
personal friends of mine, so it worked out well. We were very
tight-knit and everyone just loved her.” Because Mackenzie was
just eight weeks old when Mary got her, she also had to deal

5555555555555
DILEMMAS IN BRINGING COMPANION
ANIMALS TO COLLEGE
The decision to include pets at college can also pose problems
with things many of us take for granted. Kelli Herbel, an
Oklahoma college student and third-generation dog show
handler, grew up with animals and cannot imagine living
without them. “I was always fortunate to live in the country,
because when you live in the city, they can tell you what you
can own or build and how many dogs you can have. I mean,
that’s really tough! But I was fortunate enough to live out in
the country in a rural area, so we didn’t have to deal with any of
that.” Once Kelli left for college, however, she found it wasn’t
only in the city that restrictions on dog ownership existed. “It
was kind of tough going away to college, because already there
are a lot of places that won’t rent to college kids anyway
because they feel they aren’t responsible enough. But when
you tack on dogs as a college student, no one wants to rent you
anything!” It took Kelli a while to find a solution to this
dilemma, but she persisted. “I don’t live on campus, but I live
very close to it in a trailer that a very nice man rents to me,
who lets me have my three dogs inside. I’ve lived in other
trailers before, but I’ve just now found a really good place.
However, it took me three years to find this one!”12

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with a puppy that needed to be taken to the bathroom many

times a day and didn’t understand basic commands, chewed
everything, needed a puppy-safe environment, and couldn’t be
left alone for very long. But Mary didn’t feel that Mackenzie
interfered at all with her class schedule or social life. “At that
point, my classes were only a minute away, so she was never
alone for more than a half hour. If I was gone longer than that,
she stayed with my friends. And I had a lot of friends who
volunteered to watch her! I got Mackenzie in April, so in
reality, I only had a month or two of school left before
graduation. She was my graduation present to myself!”13
Vet tech student Rebecca Britz also has a dog with her on
campus. She feels that having a dog with her at school was not
a luxury, but a necessity. “My dog definitely helped with my
emotional ups and downs as well as my stress level. He will sit
next to me while I am studying for a test and just lean on me.
However odd it may sound, it makes me feel safe. So, no matter

Katie Green says

good-bye to four-
month-old Shady
before she leaves for
school. Photo used
with permission,
Jeffrey Green, Total
Recall Dog Training.

170
 Life Changes: College, Country, and Careers

how bad the stress level gets, he is always there to make me feel
better. Unconditional love combined with a selfless appreciation
for each other. I wouldn’t have had it any other way.”14
Another very important consideration in bringing a
companion animal to school is the logistics of traveling home
for school breaks. In addition to the expense of maintaining
your animal, can you afford to hire sitters or board your pet
while you are gone? Or will you choose to stay at school during
breaks? Many university-owned dormitories, as well as the
privately owned dormitories and other types of housing, often
close for cleaning, repair, and other maintenance during breaks.
For teens with vehicles on campus who attend schools within a
reasonable driving distance from home, bringing animal
companions home for weekends and the long winter, spring,
and summer breaks can be a reasonable option. However, if
teens need to travel by plane, bus, train, or other forms of
transportation—or if they cannot bring their pets into their
family home—having companion animals on campus can pose
unanticipated problems for both students and the animals.
With the tight restrictions airlines now impose on the types of
liquids that can be transported, even transporting a Betta fish
on a plane is impossible.
There is no doubt in Brigitte’s mind that her horse will be
accompanying her to college, even though many universities

5555555555555
A PERSONAL GLIMPSE
Dilemmas can also offer opportunities. As strange as it may
sound, Jessica Katz’s fish ultimately became responsible for
choosing her current boyfriend. Once she realized she wouldn’t
be able to bring her fish home for the summer because she was
flying home from out of state, she was desperate. “I asked a
friend on the floor if he would take my fish over the summer
and he did, and now we have been dating for about a month. He
is compassionate person and he’s just wonderful! Plus he’s a
‘dog’ person like me.”15

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restrict where freshmen are allowed to live. “I’m thinking of

living on campus and then boarding him off campus if I have
enough money to do that. Plus, I may not have a car on campus,
which could be a big problem. Fortunately, a lot of schools have
campus barns where they allow their students to board their
horses. That would make it a lot easier and probably not be as
expensive as it would if I had to take my horse to someone else’s
place, because that could easily be $600 a month. And that
would be a lot to pay. Actually getting into another schedule
with them is going to be harder, plus being able to balance all my
studies. And then I would also like to hang out with friends in
addition to doing things with the horse. So if I do bring my horse
with me I would like to do something with him, like competitive
equestrian teams, stuff like that. It will be hard physically, but
I’m not worried about taking him. I think it will just make our
relationship stronger.”16

MOVING TO A DIFFERENT COUNTRY

Not all teens attend college. And sometimes jobs or other

family needs cause teens or young adults to move to places

Brigitte Mason and equine friend. Photo used with permission,

Brigitte and Robert Mason.
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 Life Changes: College, Country, and Careers

where taking their pets is not possible or practical. When

people temporarily or permanently move from their native
country to another, they usually are able to take their children
and spouses with them. But what happens to their companion
animals? What is involved in bringing the family dog or cat
across borders or across the world?
Since she was married, Yoko Ageta has moved from country
to country with her husband and her son, Toshihiro. They
moved from Japan to the Netherlands and then to the United
States in 2004, with plans to return home to Japan in 2007.
During their stay in the United States, their yellow lab, Kai,
lived with them in a rented house in a suburban subdivision.
Through all their moves, they never once considered giving up
Kai because he is considered as much a part of their family as
each of them. And with the family’s continual moves from
country to country, Yoko’s teenage son needed some stability. In
situations where families move to different locations, such as
military families or businesses that require transfers every
couple of years, teens have difficulty initiating and maintaining
friendships. They no sooner invest in a friendship when they
must leave. Kai was the one friend that remained constant for
Toshihiro, no matter where he called home. However, bringing
a dog from one country to another is more than just a casual
experience, and bringing Kai into the United States was not
only very expensive, it was also very stressful. According to the
U.S. Embassy, the requirements for bringing a dog into the
United States are very specific and detailed, including having a
rabies vaccination at least thirty days before entering the United
States, and all cats must be free of evidence of communicable
disease. Animals entering the United States from some countries
may have to stay in quarantine for up to thirty days.17
Exceptions to these strict rules exist only if you have a service
animal, which only allows you to be placed at the front of the
screening line. International travel itself can be extremely
stressful for animals, since animals must not only be separated
from their families, they must also be confined for many hours
within a cargo area of the plane, a situation that can be
frightening to some animals and equally stressful for their
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families. And as with all travel, there always exists the potential
for injury or escape.
It is not always practical or even possible to bring a dog or
other pet from one part of the world to another. Because of
finances and other reasons, young people who move to the
United States from other countries may have to leave their best
friends in their home countries. Both Katarzyna Szymanska and
Marta Masiewicz came to the United States from Poland when
they were in their late teens or early twenties. Katya came here
to find work, while Marta came to the United States to be with
her boyfriend. Both young women had to leave their dogs
behind with family members who remained in Poland. And
both had no choice. Even if their families had agreed to part
with their pets, it was simply too expensive to bring the dogs
here.
Marta hasn’t seen her dog, Dina, for almost two years. She
feels confident, however, that she is in good hands with her
parents and sister. “For my dog, I was the most important
person. I miss my dog, too. When I call home, I always ask my
mom about my dog—how she feels, what funny thing
happened, etc.”18 Katya describes her dog, Sara, as being like a
sister to her. But the four-year-old dog remained at her parents’
home in Poland because they loved Sara so much they wouldn’t
let her take the dog with her. What Katya remembers most
about the day she left was that “I was so sad, and my dog was,
too. But, my sister said ‘Don’t worry! I’ll send photos!’”19
Although these two young women miss their dogs, they both
feel they wouldn’t have had time for them if they had brought
them to the United States, and that would not have been fair to
the dogs.
Tina Swinkels’s immediate family moved to the United
States from Australia for a year so they could experience
American culture, but decided to leave their dog, Patches, in
Australia with a trusted relative. Tina, a high school junior, feels
Patches is happy where he is because he is living on sixteen
acres with three children and another dog to play with. “I really
loved the way he would always make me happy. If I was in a
bad mood I would just go for a walk with him. Yeah, I missed
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 Life Changes: College, Country, and Careers

him a lot at first, and it was sad saying good-bye but I know he
is happy where he is.”20

CAREERS

Imagine waking up each morning totally excited about going to

work! That’s the goal of every career counselor in advising
students on career paths that meet their individual needs. One
way for teens who love animals to accomplish that goal is to tie
the two together. Career choices should involve more than
education and academic expectations; they should also include
natural talents, interests, character traits, and temperament.

5555555555555
ANIMAL-RELATED CAREERS
The following are just some of the many career paths teens
who love animals can choose:

6 Veterinarian, technician or assistant, animal massage

therapist, chiropractor, pet grief counselor
6 Manufacturer or retail salesperson for animal related
products such as food, clothing, accessories, bedding, and
grooming supplies
6 Breeder or trainer for animal assisted therapy programs,
service/guide animals, search and various law
enforcement/military dogs, or for entertainment
6 Groomer or other worker at boarding kennels, doggy
daycare, spas, camps, pet transport service, dog walking,
or pet waste removal services
6 Dog writer, photographer, portrait painter, or dog show
handler, groomer, or judge
6 Scientific research in animal husbandry, genetics, food, or
medicine
6 Environmentalist, political activist, animal
rescue/shelters, animal welfare

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Possibilities for including animals in a career are as varied as

pursuing a law degree focusing on animal rights advocacy or
becoming a hair stylist and working as a groomer or dog show
handler.
Besides a passion for animals, what other factors might
motivate a teen to choose activities or careers directly related to
or involving animals? High school student Ruth Toht feels that
an individual’s unique personality, environment, or even a
single event might also play a part. “If you have a love for
animals from a young age, you’re likely to pick a career
working with animals somehow. And while a person’s
personality has to do with how and why they like animals, an
event or series of events with enough impact can also be the
reason why a teen would fall in love with working with
animals.”21
Brigitte Mason and Julie Kisman are both very close with
their parents. Julie feels that while her parents are very loving,
caring people, her passion for animals is something she was just
born with. “My parents love animals, but if it wasn’t for the
love and passion I have, our family wouldn’t have had
companion animals. But they have always been very
supportive.” Early experiences with her grandfather also
influenced her. “When I was younger my grandpa would take
me to the pond to feed the ducks. He always talked about
animals and how much he loved them!”22 Brigitte was
influenced by both her mother and her grandmother, and her
passion for horses has completely influenced her future career
choice. While her dad doesn’t feel he’s as much of an animal
lover, Bob Mason is extremely supportive and wants to do
whatever he can to make her happy. He says, “If having horses
and doing competitive sports with them makes her happy, I’ll
continue doing what I can to encourage her. And if she chooses
to go into equine genetics for a career, I will also support her
decision 100 percent.”23
Combining your love for animals with a career, however, is
more than just combining a degree with some experience
around a family pet. You should have a passion for it. Like
many other teens, Rebecca’s passion for animals was obvious at
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 Life Changes: College, Country, and Careers

a very young age. “Not all children grow up being told by their
parents they can be whatever they want to be, but both my
parents would tell me that on a daily basis. I remember wanting
to be a part of the animal field when I was five years old. Some
children grow out of the veterinarian or vet tech phase; I just
never did. Once my parents realized I was truly in it for the long
haul, they took me to as many animal type places we could
find. We were always hitting local zoos or aquariums on
vacations! My parents were very supportive in all my
endeavors, and have helped me reach my goals.”24 Trish
Hampton is studying for a career in forensics in the civilian
sector, which will include visiting crime scenes and collecting
evidence, and she hopes she can eventually combine her love for
her dog with her profession. If she chooses, she could eventually
train to handle bomb- or drug-sniffing dogs or become a
forensics specialist.
It can be difficult for young people to make major decisions
about their future without knowing what their possibilities
might be. After all, college decisions are made when a teen is
only seventeen or eighteen years old, when most teens have had
only limited job experience or might not have an aptitude for
the types of classes they might need for certain majors.
Faye Nuddleman attends Kirkwood Community College in
Cedar Rapids, Iowa. She didn’t declare an “official” major as a
freshman in 2007, but she was already preparing to become a
veterinarian. Although she had wanted to be a vet as a child,
she changed her mind several times in high school, including
entertaining choices as far flung as becoming an engineer or a
pilot. The turning point, however, came when a family cat had
kittens. “Tekila had an infection while she was pregnant with
her kittens, and one kitten (a little red one) ended up failing
when he was a few months old. I stayed home from school that
day and held [Riley] while he died in my arms. That’s when I
really started thinking again about becoming a vet.”25
It is also common for students to begin in one field of study
and then change direction—and majors—in the middle of their
college education. Chase wants to pursue an animal-related
career but isn’t sure what he wants to do. Although his current
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major, outdoor recreation, will prepare him for careers dealing

with animal ecosystems, he would prefer one involving hands-on
interaction with animals. Chase comments, “In retrospect, I may
have made a mistake not doing a biology major, but I’m
currently exploring the option of doing an animal behavior
minor.”26
Because of her varied experiences, Rebecca has developed an
appreciation for many different animal-related fields and the
animals involved in them, making it difficult to narrow down
which field she wants to pursue. “I plan on staying in the
animal medical field. However, if I could lump all animals into
a group and work with them in different ways all at the same
time, I would be in heaven!”27

5555555555555
IT HAPPENED TO ME: THE BOND IN ACTION
After taking time off from college to decide what career
direction she wanted to pursue, Janet Carhuayano took a
reception job in New York City and not only found a stray dog
wandering around the streets, she also found her calling.
The dog was picked up by the local shelter, but it had mange,
a highly contagious skin disease. Janet was also told the shelter
only takes care of strays for a few days and then they’re put
down. “That just devastated me! I decided right then to start
looking at shelters to find out if I could work at one. I felt so
horrible [about that little dog]. I needed to help these animals in
any way I could so they could be adopted and not put to sleep.”
She was relieved to discover a no-kill shelter nearby and applied
for the first job opening available—cleaning kennels. Although
this job may not seem glamorous, Janet discovered she really
got to know each of the individual shelter dogs and was able to
alert the vet tech if she saw anything unusual or if a dog
became sick, since airborne infections are easily passed in such
close quarters. “When new dogs came in they’d be scared, so
they didn’t always eat. I got to know what kind of things they
liked and what kind of food they wanted so they wouldn’t go
hungry. I also gave each of them quality time, getting them out
with the various volunteers to learn to connect again to people
so they would open up to humans again and be adopted. That
was the most rewarding thing for me.”28

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Animals in shelters benefit from teen volunteers willing to

spend time just playing with them. Drawing by Christa Baker,
used with permission.

Many teens that develop a lifelong passion for animals have

had bad experiences with animals. But that negative experience
doesn’t seem to change their perception and love for animals.
Julie once found a stray dog when she was younger that bit her
on the face, right near her eye. “You would think after that I
would not like dogs, and even be afraid of them, but that sure
didn’t happen. I still love them!”29
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VOLUNTEERING

Choosing a career is a little like buying a car sight unseen and

without taking it for a test drive. It can take years to be
academically prepared for a field before students ever have
hands-on experience to know if they’ve made the right decision.
With all the possible choices, how can a teen know which
career direction is right for them?
Volunteer work is one of the easiest ways a teen can
experience different types of jobs and get real hands-on
experience in the field. The advantage of volunteering is that
teens not only experience real job situations, they also have
opportunities to learn from people who have already been
educated and trained to perform many types of skills in that
field. For example, physical and occupational therapists treating
patients at a therapeutic riding stable perform various forms of
therapy while the teen volunteers assist with tasks. Not only do
these teens see the results of the therapeutic riding, they also
have the advantage of being part of an actual clinical experience,
something that is usually only experienced in higher education.
High school student Natasha McDonald began helping out
at a therapeutic riding stable because she wanted to work with
children and horses, and this was a place that allowed her to do
both. While there, Natasha performed a variety of different
tasks, including leading horses during riding sessions, “side
walking” (walking on the side of the horse while someone else
leads so the child does not fall), cleaning horse stalls, grooming
and feeding horses, and teaching private riding lessons. She
feels her experiences there have mostly been amazing. “The
kids have benefited so much from their experiences with the
horses and riding. When they ride, the horse and the kids
develop a special bond. You can just tell they have one because
you can see it in their faces and hear it in the way that they talk
about the horses.” One of Natasha’s fondest moments occurred
while teaching a six-year-old girl who was blind. “When she got
off the horse, I would let her groom it. When she was brushing
her horse, her face was just so calm and peaceful. You could tell
she was just so in love with that horse. And normally when we
180 try to groom him, he goes crazy. But the horse was just standing
there, calm and still, letting her brush him. It was amazing to
 Life Changes: College, Country, and Careers

see him letting her do this. It was like he could sense she was
okay and wasn’t going to hurt him.”
Although Natasha had never considered a career with children
and animals prior to her volunteer work at the riding stable, her
current plan is to become a physical therapist and work with
disabled children. She also wants to include therapeutic riding in
her career, something that she is already gaining experience in
through her volunteer work. “Horses and animals are just always
going to be part of my life. I don’t see how they couldn’t be.”30

5555555555555
IT HAPPENED TO ME: THE BOND IN ACTION
While most animals turned in to rescue groups require only
basic health care, such as treatment for parasites or mange,
many require more extensive medical treatment and care.
Rescue organizations depend on foster volunteers, financial
contributions, and volunteer veterinarians. Julie Kisman has
been volunteering and providing foster care for many years
through Collie Rescue, especially helping dogs that need a
little extra care.
“Lucy was a collie turned in by her owner because of ‘family
issues,’ but it soon became apparent she could not go up and
down the stairs very well. After X-rays and a whole bunch of
tests, the vet discovered Lucy needed double hip replacement
surgery, which is expensive and involves a lengthy healing.”
Julie and her mom picked Lucy up only two days after her
surgery. They had to use a walking harness just to help the dog
relieve herself. Julie slept with her on the laundry-room floor for
the first few nights and checked every two hours to make sure
she was okay. She kept a night-light on so the dog could see and
not be afraid. Over the next few months, Lucy got stronger and
regained her muscle strength through treatments at a
veterinarian rehab facility and learned to walk on her own again.
The dog had a very sweet disposition and eventually found a
new, loving home with a family in a neighboring suburb. A year
later, Julie saw Lucy again at the Collie Rescue picnic and was
asked to speak to the group about her experience fostering a
dog healing from major surgery. “Although it had already been a
year, it was still hard for me to talk about it without tearing up.
Everyone who had been involved helping Lucy was in tears, too,
after hearing my story and seeing how far she had come along.
I’ll always have a special place in my heart for her.”31
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INTERNSHIP PROGRAMS

Young people can also explore different career possibilities by

applying for internships, where teens get a real glimpse into the
reality of different career choices and fields, and benefit from
the advice of those who already are in those fields. Teens who
love animals and want to pursue a career directly or indirectly
involving animals can benefit from programs available in fields
as varied as veterinary studies and journalism to animal-
assisted therapy and marine biology.
Communications major Kelli Herbel had the incredible
opportunity to jump right into a real-world publishing
environment before completing her education, an experience
that would never have happened if it weren’t for her passion
for animals. A dog lover her entire life, Kelli applied to and
was accepted as an intern at the American Kennel Club
headquarters in New York City, where she actually got to do
editorial work on the two magazines published by the AKC—
AKC Gazette and Family Dog. Kelli had already been
involved for many years in showing dogs as a junior handler
at AKC-sanctioned dog shows. At one of these shows, a
woman working with junior handlers and the internship
program suggested Kelli apply to this nationwide program,
which involved filling out an extensive application form with
questions about the various dog sports and their histories. It
also included a phone interview. “That was probably the
worst thing for me because I don’t know what’s happening in
the silence, like if they’re writing or if they’re waiting for me
to say something or what. And, of course, I can’t see their
facial expressions, something that is actually very nerve-
wracking for me.”32
Once Kelli was notified she had been accepted into the
internship program, she found lodging in New Jersey with
some dog obedience people her parents knew from their
involvement in herding trials. Kelli was unable to take her dogs
with her and missed them terribly, but because the people she
stayed with had dogs, she still had daily interaction with
canines. The AKC publishes dog-related magazines and other
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publications, and Kelli was placed in the publishing

department, which is closely related to her field of study. Kelli
soon discovered that not only did her prior experience with
dogs help her with the articles she was editing or proofreading,
but her familiarity with breeds and terminology also allowed
her to add input when needed.
Volunteer work and internships can even be part of a
school curriculum. Jessica, an animal science major at the
University of Vermont, was able to use internship experience
at A Refuge for Saving the Wildlife for college credit, paving
the way for other students to participate in internship
programs with this organization. While looking for
internships she remembered being told about a local bird
refuge. She looked it up on the Internet and gave the director
a call. His initial response was “Are you serious?” He had
never contemplated the idea of having an intern before. As a
result of her internship with this organization, Jessica
definitely knows she wants a career that directly involves
animals. She states, “I am very grateful to them for this
experience; it is honestly probably one of the highlights of my
life. I would love to do welfare work and that comes with my
deep interest in animal behavior. I’ve always wondered why
animals do what they do. That’s why the birds are so
interesting to me. I’m more interested in caring for the
animals then making a profit.”33 While Jessica’s primary
interest is in working with birds, she is also interested in
working with other exotics, like reptiles and ferrets, in
localized shelter settings. She feels lizards are often
mistreated and as misunderstood as birds are. However,
because she suffers from animal-related allergies, she is
considering working on the administrative side rather than in
direct contact with the animals.

LEARNING TO BECOME FINANCIALLY

SELF-SUFFICIENT

With college costs continuing to rise and many four-year

degrees taking five years or more to complete, it’s no wonder
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5555555555555
IT HAPPENED TO ME: INTERNSHIP AT SEA WORLD
When Kaylah Dodd’s parents took her to the Indianapolis Zoo
as a young child, she fell in love with the dolphin show and
decided she wanted to become a dolphin trainer. As she
learned more about the ocean and the creatures that lived in
them, she decided instead on a career in marine biology. After
visits to SeaWorld Adventure Parks in Florida and Texas,
Kaylah decided to visit the website and discovered that
SeaWorld offered an internship program. She applied and was
accepted to the spring 2002 session. One of the intern
activities involved feeding the dolphins. “It was so much fun!
After we were done feeding, we got to play with them using
huge rubber balls. We would throw the balls in and they would
push them around and try and get them out again. At one point
I started playing ‘hide and seek’ with the dolphins. I would run
down the side and duck, then crawl away a few feet and pop up
again. They were all following me and vocalizing. It was so
awesome!” However, some activities also involved jobs that
were not as much fun. “We had to clean a lot! More than I ever
thought. All that cleaning made me really realize how much
work being a trainer is, let alone being a parent. Feeding the
sharks was fun too, but we had to stuff vitamins into fish
chunks, and it smelled horrible! I swear I smelled like fish for
two days after I left the camp!” She also got to touch the
animals, something she had never done before. But mostly,
she came away from her internship experience more focused
and certain about her career choice. “I liked touching the
beluga whales’ bump on their head; it’s squishy. The dolphins
feel like rubber and their skin kind of peels off, which
surprised me. We also got to touch the killer whales . . . and
one was named Kaylah! I fell in love even more with the idea of
researching their habitats. My internship made me realize I
didn’t want to become a trainer. I’m not sure I have the
patience that is needed to become a trainer. I would rather be
out in the open every day, and that discovery also opened my
eyes to the idea of doing research with sharks.”34

that students are strapped financially. And young people do

need to take that into careful consideration when they bring an
animal into their lives while they are still in school. On the
other hand, when responsible teens and young adults have
184 companion animals, financial lessons learned can be invaluable.
 Life Changes: College, Country, and Careers

Kelli feels that caring for animals has helped her become a
more responsible person with her finances. “I pay for
everything. A lot of college kids still have their parents paying
for everything but they’re not even going to class. They don’t
appreciate their education and are messing up their lives. There
are just so many kids my age who want to be adults, want to
make all their own decisions, but they still want—and expect—
Mommy and Daddy to pay for everything. So you can choose to
not grow up and stay dependent, or you can grow up and pay
for everything. I decided to be independent and responsible!”35
Because Brigitte has already decided on a career path
involving animals, she feels she’ll have a definite advantage over
many of her peers. Meanwhile, she plans to compete in equine
breed shows and is in the process of purchasing a top-quality
horse to show. “The entry fees are a large amount of money.
The horses that go there are the best of the best, and my quarter
horse just isn’t good enough or competitive enough to do
quarter horse shows.” But while Brigitte’s parents agreed she
could purchase a new competition horse, they aren’t footing the
bill for this new venture. Not only has Brigitte paid for all her
show entry fees for years, she also plans to pay for her new
horse using money she has earned and won. “I’m not the girl
who goes out to the shopping mall and decides she needs to
spend $300 on a T-shirt, so I don’t spend my money like that. I
work at a local stable and have also been saving my money for
years, so it just accumulated from there.”36
Brigitte and Kelli aren’t the only teens whose parents have
encouraged them to become financially responsible. There was
a point in Richelle’s life where she had both her horse and her
rabbits and was traveling to rabbit shows with entry fees alone
totaling up to $200 a weekend. But with her brother in college,
Richelle’s parents needed to cut something out of their budget.
They gave her the choice to either sell her horse or stop going to
the rabbit shows. This was a difficult decision for the teen, but
she chose the rabbit shows. Richelle sold the horse, however, to
someone who lets her and her mom ride her whenever they
want, plus the new owners pay the vet bills! They couldn’t have
asked for a better situation! And Richelle still gets to show her
rabbits, obviously the closest thing to her heart. 185
Chapter 7

MAKING WISE CAREER CHOICES

When choosing a career with animals, examine the
difference between “humane careers” and careers that
exploit animals. According to the Humane Society of the United
States, there are some concerns teens should have when
investigating potential careers. It is important to realize that
some jobs may involve work that might also inflict various
degrees of suffering on animals, from mild stress to extreme pain.
Although these concerns may not always arise, the potential for
them exists in areas such as research, testing, and breeding;
zoos, aquariums, amusements (such as animal fighting or pony
rides), and circuses; and businesses that use animals in the
production of food, clothing, cosmetics, and drugs. Careers
involving the exploitation and consumptive use of animals can
create many difficult emotional situations for people who care
deeply about animals, so it is especially important to keep in mind
the possibility of potential emotional distress as you research
and interview for jobs in these fields.

SPORTS AND OTHER ACTIVITIES

Volunteering, interning, and working in a job involving animals

are fantastic ways to learn, but there are also many animal-
related recreational activities students can participate in that
can help prepare them for later careers. Just a few of these
include science fair competitions, county and state fair activities
and competitions, various animal sports, and therapy animal
programs.
Both Brigitte and Rebecca participated in science fair
activities that brought them to the state level in competition.
Brigitte’s interest in horses and equine genetics formed the basis
for her project on paying for her new horse, while Rebecca’s
project developed as a way to help a brood of baby birds. Since
Brigitte was planning to get another horse, she decided to base
her project on economics, which wound up winning both
Grand and Best at county level as a Financial Champions entry.
The project may have had nothing to do with animals but it did
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 Life Changes: College, Country, and Careers

demonstrate some very real issues of animal ownership,

including how Brigitte might pay off the entire horse and how
long it would take. A friend’s mom raised parakeets, and when
some of the young were not taking to their mother the way they
should, she and her friend decided to hand raise them and teach
them what they needed to know. They turned the endeavor into
a science fair project demonstrating the differences between
birds raised by their natural mom and those that are hand fed
by humans. “Raising the birds gave me a strong sense of
purpose, as well as a great amount of responsibility, because I
was the birds’ sole source of life. It was up to me to make them
who they were to become. And although it made me feel
successful, I never felt the pressure behind it, just the
importance of doing the job right. I also loved raising these
baby parakeets because it put some light on my dream of being
a vet tech and reassured me that that is what I truly wanted.
Every experience with young animals is good experience for the
future.”37
Where a student lives or attends school makes a difference in
the type of sports, volunteer activities, and internships that are
available. Aside from participating in certain dog sports, Kelli
felt her geographic location limits her. “It’s kind of tough for
me, because in rural Oklahoma you don’t really have the
opportunities to participate in a lot of the other activities, like
agility or therapy dog. There’s very little of that in this area,
although I did train and compete in herding, obedience, and
junior showmanship competitions. One program I learned
about from my internship at the AKC was the Reading
Education Assistance Program, where therapy dogs go into
elementary schools and the children read to the dogs. I think it’s
a great program, but getting my dog registered as a certified
therapy dog and starting a program in my area would cost a lot
of money. Plus, I would need time to devote to it. But if
someone were already a teacher or librarian, that might be nice
to add to your existing programs, as well as an interesting way
of combining your career with animals. Like, if someone
wanted to go into education or library science, and they loved
animals, they could actually combine the two. And that’s
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actually not a bad way to start the day . . . going to work with
your dog!”38
While she’s still in school, Jessica has found yet another
outlet to make animals’ lives better. In addition to volunteering
at an avian rescue organization when she is home on breaks,
she has also begun working as a volunteer with a therapy dog
group. Many high school or college students do not realize
programs like these are available, but teens who have the heart
for working with animals can benefit greatly by getting
involved in these types of campus activities. Jessica explains: “I
am part of a group here at the University of Vermont that takes
greyhounds to visit rehab centers and nursing homes. It is very
interesting to interact with these people. A lot of them are very
old and rather sick but they want to share their stories. The
dogs are a great gateway to conversation and interaction. It’s
really very fulfilling for everyone.”39
A teen’s love for animals might also lead to career choices
taking unexpected turns. Although Kyle Fetter’s original dream
was to become a vet, after he decided to leave college and
pursue a different career track, his dream took a different form.
No matter what Kyle eventually does, he plans to be involved
with animals for the rest of his life. “We’ve gotten all our dogs
from a shelter, and something I’ve always considered is that if I
ever do become financially successful, what I’d really like to do
is to help finance an animal shelter. I feel like right now I’ve got
a lot to prove because I did leave school. I’m not saying that’s
great, but basically when I left, I also wanted to prove I could
still do it well and make good money. I think I can accomplish
that if I can start a good business. And any way that I can
connect those two goals would be great! I would love to be able
to support good causes. People don’t think about being a
philanthropist when they’re growing up. You actually don’t
realize how many animal-related jobs there are. Everyone’s first
assumption is you have to become a vet. But it would be great if
I could just write a million-dollar check for someone who’s
going to just take every dime of it to help animals. I’d love to
give money to that; I feel that’s a very good cause. You know,
there’s a lot of other good causes out there, but because this is
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something that has had such an influence on my own life, it’s

something I’d feel very good about being a part of.”40

At Your Service: Hot Careers

The explosive growth in the pet industry has given rise to
several new ways to combining a love of animals with a career.
Some of the hottest careers involving companion animals can
actually be found in the service sector, and places like doggie
daycare, bakeries, spas, and camps catering to four-legged
“children” are now part of the economic landscape from coast
to coast. Add in growing franchises for mobile vets and
groomers, animal transport services, personal dog trainers, dog
walkers, pet sitters, and waste removal services, and you have a
better idea of the types of services that have become necessities
rather than luxuries.41
Additional career opportunities reflect new technologies
such as microchipping and maintaining recovery databases.
Not only are lost pets with microchips more likely to be
reunited with owners, they also save animal control agencies
time and expense. Many towns and cities are considering and
passing ordinances requiring pets to be microchipped. For
example, because of the increasing dog and cat population, city
officials in Evansville, Indiana, proposed an ordinance that
offered a substantial reduction on the city’s annual licensing fee
for all pets that were spayed/neutered and microchipped. The
ordinance passed and took effect December 16, 2006.
According to a January 3, 2007, report in the Evansville
Courier Press, the drastically increased number of
microchipped pets demonstrated a very positive public response
to the ordinance.42
One perk in service sector careers is that many of them do
not necessarily require formal schooling beyond a high school
diploma, or perhaps classes at a junior college or accredited
vocational facility. You can even be trained on the job in some
fields, like vet assistant or dog bather. And many programs for
careers like groomers, trainers, and animal massage therapists
can be completed in two years or less.
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According to the American Pet Products Association, one of

the nation’s fastest-growing job and career sectors in pet services
involves some form of pet sitting.43 Taking time off from college
has given Janet a new perspective and a chance to really
experience being a dog walker. She plans to return to school for
a business degree so she can run her own dog-walking business.
Janet explains that she chose this career for several reasons:
“First of all, I live in Manhattan. In the financial district, where I
am, they’re turning a lot of the buildings into residential, so now
there are now twice as many dogs down here. We have quite a
few dog walkers, but there’s still so much more business still
coming in because there are so many dogs!” The public
transportation system makes it possible for Janet to travel from
one end of Manhattan to the other, wherever her dog-walking
clients are located. “When I was nineteen, I worked for a pet-
sitting business that took care of animals from dogs to fish. Our
company wanted their clients to meet us before we took care of
their pets, and you get different clients that are not in the same
area. So I’d jump from downtown to the East Side or the West
Side or the Village. I’d be all over the place.” This is an ideal job
for teens who love animals, are physically active, like to be
outside in all types of weather, and want a job that keeps them
physically fit. Because Janet still needs to walk from the subway
or bus to her clients’ homes, she stays in good physical shape as
well as in good spirits. “The dogs I walk are just so happy to see
me each day!”44
In contrast to urban living, where dog owners walk dogs
along city streets and at dog parks, most suburbanites live in
houses with yards where dogs are let out to do their business,
giving rise to yet another thriving business—dog waste cleanup.
In suburbia, dog walkers and pet-sitting services are also
thriving. However, in these areas, a reliable automobile is
required, because clients are often spread out and public
transportation does not suffice. Julie lives in a growing
suburban area in the Midwest. She is currently a pet sitter and
dog walker for people in her area and is also considering going
to school to become an animal massage therapist. “I really
enjoy pet sitting. Of course, some nights when I’m tired, I wish I
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didn’t have to go back to let them out again but that’s just part
of the job. I mean, it’s not like they can let themselves out to go
potty. But once I’m on my way I’m happy about going to see
them again. And knowing I make such a difference in their lives
is very rewarding.”45

WORKING WHILE IN SCHOOL

Whether they initially decide to pursue animal-related careers

or simply careers that can involve animals at a later point,
young people can find opportunities to work in entry-level jobs
in animal-related fields while they work on their academics.
Rebecca is doing just that. “I did not get a job until I was
eighteen because I knew how hard it was to get into any type of
veterinary career. I decided to focus on school first and get the
best grades possible. And my first job was at a local veterinary
practice!” Although her official title was “kennel girl,” Rebecca
was also allowed to assist in the exam rooms. While she did
receive a lot of experience, she still wanted to get the full
experience of what it would be like to be a vet tech. When a
position for a vet assistant opened up, Rebecca jumped at the
chance, since that position allowed her to be trained on the job.
“I worked at that vet clinic for a little over two years while
getting my college Gen Ed classes done, and I loved it! I had
always known what I wanted to do all of these years, but to be
living it even slightly for those couple of years just reinforced
and amplified my goals.”46
Vet assistant Kristy Kosinski suggests, “Volunteer, volunteer,
volunteer! Some vet clinics really need volunteers, too. It’s a
great way to get your feet in the door and make sure it’s a field
you really want to enter.”47 Kristy adds that teens interested in
veterinary careers should read a lot, too. But, she cautions, be
sure to only read up-to-date texts. Between increasing numbers
of scientific discoveries and the ability to share communication
so quickly, the field continues to change rapidly, so books,
articles, and websites need to be current for accuracy.
Doing something you love involving something you feel
passionate about is the most satisfying choice anyone can make.
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It is up to each person to walk his or her own path, but with

encouragement and determination, most young people can find
a way to combine their love for animals with a career or outside
activity. Rebecca sums it all up: “If there is any advice I can give
to younger students it would simply be to keep striving for your
dream and start planning now. If you can learn a large chunk of
the science and math, it will help tremendously in college. Also,
get involved with animals wherever you can. You can help out
at animal shelters or even with a job like tending the kennels at
a local vet clinic. All of these things helped me to get where I am
today and I couldn’t be happier.”48

NOTES

1. Katie Green, excerpt from poem “My Pal,” e-mail to the

author, January 2007.
2. Nichole Freeman, interview with the author, December 2006.
3. Janet Carhuayano, interview with the author, October 2006.
4. Jessica Katz, e-mail to the author, December 2006.
5. Richelle Hellpap, interview with the author, October 2006.
6. Chase Herndon, interview with the author, February 2007.
7. Kyle Fetters, interview with the author, September 2006.
8. Katz, e-mail to the author, December 2006.
9. Green, e-mail to the author, December 2006.
10. Jey McGahan, interview with the author, February 2007.
11. Brigitte Mason, interview with the author, August 23, 2006.
12. Kelli Herbel, interview with the author, October 2006.
13. Mary Dyrhaug, interview with the author, January 2007.
14. Rebecca Britz, e-mail to the author, October 2006.
15. Katz, e-mail to the author, December 2006.
16. Mason, interview with the author, August 23, 2007.
17. U.S. Customs and Border Protection website, www.cbp.gov;
and “Travel to the USA,” U.S. Embassy, Tokyo, Japan, website,
http://aboutusa.japan.usembassy.gov/e/jusa-faq-travel.html#107
(accessed May 24, 2007).
18. Marta Masiewicz, letter to the author, October 6, 2006.
19. Katarzyna Szymanska, letter to the author, October 6, 2006.
20. Tina Swinkels, interview with the author, December 2006.
21. Ruth Toht, interview with the author, September 2006.
22. Julie Kisman, interview with the author, April 2006.
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23. Robert Mason, interview with author, August 23, 2007.

24. Britz, e-mail to the author, October 2006.
25. Faye Nuddleman, interview with the author, April 2007.
26. Herndon, interview with the author, February 2006.
27. Britz, e-mail to the author, October 2006.
28. Carhuayano, interview with the author, October 2006.
29. Kisman, e-mail to the author, April 2006.
30. Natasha McDonald, interview with the author, December 2006.
31. Kisman, e-mail to the author, April 2006.
32. Herbel, interview with the author, October 2006.
33. Katz, e-mail to the author, December 2006.
34. Kaylah Dodd, interview with the author, September 2006.
35. Herbel, interview with the author, October 2006.
36. Brigitte Mason, interview with the author, August 23, 2006.
37. Britz, e-mail to the author, October 2006.
38. Herbel, interview with the author, October 2006.
39. Katz, e-mail to the author, December 2006.
40. Fetters, interview with the author, September 2006.
41. “Too Busy to Drive Your Dog?” Pet Product News (August
2006): 22.
42. Jimmy Nesbitt, “Animal Ordinance Support Cited,”
Evansville Courier & Press Courier Press, January 3, 2007, www
.courierpress.com/news/2007/jan/03/animal-ordinance-support-cited/
(accessed November 26, 2007).
43. Marjorie Wertz, “Pampered Pets,” Pittsburgh Tribune-
Review, July 17, 2005,
www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/s_353188.html (accesed
May 24, 2007).
44. Carhuayano, interview with the author, October 2006.
45. Kisman, interview with the author, April 2006.
46. Britz, e-mail to the author, October 2006.
47. Kristy Kosinski, interview with the author, January 2007.
48. Britz, e-mail to the author, October 2006.

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 Overcoming
8 Health Problems,
Pet Loss, and
Other Adversities

The lifestyle of most twenty-first-century teens is anything “Exercise can be a

but healthy. Statistically, there are more overweight teens and very lonely thing
young adults in the United States today than at any other time to do, but when
in history. Besides poor food choices and the prevalence of the you’re with a dog,
fast-food lifestyle, teens do not exercise enough or get enough you’re never really
sleep. Too many hours spent on a chair in front of a TV, lonely doing it.”
computer, or video game and driving everywhere instead of —Katie Green, college
student, Northern
walking have taken their toll in creating a sedentary
Illinois University1
generation.

OBESITY: AN EPIDEMIC IN THE

TWENTY-FIRST CENTURY

Our pets have not escaped this serious trend. Like their owners,
they take in more calories than they use and wind up with less
exercise because we, their human guardians, are too tired or
pressed for time—or simply too lazy. However, unlike people,
our pets don’t choose to be obese. They don’t connect the cause
and effect. In the wild, animals weren’t guaranteed a meal each
time they were hungry. If they wanted to eat, they had to do
something about it, from running and flying to hunting and
foraging. Modern-day pets have effortless and endless supplies
of food and treats from the hands of their humans. All they
have to do is travel from their napping spot on the couch to
their food bowl. How can they possibly maintain a healthy
body weight or physical condition?
In the summer of 2006, Katie Green found out one of her
dogs was overweight. “Our vet said he had to lose weight or it 195
Chapter 8

will take its toll on him, especially since he was eleven years old.
I decided to walk him a lot more, so we basically became
exercise partners. Not only did the two of us lose weight, we
were also more energetic. Plus, we got to spent a lot of extra
time together on our walks, which was great since I miss him so
much when I’m away at school”2 Kelli Herbel comments, “I
don’t really like to exercise. I know it’s important, however, that
you should be active and everything like that. Well, the only
way I can get myself to exercise is if I walk my dogs. I know
they need the exercise, and I’m the only one who can give that
to them. My college has a new wellness center. It costs a lot of
money to go to college here and I’m paying for that wellness
center through all my fees and tuition, but I never use it because
my dogs can’t go inside! I walk outside around campus
instead.”3
Overweight pets can develop many of the same types of
diseases humans do when overweight. Increased strain on the
heart and joints can contribute or add to the development of
joint and back problems or heart disease. And the larger and
more overweight animals and teens are, the less physically
active they may ultimately become, resulting in reduced
physical exercise and ability to enjoy many activities. Kelli
adds, “It amazes me that people don’t realize their dogs are
obese or visibly unhealthy because they have so much extra
weight. And they have no idea; they just keep on feeding them
Pop-Tarts or whatever. They shouldn’t do that; they don’t
understand what a health risk it is for an animal with such a
short life span. It’s really going to take its toll on them but
people aren’t as conscious of this because we have such a long
life span.”4 Obesity can seriously jeopardize your pet’s health in
other ways, too. Fat animals are at higher risk for serious
disease, high blood pressure, and increased risk of diabetes, as
well as a higher risk of complications during routine surgeries
and anesthesia. So what steps can we take to help both humans
and pets maintain a healthy weight and lifestyle?
What we eat is as important as when and how we eat. For
many types of animals, such as hamsters, birds, or finicky cats
and dogs, “free range” feeding, where they always have access
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 Overcoming Health Problems, Pet Loss, and Other Adversities

to food, is essential. For overweight pets, however, this only

perpetuates the problem because it allows them to eat more
food than they need. Eliminating the constant source of food
prevents overeating. Other solutions include changing to a
lower-calorie food, reducing the amount of food offered, and
supplementing with low-fat cooked or fresh vegetables like
green beans, carrots, or celery so the animal feels full but isn’t
taking in as many calories. For some pets, such as cats, better-
quality food with a higher protein and reduced carbohydrate
content can help shed pounds. Diet changes, however, must be
introduced slowly and increased incrementally over a period of
time. Putting pets on starvation or crash diets for quick weight
loss does more harm than good. Safe weight loss should be
slow, occurring gradually over a period of time that may vary
from weeks to months. Crash or fad diets affect teens just as
adversely as it does their pets. Young people who skip meals,
don’t consume enough protein, or suffer from eating disorders
like anorexia or bulimia wind up losing lean muscle mass along
with body fat at a time when their bodies are still growing.
Feed your dog or cat once or twice a day and measure the
amount of food offered at each feeding according to the advice
of your veterinarian. This helps you know exactly how much
your pet really wants to eat for a single meal so you can adjust
the amount you feed it accordingly. Eliminate extra calories by
omitting treats or only offer occasional low-calorie,
nutritionally sound treats like small pieces of raw apples,
carrots, or other easy-to-digest veggies.
Evaluate what your companion animals do most of the day.
Do they lie around snoozing or do they have the opportunity to
run and play? It is up to you to provide them with the
environment they need for physical activity. Provide climbing
apparatus and interesting objects for birds to engage their
minds and keep them active. Supply hamsters and gerbils with a
running cycle and house them in modular living habitats
connected with tunnels and tubes so they can run from nest to
nest, as they would in the wild. Or do you have animals that
need human interaction to be active and play? If so, make a
conscious effort to increase your active physical interaction
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with them. Get safe, interactive toys to play with and engage
your cat in active play sessions. Make a game of Frisbee or a
brisk walk with your dog a part of your daily routine. If your
dog is still overweight, try adding additional walking time or
increasing your walking speed. When the weather won’t allow
outdoor activity, find creative ways to exercise indoors.
Walking up and down the stairs and around the rooms in an
unpredictable path is a great way to burn calories as well as
mentally challenge your pet. Put on some music and use basic
obedience commands and movements to try to dance with
your dog.
Before initiating any of these suggestions, however, have
your vet determine the best dietary changes to make and
whether your pet is healthy enough to engage in increased
physical activity. You will find the more you get up off the
couch, push yourself away from the computer, and start
exercising, the better both you and your pet will feel. As an
extra bonus, the additional time you spend with your animal
will only help foster that human-animal bond.

A curious cat can often

entice even the most
sedentary teen to play
games involving some
form of movement.
Illustration by the
author.

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WALKING WITH DOGS

According to a 2005 study conducted by researchers
at the University of Missouri–Columbia, daily walks
with dogs encourage people to get more exercise, which
can keep us in good shape and help us lose weight. The
economically disadvantaged and disabled participants
in the study were encouraged to walk researchers’ and
faculty members’ dogs, offering these non-pet-owning
participants an opportunity to be responsible for a pet
and also enjoy some of the positive benefits of that
relationship. The study found that having a pet can
result in more weight loss than many recognized diet
plans. So find a dog and get walking!5

KEEP THEM HEALTHY!

Prevention is the key to keeping animals healthy.
Make sure companion animals have fresh water,
noncontaminated food, and clean food containers,
housing (crates, cages, stalls, etc.), bedding, or
litter. Also clean and sanitize outside run areas
several times a year. Although many people are
concerned with risk factors, vaccinations can
prevent many deadly diseases that can be caught
from unvaccinated domestic and wild animals. In
some cases, such as rabies vaccinations, the law
requires that your pet have up-to-date vaccinations.

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CARING FOR ANIMALS THAT ARE ILL

While some teens have never experienced illness or medical

conditions with their companion animals, other teens are well
acquainted with caring for animals that are sick. Animals can
also suffer from conditions humans develop, like heart
murmurs or epilepsy. Both Katie Green and Annalies Kocourek
have experience with dogs that had seizures. Annalies recalls,
“One of our dogs had a grand mal seizure before she died. She
lived through it but was [permanently] paralyzed from the neck
down, blind, and deaf. We had to put her down. That was
pretty sad, but it was probably better than keeping her
paralyzed, blind, and deaf like that.”6
Katie had a dog that had frequent clusters of seizures.
“Madison would have three to four grand mal seizures in a
twenty-four- to forty-eight-hour period. And he’d come out of
them like Annalies described, but he was only temporarily
paralyzed, blind, or deaf. And sometimes he’d have heightened
senses, which is the opposite, like the intensity of scent was
increased. He’d try to do things like chew through walls or
climb under pipes. He’d bite our face because he thought our
breath was food. It is very tough watching a dog seize.” Katie
remembers a time when she was home alone and Madison
began to have a seizure right at the top of the stairs. “I was so
afraid he’d fall down the stairs while his body was spasming, so
I had to think quickly. I grabbed a couple of bed pillows and
placed them between him and the stairs. There were also times
when he had seizures in the middle of the night. My bedroom is
close to where he slept, so I could hear the unmistakable
sounds. One summer night he had a seizure while my parents
were asleep. But since I was still awake, I just brought him
outside after he was done and cleaned him up. It was kind of
spooky being alone in the yard hosing him off at 3 a.m.!”7

WHEN PEOPLE ARE ILL

Unless a friend, neighbor, or family member gets sick, most

teens rarely think of debilitating diseases or illnesses. Why
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should they? Their bodies are just developing into their new
adult shapes, hormones are raging, and they have their whole
lives ahead of them. Although most diseases are relatively
uncommon among children and teens, there are others that
strike humans of all ages or appear during childhood or teen
years. Leukemia, brain tumors, and juvenile diabetes are just a
few of the conditions that typically strike young people.
Children and teens who develop these diseases feel isolated
from their peers, which can add to their fears. And because of
the mystery surrounding cancer, people often hesitate to touch
anyone with cancer, partly out of fear they will catch it and
partly out of fear they will hurt the person who is suffering
with the disease. Healthy touch, however, can often comfort
and soothe. Without it, an ill person might feel even worse.
Pets can help fulfill that need, since they often know intuitively
to be gentle or less exuberant when their humans are ill or in
pain. Animals don’t see tubes and wires or the physical
appearance of a teen that is sick; instead, they sense someone
in pain who needs their help. As Marty Becker states in his
book The Healing Power of Pets, much of the fight against
cancer is the “debilitating fear and loneliness of a diagnosis
that feels like a death sentence. As with so many experiences
with our animals, when you have your pet alongside you, you
not only don’t feel so alone, you feel alive.”8 Teens who are ill
can also feel something paramount to survival: feeling loved
and needed.
Animals not only inspire us to get up and get moving, they
can also help take our focus off our pain and lift our spirits.
The way we feel about or view our situations is also a result
of our brain chemistry. Many naturally occurring “feel-
good” chemicals are released or increased in our bloodstream
as a result of the human-animal bond. Stroking a pet,
watching fish swimming in a tank, or feeling the hot breath
of a pony tickling your leg can trigger a chemical cascade of
mood-altering biochemicals such as dopamine, beta-
endorphins, prolactin, and oxytocin, which make us feel
happy, calm, relaxed, safe, or joyful and block our processing
of pain.
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IT HAPPENED TO ME: THE BOND IN ACTION
Katie Green witnessed exactly how a dog could help when her
mom was recovering from surgery in 2003. “We have four
active border collies. After my mom had outpatient surgery for
breast cancer, we did not let the dogs anywhere near her
because we were afraid they would hurt her. They could see her
but were kept securely gated in another room. On the third day
after her surgery, we allowed Shady, the dog my mom is very
bonded with, into the room on a leash. We wanted to see if he
would know what to do or if he would just be his normal bundle
of energy greeting her, which would include putting his front
legs on her chest so he could smother her in kisses. When he
got into the room, he immediately raced to my mom and jumped
on the couch. But then he froze, as if he had just been given a
command to stop. Because he is so in tune with my mom, he
must have understood he could hurt her. Instead, he
approached my mom slowly and gently rested his head on her
lap, kissing her hands and knees instead of her face, and
avoiding her upper body, which was in pain from surgery. A
week later my mom had a second surgery, but this time we
allowed Shady into the room with her right after she came
home from the hospital. Again, he demonstrated the same
gentleness as before, never moving closer to her face than her
lap and content to just lay with her on the couch. Being able to
stroke his soft head, while his tail thumped out his feelings,
was better for my mom than any painkiller! In fact, she didn’t
need anything stronger than Advil after that second surgery.”9

Dogs and cats can also provide companionship for those

suffering from AIDS or other diseases with social stigmas
attached, since many of these sufferers are abandoned by family
and friends. Teens with physical disfigurements or who suffer
from illnesses, conditions, or diseases that physically disfigure
them often relate to animals with similar problems. Animals
can develop or be born with other medical problems such as
encephalitis, epilepsy, heart conditions, diabetes, cleft palette,
blindness, or deafness. Or they may develop conditions from
abuse or neglect. A dog with three legs or a cat missing an eye
may look horrible to many people, but teens who look beneath
202 the superficial not only learn empathy by developing a
 Overcoming Health Problems, Pet Loss, and Other Adversities

relationship with these animals, they can also learn to accept

people for who they are instead of how they look.

CANCER: THE DISEASE THAT KNOWS NO SPECIES

While diseases such as multiple sclerosis or Parkinson’s are ones

that only affect humans, cancer is a disease that does not
distinguish among species. Cancer strikes dogs, cats, and other
mammals with an increasing regularity. Some cancers are
treatable, with good prognosis for remission, while others are
not. Since animals mask their symptoms when they are ill, it
may not even be apparent a pet has cancer until it has reached a
less treatable stage.
In January 2005, the Englewood/CO/PR Newswire reported
that nearly 50 percent of natural deaths in older cats and dogs
are attributed to cancer. Brigitte Mason notes, “My older horse
has cancer in his eye. He’s already had it once before and he had
surgery but they can’t remove it all, so now it’s come back ten to
twelve years later. I have to put ointment on his eye every day.”10

5555555555555
KEEP IT SAFE!
Although many common household items and human food or
ingredients are good for our pets, others are not. Some of
these include:

6 Chocolate
6 Grapes and raisins
6 Macadamia nuts
6 Onion and garlic (high doses or concentrated)
6 Avocado
6 Foods containing Xylitol, an artificial sweetener
6 Foods containing caffeine or theobromine (tea, coffee,
cola beverages, etc.)
6 Cooked chicken and turkey bones
6 Uncooked yeast dough

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ALERT! EMERGENCY PLAN FOR YOUR PETS

According to an article in the August 2006 issue of Pet Age

magazine, the Pets Evacuation and Transportation Standards
Act (referred to as the PETS Act) was introduced into the House
of Representatives shortly after Hurricane Katrina in 2005,
when so many pets had to be abandoned because there were no
emergency accommodations for them. This bill includes a
mandate allowing pets to be included in disaster preparations
and authorizes funding for the creation of emergency shelters
that accommodate both people and their pets. As an extra
incentive, the bill also proposes that emergency offices not
offering accommodations for pets would not qualify for Federal
Emergency Management Agency grants.11
It makes good sense to prepare in advance for emergencies,
especially because survival in an emergency such as an
earthquake, hurricane, tornado, fire, flood, power outage, or
act of terror is directly related to planning done before the
emergency. Each family should create an emergency plan and
supply kit specifically for their animals. This kit should include
items that people also need, such as food, water, and basic first
aid supplies, as well as identification tags, collars, leashes,
carriers, and a way to deal with pets’ bathroom needs.
Depending on the circumstances and the type of emergency,
you may need to determine whether it is safer to stay or to leave,
so develop plans in advance for both options. An appropriately
sized portable pet carrier or crate might mean the difference
between being allowed to take your pets with you or leaving
them behind. If you must evacuate, try to take your pets with
you, if possible. However, circumstances might prohibit that, so
plan in advance for shelter alternatives that will work for both
you and your pets. Kennels or veterinary hospitals near an
evacuation center might serve as alternative shelters for your
pets. Your vet might have additional suggestions for you.
Research and gather a list of facilities in other places where you
might have to seek shelter if you must evacuate. Keep this list
with your emergency supply kit so you will have it with you
while you are in transit. Create a backup emergency plan with
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5555555555555
PLANNING AHEAD
An emergency supply kit for your pet should include:

6 Nonperishable food and water in sealed, waterproof

containers, a manual can opener or other device, and a
container to place the food in.
6 A first aid kit with antiseptic ointment, isopropyl alcohol
or peroxide, saline solution, cotton bandages, bandage
tape and scissors, surgical gloves, first aid book, clean
towels, copies of their medical records, and an extra
supply of all medications taken on a regular basis—with
all items stored in a portable waterproof container.
6 Prepararation for possible primitive sanitation options. A
litter box and clean litter or newspaper, garbage bags, a
scoop, and a disinfectant are essential.
6 Identification and a way to confine or restrain your pet.
Make sure your pet wears a collar with rabies tags and
identification. Include at least one leash and/or harness,
plus a duplicate backup set of each.
6 Registration, adoption, and/or vaccination records and a
photo of you and your pet together. In case of separation,
these items document your ownership and can help
reunite you.
6 Familiar items such as a favorite toy to help your pet cope
with the stress of the situation and the close quarters you
might need to share with other animals and people.
Microchipping your pets and/or enrolling them in a
recovery database can also help you find them if you
become separated. Include the contact number in your kit.

neighbors, friends, or relatives to care for or help evacuate your

pets in case you can’t. Knowing ahead of time that you might
have to think creatively and improvise during an emergency to
use what you have on hand for several days will help you keep a
level head and increase your and your pets’ chances of survival.12
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SEASONAL DANGERS
Burns from hot sidewalks; insect bites or stings from ticks,
wasps, fleas, spiders, and other insects; and dehydration and
heat exhaustion are only some of the common dangers during
summer months. So take your dog for walks and play outdoors, but
exercise caution when the temperatures soar and avoid areas where
insects harboring diseases such as West Nile virus, Lyme disease, or
Rocky Mountain spotted fever may be lurking. Conversely, cold
weather dangers include contact or ingestion of ice-melting
chemicals or antifreeze, cuts from ice, frostbite, and hypothermia
from extended unprotected exposure to frigid temperatures.

SAYING GOODBYE: BEYOND THE BONDS

OF FRIENDSHIP

“For the past 11 years, whenever I felt like crying,

there was always a tongue ready to lick up the tears.
Now that tongue is gone and my tears won’t stop
flowing.”—Katie Green13

Most daily interaction with our pets is usually pleasant and

uneventful. When we share our lives with companion animals,
however, we inevitably face difficult moments where we must
deal with unexpected accidents or illness and eventually say
good-bye to these creatures we love so much. Unfortunately,
one of the prices we pay for loving our companion animals so
deeply is that we also suffer deeply at their loss.
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While we hope our animal friends live to a ripe old age,

healthy to the last minute before they die peacefully in their
sleep, that isn’t always the reality of what happens. We have
been successful as a society in helping our companion animals
live longer, just as we have done for ourselves. Along with that
progress we have also unwittingly opened up the door to a new
problem: Many diseases that kill humans now also kill our
companion animals. None of us want our pets to suffer, so it
becomes up to us to offer them the mercy and compassion they
deserve, even if it breaks our heart. Instead of prolonging the
life of a seriously ill or injured animal, euthanasia is considered
a compassionate and humane way to end a companion animal’s
intense suffering or declining quality of life. While the
suddenness of accidental death is extremely traumatic, making
the decision to euthanize can be equally as painful.
People who experience such strong feelings about the death
of a pet have those feelings because they are capable of
emotional attachment and a deep, intimate bond. People often
describe the moments leading up to and following a pet’s death
as feeling “surreal,” as our minds try to cope with what seems
impossible. It is in our attachment and bond, however, that we
also find comfort as well as sorrow, as we move through the
different stages of grief.

GRIEVING: LOSING A COMPANION ANIMAL

The loss of a pet is a difficult thing to face. Losing a companion

animal can seem like an insurmountable void because our pets
may be with us when we wake, when we sleep, and throughout
the day. For many young people, their companion animal has
been with them through important years of their childhood, as
well as through numerous tough times. Unfortunately, many
people fail to grasp the emotional impact death can have on
teens who have formed intense bonds with companion animals.
For many of us, our pets are more than “just pets”—they are our
friends, our family, and our partners. And when they suffer, get
sick, and/or die, the impact of their death or illness is very real,
whether the animal is a dog, cat, bird, horse, gerbil, or goldfish.
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“POEM FOR PINKIE,” BY KATIE GREEN

Reminiscing reminds me of the love we once shared
A bond so strong I was reminded of it everywhere.
My pal, my friend, brings joy to me even when we are apart.
My dog forever and always will be close to my heart.14

Grief over the death of a pet can be as intense as grief for a

human death or other loss, such as a job or a marriage. Not only
do grieving humans lose the nonjudgmental source of love and
friendship they had with a friend, they also may feel that they
have no one to care for and nurture, and therefore aren’t needed.
Critical steps in dealing with the death of a companion
animal involve learning about the various stages of
bereavement and allowing yourself to go through each of them.
The amount of time it takes to grieve, and the ways each
individual moves through the different stages, can vary. Some
people move quickly through the stages, while others may stall
in one or more stage for long periods of time. According to an
article that appeared in the March 2000 issue of Counseling
Today, people who have lost an animal with whom they felt
especially close may have more difficulty feeling that their grief
is accepted by those around them, which makes them feel even
more alone. This can cause them to minimize or hide their
feelings, which can prevent them from going through the
grieving process necessary to heal from their loss.15
An important step in dealing with a pet’s death is sharing
your feelings with others who understand and validate your
loss. Grief honors the love you had for an animal companion as
well as recognizing their passing. Nonprofit organizations such
as the Association of Pet Loss and Bereavement (APLB) and
websites such as Veterinary Wisdom (http://veterinarywisdom
.com/parentarticles.htm) can help people know they are not
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alone or wrong in their grieving over an animal by providing

information and support to those suffering loss of an animal
companion. Many colleges with veterinary programs offer
hotlines staffed by specially trained veterinary students. APLB
and other pet bereavement organizations also offer chatrooms
where people can express their emotions without having to
physically display them in front of others.
For teens, the death of a pet often represents the death of a
type of sibling. If they knew the pet most of their lives, the loss
is substantial. College graduate Penni Jess experienced that
with her first dog, Auggie. “He was a part of my life since I was
one year old, so basically he was always a part of my life! I
couldn’t imagine my life without him until he was gone.”16 Faye
Nuddleman grew up with Doberman pinchers. In 2003,
however, when her last remaining dog had to be put down, she
accompanied her mom and was there when the dog was put to
sleep. “That was the worst experience ever. Alexis had cancer.
She developed a huge growth on the back side of her back leg
that was so large she couldn’t even sit down when we injected
her. Before the shot was done, she fell to the ground and she
was gone. All I saw was her eyes open and tongue hanging out.
I cried for several days, and still have dreams about her at night
even though she’s been gone for a long time now. I was always
alone when I was a child, so I saw her as my playmate. Alexis
was my security blanket.”17
A teen’s pet has usually been present through many changes,
from childhood issues to puberty. And the loss of a pet is often a
teen’s first encounter with death. How the pet died and how the
family deals with the loss and subsequent grief can determine
how teens deal with death for the rest of their lives. High school
student Nichole Freeman adds: “[Companion animals] are very
much your friend, and it’s very sad when they die. I think that’s
one of the main reasons people have multiple pets because
when one dies and is gone, there is still another one there for
you.”18
The Counseling Today article also notes that although
children’s reactions may manifest themselves in different ways
than adults do, adolescents are the most likely age group to
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5555555555555
WAYS TO HELP GRIEVE THE LOSS OF A
COMPANION ANIMAL

6 Take photos of your companion animals when they are in

good health. Create a scrapbook or memory box or make a
special keepsake with your pet’s paw prints.
6 Hold a funeral, candle-lighting ceremony, or memorial service
where every family member recalls a special memory.
6 Arrange for burial in a pet cemetery and visit the grave as
often as you feel the need. Or add a decorative item or plant
in your yard or garden to memorialize your animal friend.
6 Find appropriate containers for preserving ashes of
cremated pets that reflect their character. Or hold a
special ceremony and sprinkle some of the ashes in a
place that was meaningful to you both.
6 Write down your feelings and memories in a journal or
write a poem or song that documents something special
you experienced with your animal friend.
6 Speak about your pet with other people who knew it. Join
a pet loss support group, such as those offered by
different Humane Societies.
6 Spend extra time with existing pets and help them also
deal with the loss.

withdraw or experience difficulty eating or sleeping. And many

adolescents may exhibit various forms of denial, including a
lack of any emotional display. These young people may be
experiencing sincere grief without any outward expression.
Laurel Lagoni is the cofounder and former director of the
Argus Institute for Families and Veterinary Medicine at
Colorado State University’s James L. Voss Veterinary Teaching
Hospital. She developed and taught the first comprehensive end-
of-life emotional support protocols and clinical communication
skills curriculum at a major university veterinary school, and she
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feels there are many reasons for this reaction in young people.
“Of course, each child is unique and different and will respond
to loss in much the same way they respond to life, in general.
Many teens are expressive and will talk, cry, etc. as needed. This
is more likely if they have had parents or other role models who
have shown them healthy ways to express their feelings. For
many teens, though, a pet’s death is their first experience with
loss and the grief process. Since the feelings and behaviors are
new to them and they probably haven’t seen any adults grieving
openly, they are often caught off guard and a bit scared of the
intensity of the feelings. The teen years are a time of self-
consciousness and conformity. The last thing they want is to be
singled out or to become the target of ridicule. Since teens feel
the emotions welling up each time they think of their pet or
when someone else mentions the pet or suggests they talk about
the death, they work very hard to avoid or dismiss those
conversations and experiences since they absolutely do not want
to cry in front of others. Another reason teens and young adults
often don’t get to have their own grief process is that they are
often asked to take care of younger siblings, death-related
details, or even other household tasks that still need to be done
while other family members deal with the death. In other words,
they are often treated as adults when their feelings and
vulnerability are actually more on the level of a child.”
One case example Laurel describes involved a female
teenager who exemplified the classic conflicts teens feel. “She
wanted her cat’s cremated remains returned to her, but she
thought her friends would think she was weird if she went so far
as to keep them in a beautiful urn or container. Instead, she put
them in an empty mayonnaise jar and kept the jar in her closet.
She said this way she could keep her ongoing relationship with
her cat a secret and see him and talk to him every morning while
she got dressed without anyone else knowing. If a friend did see
the jar, she could explain it away in a rather offhand manner,
‘Oh, that’s just our cat. I didn’t know what to do with him, so
he’s in that jar. . . .’ Her real feelings were much more tender and
intense than that, but she instinctively knew her feelings would
not be accepted by her peers.”19
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5555555555555
IT HAPPENED TO ME: THE BOND IN ACTION
Although it is difficult to experience the illness or death of a pet
perceived as a teen’s close family member, if the animal died as
a result of something the teen feels responsible for, the guilt
can be unbearable. One morning in May 2004, Julie Kisman’s dad
let the dogs out, as he always did, at the same time her
seventeen-year-old brother was ready to leave for school. “My
brother was in the garage getting ready to back his car out of
the garage. He saw both Bridget and Magic sitting by the boat in
the driveway and told them both to move. Well, eleven-year-old
Bridget must not have heard him. Instead she walked behind the
car while my brother was backing out. My brother felt his tires
roll over something. He jumped out of the car and saw he had
run over Bridget. He totally freaked out and ran into the house
screaming and yelling for my parents.” Julie’s mom and brother
kept Bridget as calm as possible while her dad tried to lift the
car off of her. All this commotion woke Julie up, but she was still
half asleep. Then she saw Bridget under the car.
Once her dad got Bridget out from under the car, Julie and her
mom wrapped the dog in blankets and rushed her to a twenty-
four-hour emergency vet office. Although no bones were crushed
or broken, Bridget was having trouble breathing. She was put on
oxygen but unfortunately wasn’t stable enough to pull through.
Although Bridget had been a part of her entire family since she
was a six-month-old puppy, Julie felt especially bonded with her.
And because she was also the family’s first dog, this tragedy was
especially difficult for Julie to talk or write about. “My brother
felt really horrible for what he had done. My parents were very
worried about him for the first two weeks because he was really
down. They made sure someone was home with him all the time
just in case.” Julie, as well as her parents and grandmother, kept
reassuring her brother that anyone could have accidentally hit
the dog, including a neighbor or friend. They emphasized that it
was an accident and that they all forgave him. Now it was up to
Julie’s brother to forgive himself. Fortunately, with support of
family, friends, and neighbors—and with the passage of time—he
got over it and began to heal. “Now, because of that accident,
every time anyone backs out of the garage, we make sure our
two other collies are in their kennel, especially if we go out
together as a family.”20

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One of the most difficult issues to deal with in grieving is

guilt, which is often coupled with anger. This is especially
experienced by people who have had to have their pets
euthanized because of age or illness. People who feel
responsible wholly or in part for an accidental death or for not
recognizing an illness early enough to prevent death may also
feel guilt and anger.
In some instances, the loss of a shared companion animal
can actually provide an opportunity for family members to
draw closer. Because everyone is grieving, a common bond is
created when family members share their feelings about the loss
along with memories of times spent with the deceased animal.
Christina Aviza feels that her boyfriend may not have
understood the magnitude of her loss when her dog died, but
knowing he was sympathetic and willing to listen to her helped.
And while Christina may have been grieving herself, she wanted
to be there for her mom, too. “Spike was mainly her dog, so it
was probably the hardest for her. His death brought my family
closer, but not for long because my stepdad and I aren’t very
close. But it helped with my mom and me.”21 By coming
together in grief and putting past problems aside, each family
member also honors his or her own special relationship with
that pet.

TURNING LOSS INTO SOMETHING POSITIVE

“It would be upsetting any time you’d have a loss but

it’s definitely apparent when animals die. . . . Maybe
knowing that these animals [reptiles] don’t live as
long helped me through that.”—Kyle Fetters,
suburban Illinois teen22

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Although losing a pet can be difficult, many families and teens

find ways to turn it into something positive. Whether because
of their basic individual outlook on life or because they discover
it helps in the grieving process, people who take positive action
as a result of loss not only give tribute to their individual pet,
they also affirm their relationship to the animal.
Kyle Fetters has dealt with loss many times, since reptiles do
not have the life spans many other animals do. But he also dealt
with losing one of his dogs when he was about sixteen or
seventeen years old. “He was the first warm-blooded animal I
lost. I came home from work one day and he was really sick.
You can see that and just know it’s his time but it’s still very
upsetting. But he lived his life; he hopefully lived a great one
and you try to keep it positive. You don’t want to think things
like, ‘He’s gone now, what am I going to do?’ Instead, you need
to remember all the good things you did together. I remember
walking down by our creek and having him faithfully following
right behind me. That’s basically what we did; we’d take these

Sometimes just an
ordinary moment,
such as Jason
Green grooming
his buddy Tyler,
becomes a
treasured memory
when an animal
companion is
gone. Photo used
with permission,
Jeffrey Green,
Total Recall Dog
Training.

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 Overcoming Health Problems, Pet Loss, and Other Adversities

little adventures together. He was always my companion

growing up. So yes, it was very upsetting, but you just gotta
keep it positive.”23
Jason Green was out of town each time when two of his
family’s dogs died less than a year apart. Although he was
already living in his own apartment, he still had a close bond
with one of the dogs and was devastated when he heard the
news, since the dog seemed fine just the week before he left. At
first he felt guilty he wasn’t there to say good-bye, and that he
had not been able to spend much time with the dog after
moving out the year before. But he also realized there was really
nothing he could have done, since everything happened so
quickly. Even if he had tried to fly home to say good-bye, he
never could have arrived fast enough, since both of these deaths
were from unexpected natural causes. Jason prefers to just
remember his friend in a positive way to honor his life. “He had
such a wonderful life with our family and was such a happy

5555555555555
IT HAPPENED TO ME: THE BOND IN ACTION
After her collie’s accidental death, Julie found a way to express
herself and honor her pet’s memory by making a difference for
animals that needed some love. Julie had already been involved
in rescue and had previously fostered many dogs. “About four
months after our loss, I got a call from a Bichon Frise rescue
group, asking if I would be able to foster a dog that was
recovering from surgery. She had had tumors removed from her
tummy, back, and leg and looked funny because she was
shaved in different areas. Of course I said yes!”
Julie and her dad drove an hour and a half to pick her up. At
first, Sophie was very unsure and nervous in her new foster
home. But as weeks passed, she opened up to her foster family
and developed a special attachment to Julie. “She followed me
every place I went. My parents finally gave in and let us adopt
her after my sister and I begged and begged! Although no other
dog will ever replace Bridget, Sophie came into our hearts and
home when we least expected it and made us all happy once
again. She still follows me everywhere and goes almost
everyplace with us. We call her our little lost lamb.”24

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guy. We will all miss him and no other dog will ever take his
place. I’m glad that he wasn’t sick for a very long time, so he
didn’t have to suffer, and I take great consolation in the fact
that he knew he was loved.”25
Our animal companions are each different individuals
with unique personalities that can’t be replaced. It is
important that people allow themselves enough time to grieve
and feel emotionally ready before welcoming a new animal
into their hearts and homes. Spending quality time with a
new pet will help establish a new bond and prevent feelings
of resentment that the new pet can’t replace your deceased
friend. Children’s book illustrator Terri Murphy recalls when
her son’s girlfriend lost her dog. Right after it happened, his
girlfriend said the memory was too painful to even talk about
it. “The family ended up getting a puppy the very next day.
Each person deals with [death] differently, I guess.”26 While
some people may immediately rush out to get a
“replacement” for their lost companion as an attempt to
avoid feeling some of the grief, other people decide to never
get another companion animal to avoid ever experiencing
another painful loss.

UNDERSTANDING

People grieving for their pets often feel alone because of other
people’s reactions. Grief counselors specializing in pet loss can
offer strategies for healing. Laurel Lagoni explains, “Many
studies show grief for a pet to be as significant as that of
another member of a person’s immediate family. The
participants in one survey ranked it the third most painful
loss, just after the loss of a spouse or a child. Grief counselors
tell people to take the loss seriously and allow yourself time to
grieve. Take some days off work if you need them and spend
time in the evenings letting yourself cry, reminisce, and pay
tribute to your pet. Take extra care of yourself for the days
and weeks following a loss. Grief is confusing and exhausting
so people do not feel like themselves for a while. Try to get

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more rest and be sure to educate yourself about what to

expect from a period of grieving. Many of the symptoms of
grief can be alarming if you don’t understand they happen to
everyone. While this topic is still considered to be too morose
and taboo for most social conversations, talk at least once
with a qualified counselor just to reassure yourself that your
grief is progressing as it should. Many people spend a lot of
time and energy worrying about why they seem to be taking
the death of their pet so much harder than anyone else has. A
qualified counselor can help them understand the universal
nature of grief and help them create a plan for caring for
themselves as they experience it. Normal grief can last for
many weeks, months and even years, but will lessen in
intensity as time goes on.”27

“MAN’S BEST FRIEND,”

BY REBECCA BRITZ
When they greet you with excitement and their faces
become brighter
As you enter the door your heart becomes lighter.
One jumping on you, the other intently kisses
While you think to yourself how much you would miss this
Because a true companion is hard to come by.
Which is, in the end, why we try and try
To give our pets back what they’ve given to us
When they showed unconditional love without even a fuss.
From keeping us warm when a blanket we lack,
Not wanting to receive anything but your approval back
They give us love and so much more
Why would we give them less than what they strive for?
Playing Tug-of-War, a hug here, and bone there,
It is easy to do because nothing can compare
To the feeling you get everyday that you’re with them,
Every moment captured is a priceless gem.28

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It also helps when friends and family members are

sympathetic to your loss and validate the grief you feel.
Forming an informal support group with other people who are
grieving or have recently grieved over a pet can help you get
through the loss. Julie’s experience was that everyone on her
block was very supportive and “lent a shoulder to cry on”
because they all loved Bridget. She was also fortunate to have a
caring, compassionate boyfriend and supportive, understanding
friends from the various rescue organizations who understood
what Julie was feeling.
Many people seek solace in prayer and spiritual beliefs or
find comfort in an actual burial process, especially if they
include something meaningful such as an informal graveside
service where each family member says or does something
meaningful. Other people choose cremation and either keep
their pet’s remains in an urn or sprinkle them in a memorable
place that is especially meaningful to them. Writing poems or
journal entries can help teens verbalize their emotions as well as
record special memories of their pet.
Kyle’s family kept everything very simple after his dog died.
“It was kind of weird, because there he is right in front of you
no longer alive. It’s like he’s there, but he’s not really there. I just
kind of wanted to get it over rather quickly. It was definitely
upsetting.”29
After Kelli’s Pembroke Welsh corgi died during her sophomore
year in high school, her family buried her down by the creek,
because that’s where she liked to be. “And that helped me. I mean,
that actually helped me because anytime I’d feel sad or be having
trouble over her, I’d go down there and just sit for a while alone
and it would make me feel better. It calms me somehow.”30
Julie’s family also dealt with Bridget’s death by burying her.
“Once Bridget was peacefully resting in the hole we dug for her
in our backyard, each of us placed a favorite thing she liked in
with her. Then we covered it up. A week later we placed flowers
on top of her burial place. We also made a heart-shaped paw
print out of rocks by the site. I still walk down there every now
and then and just sit there, remembering what Bridget meant to
me and wishing she was still with us. Many friends, neighbors,
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5555555555555
IT HAPPENED TO ME: THE BOND IN ACTION
Experiencing a companion animal’s illness or debilitating
physical condition can be as difficult as the actual loss
suffered when that animal passes away. Nothing can really
prepare someone for living with a dog that has seizures. But
that’s what Katie experienced with her dog, Madison, and the
illness eventually led to his death. Katie remembers vividly,
“Madison had one seizure-free year and we all thought the
medications finally had his illness under control. However, one
day he had a massive seizure around dawn and died. The vet
assured us there was nothing we could have done but we were
all totally devastated. I don’t know how he did it but my dad
wrapped Madison’s body in a towel and carried him to the vet
clinic while the rest of us cried. I wanted to be at school that
day because I really needed a distraction, but I felt so sad. I
actually wound up not taking my final drivers ed test that day—
even though I was scheduled to take it—because I was so sad,
and one of my teachers gave me a pass to stay out of one class
because I couldn’t stop sobbing. He bought me a soda and just
let me vent about how I was feeling. I’ll never forget Madison.
He was the sweetest, most gentle dog and I will always have a
hole in my heart from the loss.”31

and other family members sent or brought over cards

specifically for the loss of a pet. It was very nice of them to do
that, and it actually helped us heal.”32
Each cyclic or seasonal event your pet was once a part of
will be difficult at first. But time itself heals, and with its
passage, the pain becomes more tolerable. Depending on the
bond you had or the circumstances of the animal’s death,
however, you may never completely lose the feeling that
someone you cared for is gone.
Sometimes companion animals develop an illness or medical
condition that severely compromises their quality of life. Some
people believe we should “let nature takes its course” and allow
our animals to die naturally, while others believe it is cruel to
allow animals to suffer when they are obviously in pain or
discomfort and have no chance of recovering. One of the most
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difficult decisions people have to make is if and when to

euthanize their pet. Sometimes this is something you can plan
or anticipate, such as in an elderly animal with decreased
kidney function. It can also wind up being an immediate
decision that has to be made when an animal is severely injured
from an accident or when an aging animal goes in for simple
routine surgery and the vet discovers it has advanced cancer.
Deciding whether or not to euthanize can be especially difficult
and painful for people who cannot afford expensive treatments
such as chemotherapy or surgery.
Making your grief “active” by doing some of the things
suggested here can help ease the pain and bring closure to your
loss. Accepting that the pain is real and giving permission to feel
it is the quickest way to get over the loss. Although it may take
a while, time does heal, and most people become able to look
back with smiles and happy tears. After all, your animal friend
is still there in your memories.

HOW ANIMALS HELP: HUMAN ILLNESS OR DEATH

Although most young people do not have much experience

with death by the time they reach college, many of them may
have lost elderly relatives. When Natasha McDonald’s
boyfriend was hit by a car, she sought comfort through the
horses she bonded with at the therapeutic riding stable where
she volunteers. Natasha turned to the horses again for help
when her aunt died. “I went to the barn and just spent time
with my favorite horse, Trey. Because I was able to just talk to
him and know he was listening, it was really helpful. I can’t
explain it, but while I was talking to him, I felt so peaceful and
calm. I knew that he was listening to me. He also made me feel
like he was always there for me so I could get through these
tough times.”33
Janet Carhuayano also remembers how difficult it was when
her grandmother died. “I was really close to my grandmother.
About two years after I got Lacey, she passed away and I was
devastated. I was so depressed and so sad I wouldn’t talk to
anyone about it at all. But Lacey just stayed there with me and
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 Overcoming Health Problems, Pet Loss, and Other Adversities

put her head on my lap. It was a great feeling knowing she was
there with me because, you know, there was just nothing there
that I had to say. She just knew I was depressed. And even
though I was dealing with stuff I didn’t want to talk about, I
didn’t want to be alone. I just didn’t want to talk. I wanted to
deal with it on my own and she was there, helping me so I
wasn’t alone. With Lacey, I had someone who wouldn’t bother
me, asking, ‘How are you feeling?’ or saying stuff like. ‘You
have to talk about it; you need to get over it and start dealing
with it,’ like all the people around me were doing. Instead I got
to deal with it in my own way with my dog.”34
Grief from the loss of a pet may also bring back memories
and revisit old wounds from previous losses, both human and
animal. While grieving for a pet you’ve just lost, you might also
find yourself thinking about one you lost as a child. Or you
might discover an additional layer of unresolved grief stemming
from the loss of a significant person in your life, such as a
grandparent or neighbor. When that happens, the death of your
pet may become an avenue through which you can heal more
than one loss.

HOW PETS GRIEVE

While humans express grief by speaking about it, writing

tributes, or going through various burial rituals, animals have
to bear their grief in their own unique ways, without the benefit
of mutual mourning and ritual. But, like humans who feel
depressed when a loved one dies, grieving animals often refuse
to eat and lose interest in activities or objects they once enjoyed.
It’s up to us to show them the same compassion and
understanding they give us.
Christina experienced one dog’s grief when her older dog had
to be put down. “We had to put Spike down two days before
Thanksgiving in 2006. Our other dog, Maggie, has been
grieving him ever since. Whenever Maggie went near the urn
where we have his ashes, she puked. She wouldn’t even go on the
couch that was Spike’s ‘bed.’ She also wouldn’t go into our half-
acre yard anymore; she limited herself to just a small area.”35
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Katie also recalls how her dog Tyler acted after Madison died:
“Tyler took Madison’s death very hard. It took weeks for him to
even come back into the kitchen again, since that is where he
had to silently witness the death of his best friend just a few feet
away and then wait until my dad woke, came down, and
discovered what had happened. He was totally traumatized
from the experience. I wound up hand feeding him every meal
for weeks, kibble by kibble, because he refused to eat.”36
We can help our grieving pets by keeping their routines as
normal as possible and allowing the surviving animals in
multiple-pet households to work out their new social hierarchy.
Any changes in animals’ behavior while grieving—such as being
allowed to sleep in our bed, when they weren’t allowed to do so
before—should not be reinforced. It can be difficult dealing
with a pet’s grief while we are also grieving and need to heal.
While it might increase our bond, we can also feel resentment
toward the surviving animal, especially if the animal that died
was our “favorite.” On the other hand, just knowing that the
remaining animal also carries memories of the deceased pet can
make us feel closer to both.
Along with being surprised at the depth of her own grief,
Jessica Katz experienced a glimpse of how other animals grieve
during her internship at a bird refuge. “Peaches, a Malaccan
cockatoo, arrived from a horse farm with her sister, PJ. The
girls were always whinnying to each other, hopping back and
forth between cages to preen and snuggle with one another.”
When Jessica received an e-mail saying Peaches had been found
on the floor of her cage, she burst into tears. Although Peaches
was only fourteen years old, she had the heart of a forty-year-
old and died from a heart attack. “Her death struck everyone
directly involved at the Refuge. PJ had even been trying to wake
her sister up, but to no avail. It was quite incredible to see how
PJ mourned. She sought comfort from everyone, and it was
heart-wrenching to hear her horselike whinny receive no
response. There was a male bird there that PJ was also close to.
She tried going over to him for comfort, but he would have
nothing of it. She was just so miserable; she wound up being
taken upstairs for a few hours and comforted by humans. She
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 Overcoming Health Problems, Pet Loss, and Other Adversities

was grieving so much it was awful. Slowly, however, with the

eventual help of her ‘boyfriend,’ Sigh, PJ started to recover
some of her sassy personality.”37
Can the bond between human and animal be so incredibly
strong it surprises even the most devoted pet owners with its
intensity? Animals can motivate us to exercise when we’re lazy
and help us weather life’s challenges. They also fill us with an
incredible depth of emotion when they fall ill or die. Through it
all, the emotional connection is well worth it. But even if we
have to worry about their safety and grieve at their passing, that
amazing human-animal bond can encourage and strengthen us,
and give us the means to overcome adversity together.

NOTES

1. Katie Green, interview with the author, December 2006.

2. Katie Green, interview with the author, December 2006.
3. Kelli Herbel, interview with the author, October 2006.
4. Herbel, interview with the author, October 2006.
5. “Daily Dog Walks Work Off Weight for Owners, MU
Researchers Find,” University of Missouri–Columbia News Bureau,
September 28, 2005, https://cf.iats.missouri.edu/news/newsbureau
singlenews.cfm?newsid=6662 (accessed May 11, 2007).
6. Annalies Kocourek, interview with the author, August 2006.
7. Katie Green, interview with the author, December 2006.
8. Marty Becker, The Healing Power of Pets: Harnessing the
Amazing Ability of Pets to Make and Keep People Happy and
Healthy (New York: Hyperion, 2002), 90.
9. Katie Green, interview with the author, December 2006.
10. Brigitte Mason, interview with the author, August 23, 2006.
11. “Pet Evacuation Bill Passes,” Pet Age (August 2006): 16.
12. www.ready.gov/america/getakit/pets.html (accessed April 17,
2007).
13. Katie Green, e-mail to the author, December 2006.
14. Katie Green, e-mail to the author, December 2006.
15. Regina Reitmeyer, “Dog Gone?” Counseling Today 42, no. 9
(March 2000).
16. Penni Jess, conversation with the author, January 2007.
17. Faye Nuddleman, interview with the author, April 2007.
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18. Nichole Freeman, interview with the author, December 2006.

19. Laurel Lagoni, e-mail to the author, April 17, 2007.
20. Julie Kisman, e-mail to the author, March 2006.
21. Christina Aviza, interview with the author, November 23, 2006.
22. Kyle Fetters, interview with the author, September 2006.
23. Fetters, interview with the author, September 2006.
24. Kisman, e-mail to the author, March 2006.
25. Jason Green, conversation with the author, April, 2007.
26. Terri Murphy, e-mail to the author, November 2006.
27. Lagoni, e-mail to the author, April 17, 2007.
28. Rebecca Britz, e-mail to the author, October 2006.
29. Fetters, interview with the author, September 2006.
30. Herbel, interview with the author, October 2006.
31. Katie Green, e-mail to the author, February 2007.
32. Kisman, e-mail to the author, April 2007.
33. Natasha McDonald, interview with the author, December 2006.
34. Janet Carhuayano, interview with the author, October 2006.
35. Aviza, interview with the author, November 23, 2006.
36. Katie Green, interview with the author, December 2006.
37. Katz, interview with the author, December 2006.

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 At Your Service:
9 Assistance
Animals and
Therapies

We aren’t born knowing right from wrong. The complexities “Babies don’t
of making correct moral decisions are a part of the learning understand they
process as we grow from childhood into adulthood and are handicapped.
beyond. And if we fail to learn the difference between I guess babies are
kindness and cruelty, all the decisions we make will be kind of like dogs
governed by a decision-making ability gone wrong. Law in that way,
enforcement professionals, child-advocacy organizations, because animals
psychological associations, and FBI profilers agree that animal
that lose a leg or
become paralyzed
abuse can be a precursor and warning sign in people who
don’t know they
eventually direct violence toward humans. In an article in the
are handicapped.
Washington Times, People for the Ethical Treatment of And small
Animals educator Holly Quaglia notes that there have been children know,
consistent warning signs in recent decades of school shootings: yeah, maybe they
Each of these young murderers had a history of abusing have a brace on
and/or killing animals before they turned on their classmates. their leg, but they
If a child is taught to value the life of an animal or animals, don’t understand
however, that child will be more likely to value the lives of they are disabled
other children. 1 until they hear
someone say they
are.”
LEARNING EMPATHY
—Jenn Papa, Illinois
high school student2
The ability to empathize and the capacity for compassion are
important human skills. Empathy connects us to another living
creature’s feelings, moods, or circumstances. And, like right and
wrong, compassion is a learned behavior. One way to learn
empathy for others is through compassionate interaction with
companion animals in the home or neighborhood and through
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“Animals will love you back and be kind to you as long as you
treat them with kindness. And when teens work with animals
closely, especially ones who have been abused or neglected
themselves, eventually these young people start to learn from
them. It’s as if the animals start to get inside their head and
instill values. These teens eventually discover they don’t need
to change themselves to fit someone else’s model. And when
they do find themselves, everything else just kind of falls into
line.”—Rich Weiner, director, A Refuge for Saving the Wildlife3

volunteering at places where people or animals are in need,

such as animal shelters, rescues, therapeutic facilities, and
service-oriented organizations. Not only do we learn empathy
for the animals that need our help, but those skills can also
transcend into relationships we have with other people.

ANIMALS THAT SERVE

Most of us don’t realize the numerous ways animals help people

with physical or other disabilities. We might have heard about
dogs helping the blind, seen a dog visiting a nursing home, or
watched a service dog walking alongside someone, but we don’t
see the intensive training process behind the scenes. Dogs and
other animals used as service or therapy animals need to have
the correct temperament; be intelligent, predictable, and sound;
and have the desire to serve. Service animals are specifically
bred for these qualities. Puppies are placed in volunteer homes,
with a set of people who work with the animals, socializing and
familiarizing them with all types of environments and situations
where the dog will be responsible for making correct decisions.
Later, these dogs may also be trained by volunteers who teach
them specific tasks and commands for the individual they will
ultimately be placed with. It is a lengthy process, but one that is
extremely rewarding to be a part of. While there is no shortage
of need for these dogs, there are a limited number of volunteers
226 to help in the process.
 At Your Service: Assistance Animals and Therapies

When they think of service dogs, most people immediately

think of Guide Dogs for the Blind, but there are many other
types of service and assistant dog programs and organizations
nationwide. People suffering from epilepsy, diabetes, or
emotional disorders also benefit from service dogs. Various
service categories include guide dogs and horses, service dogs,
search-and-rescue dogs, military dogs, K-9 law enforcement
dogs, and therapy dogs and other animals, including horses,
marine mammals, rabbits, cats, and birds.
Kristen and Annalies Kocourek have a medical condition
that requires each of them to have a service dog. Their family
acquired both dogs from an organization called East Coast
Assistance Dogs (ECAD). Kristen explains: “ECAD dogs are
trained at residential schools where the students are wards of
the state or in juvenile detention systems. For many of those
kids, working with the dogs is the first time they have been
loved unconditionally and the first time they are taking
responsibility for another living being. It is a win-win situation.
The students working with these dogs all have major
challenges, just not disability-related ones. Plus, many graduate
from the program and are then able to return to their homes
and society after working with the dog training program.”4

EMOTIONAL TRAUMA AND

NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS

Emotional trauma can affect brain chemistry in many negative

ways, including suppressing the manufacture of neurochemicals
that influence sleep stages, depression, and memory, or act as
mood stabilizers and help regulate impulse control. Recovery is
difficult because the trauma itself lodges in a part of the brain
not immediately accessible to rational thought. When children
or teens are severely traumatized, they lose the ability to soothe
or reward themselves and may have difficulty sleeping, suffer
from depression, lose their ability to learn, and experience other
problems, which is why many victims of abuse act out in
irrational and often unpredictable ways, and have difficulty in
school and with positive interpersonal relationships. Many
traumatized teens cannot find a way to connect or reconnect to 227
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the world on their own because emotional trauma leaves them

feeling that nothing is safe or to be trusted anymore.
Animals tend to fascinate instead of threaten. They can also
help provide the hugs and the physical sense of nurturing that
many neglected or abused children and teens need, but do not
know how to obtain from their unsafe environments.
According to the website Edutopia, scientific studies have
proven that blood pressure drops during positive physical
contact with animals, such as petting or stroking their fur.5
Victims of trauma or abuse often feel anxious, but the drop in
blood pressure and regular relaxed breathing, coupled with the
feeling of being able to “let go” and trust, allows many victims
to finally release their feelings. While some teens may have
difficulty with animals because of their inner anger, after
months of work learning how to approach animals (and, by
extension, humans) in a nonthreatening way, they receive the
reward of having an animal accept their touch.
John S. Lyons, director of mental health services and policy
programs at the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral
Sciences at Northwestern University, is one of the authors of a
study that explored the benefits of animal-assisted therapy. In
this study, eight adolescent girls undergoing substance abuse
treatment were positively impacted in just a few visits with
specially trained dogs. The report stated that participation in
this program allowed the girls to gain more self-awareness and
honesty with themselves and others, even though the girls and
animals did not live together. According to a 2002 article in
Current Health 2, a Weekly Reader publication, Lyons believed
that the dogs in the study were valuable to the troubled teens
for two reasons. First, handling the dogs with obedience
commands, positive reinforcement techniques, and grooming
helped them develop a sense of achievement and ability to
master their environment. In addition, interaction with dogs
that were always in good moods and happy to see them
promoted a sense of mutual good feelings. The nonverbal
interaction these girls experienced with the animals offered
them a new way to communicate, as well as experiencing
nonthreatening, loving interaction.6
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EQUINE THERAPY PROGRAMS

More than six hundred equine therapy centers in the United

States provide a variety of therapeutic riding programs for
children, teens, and adults with behavioral/emotional
challenges, physical/cognitive disabilities, attention/sensory
disorders (such as ADD or autism), and conditions like multiple
sclerosis or depression. By making a “connection” with the
riders, the horses help them improve muscle strength, flexibility,
and posture; increase focus and concentration; improve sensory
processing abilities; and gain self-confidence and self-esteem.
For people with difficult issues, therapy experiences can
often give them a reason to wake up every day. Diana Schnell,
executive director of Equestrian Connection in Libertyville,
Illinois, is also the mother of twin teen sons with cerebral palsy.
Working with equine therapy has been as much a therapy for
her and her sons as it is for every person that walks into the
stable. It is truly a place of hope, healing, and great peace. “My

Teen volunteers
assisting a
young rider
during a
therapeutic
riding session at
Equestrian
Connection.
Photo used with
permission,
Katie Green.

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twins needed therapy because they were like rag dolls, because
of poor muscle tone from a more unusual form of CP. But over
the years, I have seen the full spectrum of kids here, from
psychological issues to physical disabilities to kids not able to
form relationships. Teenagers are so vulnerable. They’re
looking for buddies, looking for acceptance, and looking to
build their self-esteem, without even realizing it. Working with
children who didn’t get the gifts they got really opens their eyes
and helps with their own overall awareness of themselves and
of their gifts, and a greater appreciation for what they have.”7
These centers can offer group or individual therapy
programs. Therapists (including physical, occupational, speech,
and art therapists) and North American Riding for the
Handicapped Association–certified riding instructors may work
with the various children, teen, and adult riders. At Equestrian
Connection, for example, approximately two hundred teens and
adults volunteer throughout the week, performing various tasks
like getting saddles and tack on the horses to “side walking,”
which involves walking next to riders in the riding arena to
prevent them from losing balance and falling off the horse.
These therapeutic facilities do more than help build muscle
tone and strength. For teens who go for the therapy, it also
offers them a peer group. Diana explains, “The disabled teen
population is not only looking to get stronger, they’re also
looking for friends, someone to identify with. They’re also
looking to not be judged, and, of course, the horses don’t judge
them. These young people are looking to be empowered, and
that’s what they are able to do here. You can have the disabled
teen that starts by being a rider and then later turns into a
helper, so they suddenly find themselves on the giving side
instead of only getting all the time. And giving to others makes
them feel good about themselves.”
Diana recalls one teen with learning disabilities who came in
as a rider. “Kids had made fun of her from an early age, so she
was afraid to even try to be social. She said to me, ‘If I could
just learn to read people like I can read horses, like if their ears
went back or something, then I would know what people are
thinking and I could do something different!’ And that just
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blew me away, because here’s someone who can connect so

strongly with the horses where she can’t connect like that with
anyone else.” Learning to read the horse and to be able to
connect with it on a deeper level is empowering. Diana
continues, “And then there are kids that are not good in team
sports because they don’t have the skills, can’t take direction, or
have processing issues. But these kids can come here, get the
individual guidance they need, and also develop a skill that
makes them feel pretty good when they’re five or six feet above
the ground on a powerful sixteen-hundred-pound animal that
they are controlling. That’s part of what we offer; we provide
them with putting some sort of control into their life, because
they don’t feel that they have that.”8

Many of the horses used in therapeutic riding seem to exhibit an

intuitive sense about their often fragile riders. Drawing by Katie
Green, used with permission.
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MAKING A DIFFERENCE
There are additional ways teens can benefit indirectly from
therapeutic programs. Like Crossroads Foundation, therapeutic
stables may also work with juveniles ordered by the county
court system to perform community service. These teens may
have committed only minor violations, like a traffic violation or
underage drinking, but serving at a therapeutic facility can
change their whole life.
Some of the horses at these facilities come from situations
of neglect or abuse themselves. Is it possible that some teens
connect better with animals that have also been abused or
neglected? Diana feels it is all about trust. “They realize, ‘Well,
I just built trust with this horse; maybe I’ll be able to build trust
with people.’ Horses that come in from abusive situations are
angry. And when these teens see how the horses get turned
around and learn to trust, they realize they can do the same
thing in their own lives.” Sometimes young people from
abusive situations come to the facility. Diana feels that after
being there for a while, these teens begin to perceive it as a
place of safety, and after completing service there, they come
back later to volunteer on their own. She has seen incredible
things happen during psychotherapy sessions where these
teens begin talking to and relating to the horses. “It often
comes out later that they can then start talking to people about
their issues, because in being involved with our program, that
teen was suddenly not as vulnerable. That is because everyone
here is vulnerable. We’ve been made that way because we’ve
been humbled by our experiences and taught to appreciate
what we do have. And we can reach these teens who feel
they’re not perfect or popular or anything, because here they
are perfect and popular and everything.”9

Like animal shelters, refuges, and other forms of animal

therapy programs, therapeutic riding stables depend on
volunteers. Equestrian Connection draws volunteers of many
ages , including a very strong teen representation. Some teens
volunteer through various school service programs, while
others may discover the place through a friend. Either way, they
usually wind up getting hooked. Diana spoke about one teen
volunteer who had no friends but had a lot of experience riding.
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“She has turned into one of our best volunteers, because she’s
kind of an expert with horses. So here she gets to feel accepted
and appreciated by everyone and basically gets all the things she
wasn’t getting before with her peers or from her school
situation. She’s even been able to make friends with other teens
that volunteer here.”10 Diana believes it is the horses that have
enabled her, as well as other teens, to make those kinds of
connections, get a sense of peace, and forget their own
problems for a little while through helping others.
The horses also give young people who don’t have physical
power a sense of strength and power about themselves. If they
have trouble coordinating movements, the horse empowers
them with a sense of being able to make those movements
effortlessly through space. And for many young people with
physical impairments, riding may be their only time out of their
wheelchair other than at bedtime—and the only time they get to
experience the sensation of the freedom of movement.
Physical therapist Andrey Parvanov works with his patients
both inside a clinical office setting and on-site at a therapeutic
stable. Because he works with children and teens with various
physical conditions, such as cerebral palsy, he focuses mainly on
the physical rather than the behavioral and combines
traditional treatment with equine therapy. And while these
riders are developing their muscles and gaining strength and
flexibility, their experience is also one of joy combined with a
feeling of accomplishment. “I treat these kids in a clinic, doing
all these exercises using harnesses and a treadmill. Usually they
will cry or be scared. But put them on a horse and they’re all
smiles because they are so wrapped up in the pleasurable
sensation of the horse and the rhythmic movement. So the child
that tenses up with fear and anticipation of pain in a clinical
setting will relax instead and let the horse help him. And once
they stretch, they’ll do it again. Emotion brings motion. You
love it and you remember it. In the end, you don’t train the
body—you train the brain! They’re doing the same work,
exercising the same muscles. But because of the horse, nobody
even realizes it is work. They come with a smile; they leave with
a smile.”11
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Sometimes great breakthroughs in medicine occur through a
combination of personal experience and understanding
similarities between human and animal behavior and response.
In the book Animals in Translation: Using the Mysteries of
Autism to Decode Animal Behavior, author, animal behaviorist,
and scientist Temple Grandin, writes about her teen years and
how animals played a huge part in them. An autistic child,
Grandin was sent to a boarding school that had a riding stable.
Although the horses there had behavior problems, she still fell
in love with them and reaped the therapeutic benefits from her
interaction with them. Once she hit adolescence, she
experienced a wall of nonstop anxiety, but in the end she felt it
was animals that wound up actually saving her. At a visit to a
dude ranch one summer, Grandin observed that when cows are
placed in a special metal cage (called a “squeeze chute”) with
walls that contract, they are less fearful of vaccination shots.
They may be fearful at first, but they relax as the walls
surround and touch them closely. Because of her unique
perspective from being autistic, she immediately understood
why: When the machine contracts, it creates a sensation
around the animal similar to when they were in the womb, the
same reason human professionals recommend swaddling a
baby to calm and soothe them. Grandin decided to build a
machine at home based on this metal cage to see if it would
help her to calm down. It did. Grandin wrote that she felt she
made it through her teen years mainly because of that squeeze
machine and her horses. Today, every autism clinic in the world
uses this device.12

While some young people may already have shifted the focus
from “all about me” to helping others, many have never been
exposed to children with disabilities. Because the horse isn’t
judging, it can act as the conduit connecting the volunteers to
the riders. While many of the volunteers are strictly there for
the horses, amazing transformations often take place as these
volunteers begin to connect with the disabled riders and witness
the results of the therapy and the horses. Some of these teens
have even made career decisions to go into physical therapy or
related fields because of their experiences. Diana observes that
her student volunteers evolve the longer they volunteer there.
234 “They are not as self-absorbed; they become givers and doers,
 At Your Service: Assistance Animals and Therapies

and many of them will go into fields of service. And if not,

they’ll serve some way in whatever field they go into.”13
Some teens volunteer at these facilities because of their interest
in the children. High school junior Tina Swinkels plans one day
to work directly with children, possibly as a physical therapist.
“My main focus is to work with children, but I think that
animals are great for kids. Animals are trusting, loving, and don’t
see any difference between the kids with disabilities and those
without. It’s amazing when you see children who miss out on so
many things in their life feeling special—and, most importantly,
feeling like they are in control, which is something they very
rarely get in their lives. When they get to the stage where they can
control their horse, I can see how amazing it feels to them. For
once in their life, these kids get to be completely ‘normal’ to
someone.” Tina remembers one specific child she worked with, a
little girl who was blind. “She would touch the horse, hold her
face close to it, smell it, and try to get to know it. She used every
sense she had. And then she got on and rode beautifully without
being able to see where she was going. That was probably one of
the most amazing things I have ever seen.”14
While most teens who volunteer regularly for community
service do it through some type of high school program, the
majority of these young people don’t volunteer because they
have to be there. The teen volunteers I spoke with all
emphasized they wanted to be there! When offered the option
of sleeping in late on the weekend and shopping at the mall,
they unanimously insisted they’d rather be at the stable at 8:00
a.m. to volunteer with the horses and the kids and hang out
with the friends they have there. And, as one young person
mentioned, the more you give, the more you get back.

SWIMMING WITH DOLPHINS

A more unusual approach to animal-assisted therapy is using

marine mammals to help people with various disabilities that
originate in the brain or nervous system. While these facilities
are only found in areas near oceans, there are many located
throughout the world that incorporate swimming with dolphins
and sea lions as part of their therapeutic programs. Most of 235
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IT HAPPENED TO ME: THE BOND IN ACTION
In addition to trail riding and competing with her horses, animal
shelter founder Christy Anderson also did a lot of volunteering
with equine therapy during her high school years, and she found
it very rewarding. Christy remembers one incredible
breakthrough vividly. “There was one time when there was this
little six- or seven-year-old boy who refused to eat. And my job
was to try and get him to eat something. We decided to take him
on a barn tour so he could see how the horses eat. We showed
him all the horses, brought him into the grain room, and said,
‘This is what horses eat’ and tried to get him to look at the grain,
but he didn’t want anything to do with us. Then we gave him a
bucketful full of bran mash, showed him how to mix it together,
and put his hands into the sloppy mixture. He got it all over his
hands and was very upset about it at first. Then we brought him
up to a stall. Well, the horse in that stall came right over to us
and started licking the bran mash from his hands, and the kid
just thought that was the most hilarious thing in the world! He
wouldn’t even look at anyone before, and here he was now
looking straight dead-away at this horse licking the bran mash
off his hands and out of the bucket. And then the kid started
eating the bran mash, too. We eventually convinced the little boy
that apples and carrots were suitable alternatives. The parents
came back later, totally elated, saying that they couldn’t get
their child to stop eating carrots and apples! It was so good
because he was literally starving to death. I don’t know exactly
what his problem was, but he was then able to survive on carrots
and apples and bran mash.” This experience and others taught
Christy that animals can have a huge impact on the lives of
people and that animals would always be a part of her life.15

these “swimming with dolphins” programs were developed

primarily to help children and their families cope with various
developmental, physical, and emotional disabilities that include
autism, cerebral palsy, and Down syndrome. Through specially
supervised programs and therapists, dolphin-human interaction
offers families a unique opportunity to bond and connect with a
special-needs family member in an enjoyable, safe environment
and provides a therapeutic experience that focuses on the
emotional and physical well-being of the participants.
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IT HAPPENED TO ME: THE BOND IN ACTION
Vet tech student Rebecca Britz decided to do an internship with
marine mammals during a summer between college semesters.
“I went to the Florida Keys to do an internship at one marine
mammal facility and ended up doing internships at two marine
mammal places! I was able to work with a lot of different things
that people only dream about doing. It was a wonderful
experience for me and I appreciate the people who gave me that
chance.” Rebecca researched and located her first marine
mammal opportunity, with Marine Mammal Conservancy (MMC),
on the Internet. It was through MMC that she was subsequently
placed at Dolphins Plus. “The two marine mammal places were
very different from one another because they each had a
different purpose—no pun intended! MMC was for rehabilitation
of injured or beached animals; Dolphins Plus is a therapeutic
facility where humans can swim with the dolphins and had a
dolphin-child therapy [program] for kids with special needs. It
was wonderful to see the changes in the children happen right
before your eyes!”
Although Rebecca’s interest was mainly with the animals,
she felt every experience was beneficial. “The interns who
actually worked and/or helped with the special-needs children
were mainly students working toward a different type of
degree than the one I was seeking. It was more related to
working with special-needs kids. So those interns who were
going into a profession of that nature would help the kids—and
that included more than just kids who had autism—and they
would then stay with that specific group of dolphins.”16

Since the object of dolphin therapy is to increase sensory

activities, programs are performed in pools with captive or
semicaptive dolphins, and therapists assist the children, who
can touch or swim with the animals. The therapists usually
work on specific areas such as speech, behaviors, and motor
skills, and the programs are customized to fit each individual’s
specific needs.
While dolphin therapy is not meant to be a cure, it has
shown promise by enhancing the healing process and helping
to alleviate some symptoms associated with various
conditions. Results have shown hormone, endorphin, and
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enzyme changes in blood samples of participants taken prior to

and following a therapy session. While it is not yet understood
why or how this happens, there is ongoing research at
universities and dolphin research centers to find the answer.
Some researchers feel the encounters with the dolphins may
evoke a deep emotional response that triggers the release of
these chemicals and motivates these children while another
theory suggests that the rhythm and vibration of the dolphin’s
natural sonar affects the human brain by modifying brain
wave activity. And while this animal-assisted therapy does not
promise dramatic results, it is yet another demonstration of the
bond between humans and animals.

MAKE A DIFFERENCE
For teens and young adults looking for a way to combine careers
in psychology, education, counseling, physical/occupational
therapy, or other related areas with a love for animals,
opportunities abound to experience what it would be like to
actually work in these fields. Numerous facilities nationwide
include animal-assisted therapy programs. Facilities and
nonprofit organizations like Inner Harbour, Dolphins Plus, and
Equestrian Connection depend on volunteers to help things run
smoothly. Volunteers have various responsibilities, from training
therapy dogs and horses or interacting with special-needs
children to grooming and helping take care of the animals.
Education majors can also assist with tutoring the residents.

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IT HAPPENED TO ME: THE BOND IN ACTION
High school student and volunteer Nichole Freeman has
personally experienced the therapeutic effect animals can
have on people firsthand: “I was really sick the summer
before my freshman year of school. I think pets really help
because they don’t worry as much about you as the people
around you are doing. And when you are really scared, that’s
very helpful! Like, it’s very nice just to have someone that is
not constantly asking, ‘Are you okay?’ Instead, they are like,
‘Oh, you wanna come play with me!’ And that is definitely a
big thing for people who have health problems. Sometimes
when you are sick, it isn’t just affecting you physically, it
also affects you mentally. The pet may sense something is
wrong, but they don’t treat you any differently; they still
treat you as a friend.”17

SERVICE DOGS

“When I need quiet time, Brooklyn lays quietly by my

side. I can share any secrets with her or discuss
touchy things with her and she won’t tell a soul.
She’s faithful, loving, forgiving and my best friend. I
can cry into her fur and she understands. Or I can
laugh and she joins in on the fun.”—Kristen
Kocourek, high school student from the Midwest18

Service dogs are trained with a specific set of skills that match
the needs of the individuals they are placed with. The range of
jobs these dogs can be trained to perform is truly remarkable,

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including tasks as simple as picking up a dropped pencil to ones

as complicated as guiding a person to the correct airport
terminal. Some dogs even have the innate ability to detect and
warn their handlers about potentially dangerous medical
conditions, like seizures, and make sure they are in a safe
position before it begins. In other words, service dogs can be a
lifeline as well as a companion.
One of the biggest challenges people owning service dogs
experience is the general public’s lack of awareness that service

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A PERSONAL GLIMPSE
Because of their medical conditions, Kristen and Annalies
Kocourek have learned not to take anything for granted. Their
service dogs have given them new leases on life and taught
them what is truly important. Kristen says, “Life-and-death
situations are very common in our house, and often involve me.
I’m a survivor. Because of all of the medical bills, things like
going to a movie are special times. We definitely value life and
live it to the fullest. Every day we survive there is hope we will
be here tomorrow. If we are really lucky, maybe the doctors will
find a cure while we are still living. If not, I know my parents
have done everything in their power to help me succeed and
grow up.” Annalies agrees: “When you’re sick, you can go two
ways. You can either grow up real quick or never grow up at all,
and you’re always immature. But I think my sister and I chose
the former and grew up the instant we found out we were sick.
We realized there were more important things than parties,
boyfriends, and shopping.”19
Their dogs have given Annalies and Kristen the ability to get
around and do things they wouldn’t have been able to do
otherwise, because wherever Annalies and Kristen go, their
service dogs go, too. Because dog and owner must work
flawlessly together and they often find themselves in public
places where dogs are not usually allowed, the sisters and
their dogs often attract a lot of attention. Annalies says,
“Brooklyn and Kristen are one of the very best teams. Brooklyn
is very devoted and Kristen makes sure Brooklyn is doing what
she’s supposed to do and not slack on commands. She has one
of the softest voices I’ve ever heard, but she’s all business.”20

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animals in public are working animals, not pets. Handlers and

dogs walking through crowds of people are continually
challenged by people distracting or exciting the dog because
they do not understand that these service animals are doing a
job. Just leading their human companions through a crowd
requires concentration and decision-making skills, and
intentional distractions only make the dogs’ job more difficult.
The federally mandated Americans with Disabilities Act
specifies that service dogs can go almost everywhere their
owners go, including classrooms, stores, theaters, museums,
and airports. To help identify service dogs in public places, they
wear special bandanas or vests. That way people won’t think
they’re just pets and try to distract them while they’re working
or deny them service or access to restaurants or other public
places.21
All teens go through tough times growing up, but teens with
medical conditions or disabilities can go through some really
rough spots. Annalies observes that dogs can let go of their
emotions, while people can’t. We hold on tightly to our
emotions like they’re something precious to us, but dogs just let
them go. Not only do service dogs give their handlers the
confidence to get around and feel safe, having a service animal
can also boost self-esteem at the same time. Teens with physical
disabilities don’t want to be seen in public holding hands with
their parents, siblings, or even friends. Service animals can give
their owners a sense of independence without embarrassing
them.
A difficult problem for teens with physical disabilities or
other medical conditions is social isolation. Because others may
not be sure what to say or how to approach someone who
appears to be “different,” these teens are often just left alone.
But with a service dog, things change. Whereas otherwise
classmates might avoid contact with them, the dog helps initiate
conversation and friendships, since most conversations center
around the dog and the cool things the dog does rather than
focusing on the teen’s physical problems. Kristen comments,
“I’m really shy but when I’m with Brooklyn other teens come
over to start a conversation. I met my best friend after she came
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to talk to me about Brooklyn. Plus, Brooklyn is a guy magnet!

Most guys love dogs!”22 Interestingly, similar benefits exist for
the service dogs themselves. Most dogs love to be with their
people or their family, and service dogs have the companionship
of their special people all the time!
One hallmark of a terrific service dog is having a “second
sense” when something is wrong, even if it is something the dog
was not trained to handle. Annalies remembers one event where
her service dog, Stitch, showed his true innate capabilities.
“About a week after I got Stitch, I was standing in line for
something and Stitch started jumping on me and walking in
front of me. That was really annoying! Then he jumped up on
me and put his paws on my shoulder and just wouldn’t leave me
alone and got me really upset with him. So I sat down, and
about two minutes later, I had a seizure. It was like he knew I
was going to have one and he was just trying to get me to sit
down. We didn’t know he could do that. He did that on his

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IT HAPPENED TO ME: THE BOND IN ACTION
High school student Jenn Papa is interested in training service
dogs one day. This interest is more than just curiosity, however;
it comes from something very close to her heart, since her
older brother was born with cerebral palsy and hydrocephalus.
“I would love to help others be happy, help them put their
problems aside and live how they want. I have always wanted
to do something with special ed or special needs [people],
either helping them live with service animals or doing physical
therapy with animals. I think being able to bond with animals
makes them better and happier. Our own dogs aren’t service
dogs, but we had one dog named Roscoe that was very bonded
with my brother. Roscoe always knew when my brother was sad
or felt bad; he always put his head right on his leg. I think that
kind of made my brother feel happy when he did that, because
he knew the animal understood him. We recently had to put
Roscoe down at age fourteen. The day we did it, I could tell my
brother didn’t feel well that whole day. I knew he missed
Roscoe terribly. But our new puppy is seven months old, and
already he likes to sit right next to my brother’s wheelchair.”23

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own. He wasn’t ever trained for it. I think it is very cool that
dogs can help us in this way. It’s like Stitch is my ‘furry aura.’”24
And in many ways, dogs and other animals can be guardians
here for us. When we think of all the different ways that dogs
have assisted us and worked beside us in so many different
capacities, it is mind-boggling. For centuries, dogs have been at
our side: hunting, guarding our family and property, herding
livestock, providing friendship and companionship, and much
more. And with dogs being utilized in the modern era for
anything from drug- and bomb-sniffing work to therapy and
service, it clearly demonstrates how our relationship with
animals can be so spectacular and so rewarding.

THERAPY DOGS AND OTHER ANIMALS

The human-animal bond can also be experienced through the

use of dogs and other creatures as therapy animals. These
animals work with their owners/handlers as a team, providing
therapeutic interaction with people unable to travel to a facility
or attend a special program. These therapy teams can work
independently or with groups to visit children and adults in
nursing homes, hospitals, schools, and other places where

Nursing home residents enjoying a visit from a therapy rabbit. Photo

used with permission, Richelle and Teresa Hellpap.
243
Chapter 9

positive contact with an animal benefits people facing a variety

of conditions or situations.
Good candidates for therapy animal programs are dogs and
other animals that are sociable and predictable, easily
controlled in uncertain situations, and comfortable around
people with canes and wheelchairs or who might look or move
“differently.” These abilities in dogs are easily tested by passing
an AKC Canine Good Citizenship (CGC) test. It also helps if
candidates have had at least basic obedience classes and will
dependably obey commands. Most important, both the human
handlers and the animals themselves must really enjoy being
with people. Teens exploring career options in medical, therapy,
or caregiver-related careers can get firsthand experience with
patients through interaction with therapy animals. Young
people can get involved by contacting national organizations
such as the Delta Society, Therapy Dogs International, or
Therapy Dogs, Inc. Although the majority of these programs
use dogs, many other animals can qualify to serve, including
miniature horses, cats, and rabbits. In addition to working as a
service team, volunteers can also assist local chapters with
fund-raising, paperwork, scheduling visits, testing animals,
public relations, and a host of other needs.

A FINAL THOUGHT

Teens who have bonded with companion or other animals have

been given incredible opportunities that can only be
experienced through that connection. Whether you enjoy
working around animals, need a friend that won’t let you
down, require the services of a service or therapy animal, or
have a strong passion to help animals and make a difference,
you are definitely not alone. Millions of young people
worldwide share those very same interests, needs, and passions!
The human-animal bond can be one of the most important
experiences we ever have, but it is also one that should not be
taken lightly or casually dismissed. Through their own
innocence, animals return us to a place most people never find

244
 At Your Service: Assistance Animals and Therapies

once they leave the magical realm of childhood. When we allow

animals to bring us into their world, we experience a place
where everything is based on trust and unconditional love. We
also take a positive step toward reaching our full potential as
adult humans. And, like the many animal lovers that have filled
these pages with their insight, inspiration, and compassion,
when we embrace our responsibilities, we also become the
animal advocates and guardians of tomorrow.

NOTES

1. Alexandra Rockey Fleming, “When It’s Time for a Pet;

Children Learn Compassion, Sensitivity—at Proper Age,”
Washington Times, July 27, 2003, D01.
2. Jenn Papa, interview with the author, October 2006.
3. Rich Weiner, interview with the author, November 11, 2006.
4. Kristen Kocourek, e-mail to the author, January 2007.
5. Burr Snider, “Gone to the Dogs,” Edutopia,
www.edutopia.org/gone-to-the-dogs (accessed June 8, 2007).
6. Ellen Blum Barish, “Pets: Unconditional Love: You Know That
(Your Pet’s Name Here) Is Great Fun to Come Home To. But Did You
Know That Your Pet Can Be Good for Your—and Your Family’s—
Health?” Current Health 2 29, no.13 (November 2002): 16.
7. Diana Schnell, interview with the author, February 22, 2007.
8. Schnell, interview with the author, February 22, 2007.
9. Schnell, interview with the author, February 22, 2007.
10. Schnell, interview with the author, February 22, 2007.
11. Andrey Parvanov, interview with the author, February 22, 2007.
12. Temple Grandin and Catherine Johnson, Animals in
Translation: Using the Mysteries of Autism to Decode Animal
Behavior (New York: Harcourt, 2005).
13. Schnell, interview with the author, February 22, 2007.
14. Tina Swinkels, interview with the author, December 2006.
15. Christy Anderson, interview with the author, August 19, 2006.
16. Rebecca Britz, e-mail to the author, October 2006.
17. Nichole Freeman, interview with the author, December 2006.
18. Kristen Kocourek, e-mail to the author, January 2007.
19. Kristen Kocourek, e-mail to the author, January 2007.
20. Annalies Kocourek, interview with the author, August 2006.

245
Chapter 9

21. U.S. Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division, Disability

Rights Section, www.ada.gov/qasrvc.htm (accessed September 30,
2008).
22. Kristen Kocourek, e-mail to the author, January 2007.
23. Papa, interview with the author, October 2006.
24. Annalies Kocourek, interview with the author, August 2006.

246
 Appendix:
Online Resources
for All
Things Animal

VETERINARY AND SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH

American Veterinary Medical Association, www.avma.org

Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges,
www.aavmc.org
Colorado State University, College of Veterinary Medicine and
Biomedical Sciences, www.cvmbs.colostate.edu
Cornell University, College of Veterinary Medicine,
www.vet.cornell.edu
Morris Animal Foundation, www.morrisanimalfoundation.org
Purdue University, School of Veterinary Medicine,
www.vet.purdue.edu
TOPS Veterinary Rehab, www.tops-vet-rehab.com
Tufts University, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine,
www.tufts.edu/vet
University of California/Davis School of Veterinary Medicine,
www.vetmed.ucdavis.edu
University of Illinois/Champaign, College of Veterinary
Medicine, www.cvm.uiuc.edu
University of Wisconsin/Madison, School of Veterinary
Medicine, www.vetmed.wisc.edu

PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS

American Pet Products Association (APPA),

www.americanpetproducts.org
Cat Writers Association (CWA), www.catwriters.org
Dog Writers Association of America (DWAA), www.dwaa.org 247
Appendix

Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council (PIJAC), www.pijac.org

Pet Industry Distributors Association (PIDA), www.pida.org
World Wide Pet Industry Association (WWPIA),
www.wwpia.org

ANIMAL REGISTRIES

American Kennel Club (AKC), www.akc.org

American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA), www.aqha.com
Cat Fanciers Association (CFA), www.cfa.org
International Cat Association (TICA), www.tica.org
United Kennel Club (UKC), www.ukc.org

HUMANE ORGANIZATIONS

American Humane Association, www.americanhumane.org

American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
(ASPCA), www.aspca.org
Avian Welfare Coalition, www.avianwelfare.org
House Rabbit Society, www.rabbit.org
Humane America Animal Foundation, www.adoptapet.com
Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), www.hsus.org
The National Federation of Humane Societies,
www.humanefederation.org
Petfinder, www.petfinder.com
A Refuge for Saving the Wildlife, www.rescuethebirds.org
Wright-Way Rescue, www.wrightwayrescue.rescuegroups.org

ASSISTANCE AND THERAPY ANIMALS

Assistance Dog Institute, www.assistancedog.org

Assistance Dogs for Living, www.marilynpona.com
Assistance Dogs International, www.adionline.org
Autism Society of America, www.autism-society.org
Bright and Beautiful Therapy Dogs, Inc., www.golden-dogs.org
Canine Companions for Independence (CCI),
www.caninecompanions.org
Crossroads Foundation, www.crossroadsfoundation.net
248 Delta Society, www.deltasociety.org
 Appendix

Dolphin Human Therapy (DHT),

www.dolphinhumantherapy.com
Dolphins Plus, www.dolphinsplus.com
East Coast Assistance Dogs (ECAD), www.ecad1.org
Equestrian Connection, www.equestrianconnection.org
Green Chimneys Children’s Services, www.greenchimneys.org
Guide Horses for the Blind, www.guidehorse.org
Inner Harbour, www.innerharbour.org
Island Dolphin Care, islanddolphincare.org
Marine Mammal Conservancy,
www.marinemammalconservancy.org
North American Riding for the Handicapped Association,
www.nahra.org
Paws With A Cause (PWAC), www.pawswithacause.org
Therapy Dogs, Inc., www.therapydogs.com
Therapy Dogs International, www.tdi-dog.org
U.S. Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division, Disability
Rights Section, www.ada.gov

ENVIRONMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS

Greenpeace, www.greenpeace.org/usa
Sierra Club, www.sierraclub.org

PET LOSS/GRIEF COUNSELING RESOURCES

Argus Institute for Families and Veterinary Medicine at

Colorado State University, www.argusinstitute.colostate.edu
Association of Pet Loss and Bereavement (APLB),
www.aplb.org
Grief Healing, www.griefhealing.com
Hoofbeats in Heaven, www.hoofbeats-in-heaven.com
People, Animals, Nature, Inc. (PAN), www.pan-inc.org
Pet Caring, www.petcaring.com
World by the Tail, Inc.’s Veterinary Wisdom,
http://veterinarywisdom.com/parentarticles.htm

249
 Bibliography

NONFICTION

Becker, Marty. The Healing Power of Pets: Harnessing the

Amazing Ability of Pets to Make and Keep People Happy
and Healthy. New York: Hyperion, 2002.
Canfield, Jack, et al. Chicken Soup for the Pet Lover’s Soul:
Stories about Pets as Teachers, Healers, Heroes, and
Friends. Deerfield Beach, FL: HCI, 1998.
Croke, Vicki. Animal ER: Extraordinary Stories of Hope and
Healing from One of the World’s Leading Veterinary
Hospitals. New York: Dutton, 1999.
Grogan, John. Marley & Me: Life and Love with the World’s
Worst Dog. New York: Morrow, 2005.
Herriot, James. All Creatures Great and Small. New York: St.
Martin’s Press, 2004.
———. All Things Bright and Beautiful. New York: St. Martin’s
Press, 2004.
———. Every Living Thing. New York: St. Martin’s Press, 2005.
Hess, Elizabeth. Lost and Found: Dogs, Cats, and Everyday
Heroes at a Country Animal Shelter. New York: Harcourt,
2000.
Lee, Mary P., and Richard S. Lee. Opportunities in Animal and
Pet Care Career. New York: McGraw-Hill, 2001.
Warshauer, Sherry B. Everyday Heroes: Extraordinary Dogs
among Us. New York: Howell Book House, 1998.
Weisbord, Merrily, and Kim Kachanoff. Dogs with Jobs:
Working Dogs Around the World. New York: Pocket
Books, 2000. 251
Bibliography

FICTION

Evans, Nicholas. The Horse Whisperer. New York: Delacorte,

1995.
Fletcher, Christine. Tallulah Falls. New York: Bloomsbury
Children’s Books, 2006.
Gipson, Fred. Old Yeller. New York: Harper & Row, 1992.
Goldblatt, Stacey. Stray: A Novel. New York: Delacorte, 2007.
Gruen, Sara. Riding Lessons. New York: HarperTorch, 2004.
———. Water for Elephants: A Novel. Chapel Hill, NC:
Algonquin Books, 2006.
Hartnett, Sonya. Stripes of the Sidestep Wolf. Cambridge, MA:
Candlewick Press, 2005.
L’Engle, Madeleine. A Ring of Endless Light. New York:
Random House Children’s Books, 2001.
London, Jack. Call of the Wild. New York: Tom Doherty
Associates, 1990.
———. White Fang. New York: Tom Doherty Associates, 1989.
Martel, Yann. Life of Pi: A Novel. New York: Harcourt, 2001.
Peck, Robert Newton. Horse Thief. New York: HarperCollins
2002.
Savage, Deborah. Summer Hawk. Boston: Houghton Mifflin,
1999.

252
 Index

abuse. See animal abuse; troubled Animals in Translation, 234

teens anxiety. See stress
academic achievement, 51 APLB (Association of Pet Loss
acceptance from animals, 22, and Bereavement), 209
24–25, 47–49 APPA (American Pet Products
accidents, 86, 213 Association), 3, 9
aggressive behavior, 54–57, 160 ASPCA (American Society for the
allergies, 93–97 Prevention of Cruelty to
alpha status, 39 Animals), 120, 143
American Kennel Club (AKC), assistance animals, 243–44,
21, 182, 187 248–49
American Pet Products Association of Pet Loss and
Association (APPA), 3, 9 Bereavement (APLB), 209
American Society for the autism, 234
Prevention of Cruelty to avian rescue organizations,
Animals (ASPCA), 120, 143 112–13, 125
Americans with Disabilities Act,
241 behaviors, animal: aggression,
ancient Rome, 1 54–57, 160, 179; of exotics,
animal abuse: anecdotes about, 129–32; modeling of, 50–52
111–16, 117; on Internet, birds: abuse of, 112–13;
118–19; legislative issues, behavioral issues, 57, 130–31;
134–37; reasons for, 116–17; body language/vocalization,
stopping, 120; types, 113–14, 38, 39; bonding with, 106–7;
186; as warning sign, 225. See compassion from, 149; flock
also rescue, animal behavior, 32; fostering, 166;
Animal Cops, 114 grief of, 222–23; intuition of,
animal registries, 248 41; needs, 92; rescue groups
Animals Asia Foundation (AAF), for, 131–32; science fair
16 projects, 187 253
Index

biting, 54–57, 160, 179 Collie Rescue, 128, 181

body language: of animals, comfort from animals, 28–29
37–41, 57, 59; importance of communication: animal forms of,
interpreting, 41–46, 58–59. 25–27, 36–42, 44–46, 54–55;
See also intuition of animals human forms of, 35–36,
breakups, teen, 146–47 41–45, 54; instincts and,
breeders, 124 54–57; sounds, 38, 47, 53;
speech, 46–47
cancer, 93, 203 community service, 153–58, 232
careers: choosing, 175–79; first companionship of animals, 5, 73
jobs, 178; in philanthropy, compassion, 77–79, 88, 112,
188–89; preparation for, 225–26
180–81, 191–92, 234–35; in competition training/shows,
service sector, 189–91 42–45, 57–58, 92, 185
cats: abuse of, 112, 114; bonding confidence of teens, 57–58
with, 103–4; hierarchy of, 33; Counseling Today, 209, 211
rescue groups for, 128; counselors, grief, 217
touching thresholds, 56–57 Crossroads Animal Rescue,
character judgments, 69, 85–86 155–56
childhood exposure to animals,
1–2 dangers to pets: at college, 81,
choices, pet: allergies and, 93–97; 84, 85; in food, 203; seasonal,
birds, 106–7; canine-human 206; trash, 24. See also animal
bond, 100–102; feline-human abuse
bond, 103–4; hamsters, dating issues, 145–48
108–9; importance of death of a pet, 207–8. See also
evaluation, 91–93; lifestyle grieving process
issues, 97–100; reptiles, 109 delinquent teens, 158–62
clothing sources, 17 dependability, 83–85, 86
cockatoos, 10 depression (pet), 140
coexistence with animals, 14–17 depression (teen), 143
college environments: diets for pets, 196–97
adjustments to, 28–29, disabled teens, 230–31, 234–35
167–69; anecdotes about, disasters, 132–33
169–72; choosing, 165–66, divorce, 144–45
169, 171; dangers, 81, 84, 85; dog parks, 150
geographic limits, 187; dogs: bonding with, 10,
internships, 183; 100–102; in cities, 112, 117;
majors/career selection, at college, 169–71; Collie
177–78; time constraints, Rescue, 128, 181;
166–67; working in, 191–92 communicating with, 36–37,
254
 Index

39–41; as food, 16; foster 144–45; grieving together,

care, 181; hypoallergenic 212–14, 218–20; lack of
breeds, 95; laughter of, 53; understanding in, 126;
prohibitions against, 108; as parental bonds, 161;
service/therapy animals, 75, supporting animal interests,
187–88, 226–27, 239–44; 139–40, 167, 176–77
troubled teens and, 228 fear, 26–27, 52, 121
dog walking, 102, 190–91 feral animals, 14
dolphins, 235–38 financial issues, 183–87
Dolphins Plus, 237 first impressions, 85–87
domestication of animals, 6–8, 14 first jobs, 178
dominance and body language, 39 fish: advantages, 98; at college,
168, 171; stress reduction and,
East Coast Assistance Dogs, 153, 154
227 food dangers, 203
economic projects, 186–87 foster care, 128–29, 181, 216
emergency plans/kits, 204–5 4-H activities, 43, 74–75
emotional bonds. See human- free range feeding, 196–97
animal bonds friendship: peer acceptance of
emotional trauma. See animal pets, 70–71, 80–83; pets
abuse; troubled teens providing, 63–64, 145–48;
emotional well-being, 13–14 teens connecting through pets,
empathy, 80, 157–58, 225–26 67–71, 87, 241–42; time
entertainment industry, 2–3, constraints, 81–83
73–74, 136
environmental issues/ gerbils, 111–12
organizations, 132–37, 249 Greenpeace, 137
Equestrian Connection, 229–30, grieving process: animal
232–33 reactions to death, 221–23;
Eurasian gray wolves, 7 honoring pets in, 215–17;
euthanasia, 123, 208, 220 Internet resources, 249; losing
exercise for pets, 197–98, 199 a pet, 207–13, 217–20; losing
exotic animals. See specific a relative, 220–21
animals growing up with animals, 30–31.
exploitation of animals, 186 See also families
exposure to animals, 1–3 guardians, animals as, 243
eye contact, 38–39 guardianship of pets, 3–6
guilt, 212, 213
families of animals, 32–33
families of teens: activities, 67; hamsters, 108–9
conflicts, 140–43; divorce, handicapped animals, 225
255
Index

The Healing Power of Pets, 201, Inner Harbour, 161–62

202 interest indications, 54–55
healing touch, 201, 202, 228 international travel, 172–75
health of pets, 29, 93, 129, Internet, 118–19, 120, 209,
196–200, 203 247–49
herding instincts, 56 internships, 137, 182–83, 184
hierarchy of animals, 33 interspecies communication,
history of domestication, 6–8 25–29
horses: body language and, intimidation, 54
37–38, 45–46; bonding with, intuition of animals, 41, 59–60,
73, 105–6; at college, 171–72; 69
family support for, 140; herds Irwin, Steve, 109
of, 32; showing, 185;
therapeutic activities, 180–81, “Keep Britain Tidy” campaign,
229–35, 236; training, 58–59 24
human-animal bonds: benefits
for pets, 21–22, 65; benefits laughter of dogs, 53
for teens, 5, 8–14, 65, 153–58, learning disabilities (LD), 48–49
244–45; communication and, learning through observation,
59–60; in competition/ 49–52
training, 58–59; healing and, legislative issues, 134–37
148–49; history of, 6–8; play lifestyle issues, 80–83, 97–100
and, 149–50; social life-threatening situations,
relationships compared to, 27–28
145–48; stress release from, loyalty, 60
150–53; vulnerability in,
23–24 Marine Mammal Conservancy
“humane” definition, 8 (MMC), 237
humane organizations, 248 marine mammals, 38–39,
Humane Society of the United 235–38
States (HSUS), 120 matches, pet-owner, 124–25
human illness/death, 200–203, media, 2–3
220–21 microchips, 189, 205
hunting, 17 misinterpretations of behaviors,
Hurricane Katrina, 132 54–57
hypoallergenic dogs, 95 MMC (Marine Mammal
Conservancy), 237
icebreakers, pets as, 67–70 moves, international, 172–75
identification of pets, 189, 205 movies with animals, 2, 134
independence (pet), 99–100 mutual needs, 65–66
independence (teen), 241 MySpace, 118
256
 Index

natural disasters, 132–33 A Refuge for Saving the Wildlife,

neurological disorders of teens, 112–13, 125, 183
227–28 reptiles, 44–45, 96, 109
nonverbal cues. See body rescue, animal: birds, 112–13,
language 125, 131–32; euthanasia and,
nursing home visits, 88 123; foster care, 128–29;
nurturance, 22, 77–79 organizations for, 117,
121–27, 181; shelter dogs, 53,
obedience training, 55, 58–59 157–58
obedience watch, 55 rescues of humans, 27–28
obesity in pets, 195–98 research books, 191
ownership and guardianship of responsibilities of pet ownership:
pets, 3–6, 9 benefits, 80–83, 88;
challenges, 3–6, 102; impact
pack leaders, 33 on friendships, 81–83;
parental bonds, 161 learning about, 18–21
parenting skills, 83–84 Responsible Dog Ownership
peers. See friendship Day, 21
peer-to-peer networks, 118–19 risky behavior, 81
personalities of animals, 73, role models, 50–52
98–100 Roman pets, 1
pet and teen similarities, 11
PETCO Foundation, 122–24 science fairs, 186
Pets Evacuation and seasonal dangers, 206
Transportation Standards Act Sea World, 184
(PETS Act), 204 secondhand smoke, 93
pet sitting, 190–91 seizures (pet), 200, 219
philanthropists, 188–89 seizures (teen), 242
play and bonding, 149–50 self-esteem, 47–49
play pant sounds, 53 sensory experiences, 148–49
prey drive, 56 service dogs, 75, 187–88,
products for pets, 3 226–27, 239–43
professional organizations, service sector careers, 189–91
247–48 shelter dogs, 53, 157–58
Project Second Chance, 157–58 shelters. See rescue, animal
shows and competition, 42–45,
rabbits, 43, 71 57–58, 92, 185
rabies, 29 sincerity of animals, 8
reactive attachment disorder, 158 sleep habits, 99
Reading Education Assistance smell, sense of, 26–27, 41
Program, 187 smoke, secondhand, 93
257
Index

snakes, 41 time constraints, 81–83, 166–67

social connections. See friendship touch: cats’ threshold for, 56–57;
societal views on animals, 85–86, illness and, 201, 202; need for,
108 65–66, 148–49, 161, 228
sounds, 38, 47, 53 transitions for teens, 30–31
speech, 46–47 trash dangers, 24
spending trends, 3 travel, 171, 172–75
spontaneity, 13 troubled teens, 79, 113, 158–62,
stares, 39, 54 227–28
statistics on pet ownership, 3, 9 trust, 21, 232
stress: human-animal bonds and, turtles, 136
150–53; pet responses to,
52–57; pets reducing, 13–14, vaccinations, 29
15, 29–30, 31, 153, 154 veterinary forensic specialists,
submissive body language, 39 114–15
suicides, 142 veterinary/scientific websites,
surrogate pets, 127, 143 247
survival and socialization of violence, cycles of, 113
animals, 65 vocalizations, 38, 46–47, 53
swimming with dolphins, 235–38 volunteers/volunteering: with
birds, 131, 132; as career
technology, 135, 189 preparation, 180–81, 191–92,
teen and pet similarities, 11 234–35; in shelters, 127. See
television, 2–3 also internships
temperaments of pets and vulnerability, 23–24
owners, 98–100
territorial instincts, 33 websites, 118–19, 120, 209,
therapeutic activities: 247–49
delinquency and, 158–62; weight loss (teens), 199
with dogs, 187–88, 226–27, wolves, 6–7
228, 243–44; with dolphins, working animals, 15–17, 72–77
235–38; with horses, 180–81, Wright-Way Rescue, 122–24
229–35, 236; Internet
resources, 248–49 YouTube, 118

258
 About the Author

Gail Green has been an animal lover her entire life and an
advocate of responsible pet ownership and the rewarding
power of the human-animal bond. Her licensed art appears on
products nationwide and includes the trademarked brand Sweet
PETatoes®. She is the author of The Ultimate Rubber
Stamping Technique Book and Cat & Dog Lovers Idea Book,
as well as numerous magazine articles and columns. She has
trained and competed in breed and obedience competitions
with her border collies and has been actively involved for years
with volunteer work involving animal therapy. She has been a
part of the craft and hobby industry for many years and has
taught creative classes and presented programs on a variety of
topics at trade shows, libraries, and other venues. To learn more
about her and to view additional samples of her work, visit her
websites at http://gailgreen.net and http://sweetpetatoes.com.

259