A pen pal program that pairs sick kids and companion animals has helped to improve the quality of life for young patients diagnosed with cancer and other illnesses, a study in the Journal of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Nursing reported.
The study explores the potential effects of virtual animal-assisted intervention (AAI) through letters and interviews from participants of the Youth and Pet Survivors™ (YAPS) program. YAPS was created by Anne Ingalls Gillespie — a University of Colorado student and pediatric nurse — as a way to comfort immunodeficient youth facing serious diagnoses, according to New Scientist.
Working with veterinarians, Gillespie got in touch with the guardians of animals who were experiencing ailments and treatments similar to young human patients. She paired them with a child or teen patient and trained the guardians to write letters from the animal’s perspective. The children and teens were also encouraged to write back.
In the analysis of the 157 letters collected, Gillespie observed a strong bond growing between the animals and the young patients. As time progressed, the patients began to show a more positive outlook on life, focusing less on their illness and more on their accomplishments and goals for the future. Gillespie noted that many of them demonstrated an “improved mood, distraction from their problems, and overall decreased emotional distress” because of the emotional support that they received from their animal pen pal.
“There is something just so unconditional about the love of an animal and the listening that an animal can provide,” Gillespie told New Scientist. “They don’t argue, they don’t question; they just listen and validate.”
Gillespie said that participating in YAPS was a great experience for animals and their guardians as well, as it gave guardians an opportunity to come to terms with their beloved companion’s own medical diagnosis.
The healing effects of animal therapy and intervention are well known. While face-to-face techniques are commonly used, such as at this Montana summer camp, the concept of virtual AAI has been gaining traction since the Covid-19 pandemic.
Lady Freethinker commends Gillespie, the other study authors, the animals and guardians, and everyone else involved in this innovative program. We hope that discoveries from the program can help to pave the way for future therapies that help both animals and children who are suffering from severe illness.
