By Evelin Ortiz
Centro Universitário de Jaguariúna
Since the prehistoric era, man has maintained a relationship with animals, which were used for various purposes, such as the protection of territory, transport of cargo, hunting, and also as a source of heating in very low temperatures for man.
The interaction between man and animal is more noticeable when the animal is domesticated because they represent a source of attachment and affection.
Brazil has the largest animal population in the world, with about 106 million, ranking fourth place among other countries, being also the second largest country in the pet market. Research reports that 57% of the world population and 76% of Brazilians have at least one pet.
These data reveal the great domestication and acceptance of animals in the family environment, and being increasingly close to human beings. Brazil has the largest animal population in the world, with about 106 million, ranking fourth place among other countries, being also the second largest country in the pet market.
This fact becomes more interesting when domestic animals are used by professionals for beneficial use in the area of human health, no longer being seen only as companions, but also as physical and mental aids, serving as a very important “tool” for the current days, in which we witness many diseases around us.
Some benefits reported by researchers are: a significant decrease in psychological disorders, emotional improvement, reduction of loneliness, and the promotion of relief and comfort in moments of loss.
Furthermore, pets favor children and the elderly, and pet owners have more controlled blood pressure and stress, with less of a chance of having heart problems.
It is of great importance to point out that animals are sentient beings; that is, they feel fear, pain, stress, love, longing, and more importantly, they feel the joy that is transmitted to humans beings, so their emotional capacity is remarkable, very similar to ours.
With the passing of the time and through the process of evolution, today these incredible animals are very useful in treatments for example, assisting as guide dogs, serving as inseparable companions of the visually impaired; pet therapy, and helping in the treatment of diseases such as depression and stress.
Also, Equine-therapy with the use of horses helps disabled people, while guard dogs assist Policemen and Firemen in their most risky emergencies.
We can also mention the case of two dogs of the border-collie breed that worked to rescue people, in the tragedy that occurred in 2015 in Brazil, where the Mariana dam, located in Minas Gerais was broken; dolphins are also trained to provide therapy for autistic children.
The presence and cooperation of these animals can be seen as highly efficient, and can be considered as irreplaceable because they are capable of improving difficult
situations, providing an incentive to disadvantaged people.
Although cases of mistreatment and abandonment of these animals are still so frequent, there are good people who treat them with their due value by regarding them as family members.
Even with the difficulty of not being able to communicate verbally, these animals still have the admirable ability to accept their handlers whilst providing them with the hope of healing.
