Combines personal anecdotes, observational study, and scientific research to explore the transformational power of adopting a homeless animal, helping individuals cope and recover from all types of mental and physical trauma.
The president of Humane Society Silicon Valley explores the role that pets play in human lives and uses scientific research to show how pets can help transform people suffering from mental, physical or spiritual pain. 75,000 first printing
A moving and scientific look at the curative powers--both physical and mental--of rescuing a shelter animal, by the president of Humane Society Silicon Valley.
MUTUAL RESCUE profiles the transformational impact that shelter pets have on humans, exploring the emotional, physical, and spiritual gifts that rescued animals provide. It explores through anecdote, observation, and scientific research, the complexity and depth of the role that pets play in our lives. Every story in the book brings an unrecognized benefit of adopting homeless animals to the forefront of the rescue conversation.
In a nation plagued by illnesses--16 million adults suffer from depression, 29 million have diabetes, 8 million in any given year have PTSD, and nearly 40% are obese--rescue pets can help: 60% of doctors said they prescribe pet adoption and a staggering 97% believe that pet ownership provides health benefits. For people in chronic emotional, physical, or spiritual pain, adopting an animal can transform, and even save, their lives.
Each story in the book takes a deep dive into one potent aspect of animal adoption, told through the lens of people's personal experiences with their rescued pets and the science that backs up the results. This book will resonate with readers hungering for stories of healing and redemption.
Table of Contents
Introduction 1 (12)
SECTION I HEART
Chapter 1 Finding Courage
Pets as Secure Bases and Safe Havens
13 (17)
Chapter 2 Building Trust
Animals and the Biochemistry of Bonding
30 (15)
Chapter 3 Coping With Grief
Fur as a Source of Comfort and Solace
45 (14)
Chapter 4 Flourishing After Sorrow
Four-Legged Support for Post-Traumatic Growth
59 (18)
SECTION II BODY
Chapter 5 Vitalizing Physical Health
The Effect of Wags and Whiskers on Physiology
77 (15)
Chapter 6 Embracing Joy
Animals' Playful Companionship Transforms Loneliness
92 (15)
Chapter 7 Overcoming Illness and Injury
The Role of Pets in Persevering Through Physical Challenges
107 (17)
Chapter 8 Recovering from Addiction
The Stabilizing Power of Furry Acceptance
124 (17)
SECTION III MIND
Chapter 9 Cultivating Grit
Pets as a Source of Strength and Resilience
141 (16)
Chapter 10 Supporting Mental and Emotional Well-Being
Paws Anchor Us in the Present
157 (17)
Chapter 11 Fostering Children's Development
Animals' Impact on Autism, Reading Skills, and Cognitive Growth
174 (19)
SECTION IV CONNECTION
Chapter 12 Enriching Relationships
Pets Bind Us Together
193 (17)
Chapter 13 Beyond Cats and Dogs
Appreciating the Natural World and All the Creatures in It
210 (14)
Chapter 14 Discovering Purpose
What Animals Can Teach Us About Meaning, Love, and Faith
224 (15)
About Mutual Rescue 239 (2)
Shelters and Rescue Organizations Referenced in the Book 241 (2)
Acknowledgments 243 (6)
Sources 249 (14)
About the Author and Collaborator 263