CFU

but first...

Abby

Social Support

(Uchino, 2006)

the feeling that one is cared for and valued

AND

a member of a network connected by relationships such as kinship, friendship or mutual interests

You

Lecturers

Friends

Family

Brother

Dr Pratten

Dr Knox

Dad

Jon

Ayyaz

Josh

Dr Todd

Mum

Wafi's Social Network

Friends

Family

Tutor

we are all connected

Daughter

Dr S

Dr M

Son

Mr H has a sense of attachment towards his pets

Family

1

Healthcare professionals

Mr H

79

Dog

"It broke my heart when he (Sparky) died"

Friend

Mr T

2

The role of dogs in providing social support to patients

Mr H is living alone

Why?

REFERENCES

"What would I do without you Abby?"

CUTT, et al. Understanding Dog Owners’ Increased Levels of Physical Activity: Results From RESIDE. Am J Public Health, January 2008, 98(1), 66-69.

CUTT, et al. Barriers and motivators for owners walking their dog: results from qualitative research. Health Promot J Austr, August 2008,19(2), 118-124.

ESHBAUGH, et al. Brief report: presence of a dog, pet attachment, and loneliness among elders. North American Journal of Psychology, March 2011, 13(1), 1527-1543.

GARRITY, et al. Pet Ownership and Attachment as Supportive Factors in the Health of the Elderly. Anthrozoos: A Multidisciplinary Journal of The Interactions of People & Animals, 1989, 3(1), 35-44.

LE ROUX, et al. Effect of a companion dog on depression and anxiety levels of elderly residents in a long-term care facility. Psychogeriatrics, March 2009, 9(1), 23-26.

THORPE, et al. Dog Ownership, Walking Behavior, and Maintained Mobility in Late Life. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, September 2006, 54(9), 1419-1424.

UCHINO, B. N. Social Support and Health: A Review of Physiological Processes Potentially Underlying Links to Disease Outcomes. Journal of Behavioural Medicine, 2006, 29(4), 377-387

Studies have shown that having a dog leads to an overall positive well-being of the patient

3

Physical and mental benefits

Loneliness

Dogs

Exercise

Subconclusion

loyal companion

Despite low percentages,

dogs are still a strong reason for dog owners to go for a walk

important for older adults

(Eshbaugh et al, 2011)

Mr H enjoys taking his dog out even though not frequently

Memory of

past dogs

Qualitative Study

(Cutt et al, 2008)

Their dog was a strong source of motivation for walking

Companion

Responsibility

Subconclusion

Abby functions as a reminder for Mr H that he is not alone at home

Age: 71-82

n=2533

36%

Companionship

support

walk their dogs at least 3 times a week (Thorpe et al, 2006)

If your dog is fat, you're not getting enough exercise. -anonymous-

Age: 19-78

n=1813

23%

walk their dogs at least 5 times a week (Cutt et al, 2008)

Subconclusion

Mr H lost his wife 9 years ago

The presence of Abby may provide Mr H with emotional stability

Mr H

Physical

Depression

Survey (Garrity et al, 1989)

More outdoor times

Mental

Strong attachment to dogs

Especially those who have lost a family member

Exercise

Less likely to be depressed

Less depression

Animal Assisted Activity (Le Roux et al, 2009)

- talk, groom, pat the dogs

Feels comfortable emotionally

Beck Depression Inventory (BDI)

- measures symptoms of depression

Age > 65

n = 16

Significant difference in BDI scores before and after AAA