From time and again, we've seen that animal therapy has been proved to be very effective and a great approach in the field of medicine. In the light of animal therapy, we'd like to present to you one such example that have been of a great inspiration.
Eight years old Jiyon Ganguly is ever so grateful to the one year old labrodor Simbaa for helping him cope with autism. From an early age of eleven month, Jiyon suffered through lingual skills. In the play school, the feedback received from his teachers wasn't encouraging for him or his single mother. The teachers at school observed that Joyn found difficult to pay attention during the class and was always caught in his own thoughts. He avoided eye contact with his class fellows and was terrified of the loud noises. The signs were present there and hence; the principal of the Playschool suggested to Jiyon's mother that he should be examined by a doctor.
After a doctor examination, it was found that Jiyon was diagnosed with autism. His behaviour after the examination only worsened and he became more aggressive when he didn't get what he wanted.
His mother, Parama Bhattacharya, was later introduced to "dog therapy" as commonly known term for the animal therapy. In this therapy, an autism assistance dog would be trailed to meet the needs of the child suffering from the autism and help change the behaviour by introducing routines, interrupting repetitive behaviour and helping cope with unfamiliar surroundings.
The dog, Simbaa, was trained Animal Angels Foundation and was put through series of tests to be eligible to work as a "therapy dog". Though it was difficult in the beginning, the therapy proved to be extremely effective and helped Jiyon cope with his difficulties.
Further on, Jiyon was permitted to fly with his assisted dog, Simbaa from Kolkata. As per the general rule in plane travels, only humans are permitted to fly in the passenger cabins. Animals have to travel through cargo except in cases of disability where the trained animal is assist the passenger. Here, the disability is translated and understood as "physical disability" only. However, Jet Airways allowed Jiyon to fly with his autism assisted dog, Simbaa.
This is a great initiative by the airline and goes on to show how the society is becoming more animal friendly and is taking consideration of the sensitivity of such issue.
The relationship between an animal and human is the most fragile and beautiful relationship and it's amazing to see that the awareness about this is increasing amongst the people day by day. Before we leave, let's remind ourselves of this beautiful quote byArthur Schopenhauer..
"Compassion for animals is intimately connected with goodness of character; and it may be confidently asserted that he who is cruel to animals cannot be a good man."