The first documented records of PAT was found in the 9th century in Gheel, Belgium. Disabled people were encouraged to care for animals in this farming community & the positive effect of this was recorded. The benefits of having pets (including fishes) are found in

• lowering of blood pressure
• reduction of stress
• better recovery rate & less complications from illness & this is especially evident in patients with heart trouble
• decrease in frequency of illness & increase of immunity
• alleviation of depression & loneliness
• developing more independence, confidence & mobility
• experiencing less pain in debilitating illness because contact with pets increase the flow of endorphin released by the brain. This is an intrinsic pain-killer
• increase of attention span of children with learning difficulties e.g. autism, attention deficit hyperactive disorder
• increase longevity--pet owners tend to live longer

In Singapore, a small group of dog owners attempted to start PAT in early 1990's but the effort could not be sustained due to the small number of committed volunteers. Interest was rekindled in 1999 & a structured aptitude test was formulated & a selected group of dogs & owners formally started PAT in mid-1999 with the S'pore Kennel Club. As words get around & interest in PAT grew, we were encouraged to start Therapy Dogs, Singapore in April 2004. With time we hope to recruit more committed members & adopt more homes to share our dogs with.

Video of HappyTails Volunteers at work @ Georgia Wellstar Kennestone Rehabilitation Center
http://www.webmd.com/content/pages/24/113178.htm