Zootherapy is used since ancient times, when animals were a frequent presence in psychiatric and health institutions to easy the pain of the patiences by having animals to comfort them.

However, only on the 60’s, the “power” animals have on people was evident, when the North American Child psychologist  Boris M. Levinson noticed the therapeutic potential of the relationship between a child and a animal.

Zootherapy has many benefits:

• Although not being a cure for a specific disease, animals help patients to recover their self-esteem, help with social relationships by acquiring bigger autonomy and developing capacities of language and motion.
• Animal promote the emotional development through the bonds built between the patient and the animal.
• In children case, animals motivate them to think, learn and stimulate the participation in group activities.
• With elderly people, animals helps to put aside the feelings of frustration, solitude, anxiety and sadness.

At home I only have too turtles that I must confess do not promote evident strong bonds with my children. I know that maybe a dog or a cat would be a better choice but due to Asthma problems, animals were always avoided in our home.