This book provided me with the perfect introduction to a fascinating subject. Bernie Graham writes in a chatty, accessible style, while at the same time getting across to the reader a great deal of well-sourced information.
The book uses plenty of real-life examples to illustrate how animals can help human beings cope with illness. As I work in the Mental-Health field I was particularly struck by the opening example of a young dog's part in improvement of the health of a man suffering from depression. It rang some very familiar bells, and it was good to have some of the scientific background explained concisely and in a refreshingly jargon-free manner.
Mr Graham has a clear empathy for both patients and animals, as well as a considered and reasonable approach. This is not a book that says 'get a cat and you'll be cured', but one which studies the part animals can play alongside more conventional treatments. For me, this means that the book takes you on a journey rather than tries to win you over, and is all the more convincing for it.
In places it reminded me of some of Oliver Sacks' books with all its keen observations and attention to detail, combined with its very human, life-affirming qualities. There's some good jokes, too.
The book didn't leave me feeling like an expert, but then it didn't try to. Rather it gave me a taste of the whole intruiging topic, and left me wanting to know and learn more. It was helpful, then, to find plenty of further resources and contacts listed at the end of the book.
In all, the perfect introduction to Animal Assisted Therapy, and ideal for anyone interested in animals and our relationships with them.
