The Healing Power of Pets: Harnessing the Amazing Ability of Pets to Make and Keep People Happy and Healthy

by Marty Becker, Danelle Morton

From Dr. Marty Becker, co-author of the bestsellers Chicken Soup for the Pet Lovers Soul, and Chicken Soup for the Cat and Dog Lovers Soul comes a groundbreaking new book that reveals the stirring stories and medical miracles behind the healing power of pets. Pets and people have been living together for thousands of years, but as pets have moved indoors, there have been extraordinary changes in the relationship. In the last twenty years, medical research has increasingly proven the healing effect pets can have for the ill, the elderly, the stressed-out, and the emotionally disengaged. Research shows that people with pet companions have fewer doctor visits and recover more quickly from severe illnesses.

In The Healing Power of Pets, Dr. Marty Becker, resident vet on ABC-TV's Good Morning America shows readers how pets can prevent, detect, treat, and in some cases cure a variety of maladies, from arthritis to asthma, and from Alzheimer's to depression. Pets decrease cardiovascular risk factors, motivate their sedentary owners to exercise, and help people deal with chronic pain. In addition, the book offers heartwarming true stories of pets who have enriched—even saved—their owners lives to reveal the lasting physical, emotional, and social benefits of the human–animal bond.

"For those of us who have always believed that pets enhance our lives and make us better human beings, Marty Becker drives the lesson home with compassion and wit. Our beloved animals never had a better friend." —Nancy L. Snyderman, M.D.

"Dr. Becker steps confidently and competently into the animal–human arena, adding a strong voice for the healing powers of animals." —Susan Chernak McElroy, author of Animals as Teachers and Healers

Genres: Nonfiction, Animals, Dogs

270 pages, Hardcover

First published February 6, 2002

Reviews

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

While slow at times (not much but a little), this is still a great book if you love animals - from a medical Dr. Becker explains why pets are good for EVERYONE and explores different areas of health benefits I had never considered. Well backed up with science after finishing this book I will never not have a pet, for both love and for my own health and longevity. I horse showed with Dr. Becker's wife and daughter for a short time in the Inland Northwest so reading his thoughts on the family's new habit was especially a treat for me.

[Molly Moody · Rating 3 out of 5]

I now understand the reason behind my excellent health and great mental stability is all the pets in my life. JK. I do have to attribute those things to God, HOWEVER, I do strongly believe that God has created animals and given them to us as pets as a very gracious gift which does make us happy and keep us healthy or help us to heal. This book has case after case of these scientifically and experientially proven truths. It only rated three stars for me because despite my fanatical love for animals, it kinda did go on ad nauseaum. Like people who really love animals tend to do.

[Kendra · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book because I enjoy reading about pets and psychology and this combined the two to some extent. It has a lot of great information about the different health benefits of owning and pet and has some really heart-warming stories included. I don't know if I would recommend this to everyone, but I would definitely recommend it to animal lovers, especially if you are interested in the health benefits of animals.

[Ginger Essink · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was just what I needed--about the difference companion animals can make both physically and mentally--with lots of research citations too. Told in a loving, personal way, with a help at the end to decide what kind of dog or cat would be a fit with one's lifestyle or physical limitations. I'll have a dog again within the year for sure.

[Rivkah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book really summed up my life mission, to bring the healing power of pets to more people. The only thing I didn't like is how Becker seemed to endorse breeding quiet a bit, when I've noticed that pets that need to be healed or have been healed are often the best healers!

[Huguette Larochelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

good book. all you have to know before adopting a pets.
How animals are important to us humans.

[Jo-jean Keller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Healing Power covers an incredible amount of interesting and useful information. The checklists about how to choose a pet and interact with a pet are particularly helpful.