News from the Noteworthy from Susquehanna SPCA
SQSPCA Values Human-Animal Bond
At the Susquehanna Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, you will hear us talk a lot about the human-animal bond. Being much more than a physical building that shelters animals, we are also an animal resource center that deeply values the relationship humans have with their animals. The Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine has a Center for the Human-Animal Bond which studies, conducts research and fosters collaboration so we can all learn more about this special rapport.
According to the center (www.vet.purdue.edu/chab), the human-animal bond is something that all pet owners already know, but would like to understand more about. It is “the dynamic relationship between people and animals in that each influences the psychological and physiological state of the other. Human-animal interaction has profound physiological consequences. People, in the contact with animals, experience a decrease in blood pressure, reduced anxiety and a general feeling of well-being. By observing the behavior of animals, children learn to be more nurturing and perhaps better parents to their own children. The therapeutic value of animals for socially-isolated individuals in nursing homes, hospitals, hospices and prisons has been documented. People in the presence of animals are often perceived to be more happy and healthy.”
We have many programs, including our counseling to match potential adopters with adoptable animals, that nurture the human-animal bond and we are working hard every day to increase and improve them. We have low-cost spay/neuter clinics, new this year. We have an emergency boarding program and we have a pet pantry that helps people with food and basic supplies. We know from our own experience here in Otsego County that people struggling in one way or another will often provide better care for their pets than they do for themselves. We also have a foster program that matches people with animals in need while they wait for a forever home. This grant-funded program will transport animals to and from foster care to help folks who otherwise might have barriers to helping, such as lack of transportation or a conflicting work schedule. Through this program, folks who want to help can, and animals in need are able to transition to their next journey from a home instead of a kennel or cage.
As we enter the wonderful season of thanks and charity, please remember the SQSPCA animal resource center. We are always grateful for visitors who stop by our campus at 5082-5088 State Highway 28 in Cooperstown and, if you can’t make it in person, we have a wonderful website at www.sqspca.org, where you can learn more about us and contribute to our cause.
With the support of people in our region who care, we are your leaders of a network, programs, and resources that not only help animals but, just as important, help people, too.
Stacie Haynes is the executive director of the Susquehanna Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
