Therapy Snake?

[PsychoSnake]

I was wondering if the concept exists outside of my home. My first snake, Daisy, a Rosy Boa, is my biggest stress reliever. She is so calm and easy going it rubs off on me I guess. I know she doesn't love me, care about my well being, and is just a snake being a snake, but she does it in such a way that I benefit tremendously from her. She is awesome and if it weren't for her being ectothermic and people being afraid of snakes I would take her everywhere. It makes me wonder if we should give these kind of snakes a serious thought about being therapy animals.

[Zoo Nanny]

There are a number of types of animals used for therapy assistance animals. This site does a pretty good job explaining the programs.
Animal Assisted Activities/Therapy - Pet Partners (http://www.petpartners.org/AAA-Tinformation)
A couple of years back the Americans with Disabilities Act began to acknowledge only dogs as service animals. It was really too bad as I knew of some folks that used monkeys to do physical activities, others that used a variety of animals that helped the person focus when suffering from severe anxiety disorders and others still that were used for reacting to individuals with seizure disorders.

[Minkness]

There's a seeing eye mini pony out there.

[EL Ziggy]

My snakes are sometimes anxiety and stress relievers for me as well. Keeping them helps me stay zen. Caring for them is kinda like bonsai to me. If that makes sense.

[Minkness]

I'm the SAME way Ziggy! It's why I have so many geckos....and really hoping to add another snake to my life. I actually suffer from anxiety and depression and animals help with that. My horse and my reptiles oddly enough help more than the dog or cats lol. Not that I don't enjoy my household furry things, just something so calming about my horse. She's pretty big and very calm, so I can just hug her or whatever and it makes me feel better. My reptiles, while small, make me feel a different sort of calm. I'd like to say it's their cold blooded nature.....it 'chills' me out. (Pun totally intended lol)

[PsychoSnake]

There are a number of types of animals used for therapy assistance animals. This site does a pretty good job explaining the programs.
Animal Assisted Activities/Therapy - Pet Partners (http://www.petpartners.org/AAA-Tinformation)
A couple of years back the Americans with Disabilities Act began to acknowledge only dogs as service animals. It was really too bad as I knew of some folks that used monkeys to do physical activities, others that used a variety of animals that helped the person focus when suffering from severe anxiety disorders and others still that were used for reacting to individuals with seizure disorders.
Interesting!

I get the whole zen thing with my reptiles too. It's a different sort of feeling than with mammals but the right feeling I need in life I guess.

Story Time!

I was going through some very hard times. I was crazy. Everyone around me was crazy (hospitalized). Several close relationships were ruined beyond repair, and I nearly hospitalized myself on a few occasions. My job performance was affected and still is to some extent. It was a really bad time.

However there was one thing I had been looking forward to... acquiring a Rosy Boa from my local pet store whom I had been keeping my eye on for months — my first snake! I barely knew her but I had a "connection" with her. I did harass her and didn't wait to handle her like you're supposed to do so the snake can acclimate, but she didn't seem to mind too much. She soothed my soul like no other could. She holds a very special place in my heart and whenever I get into a rough spot a half hour with her usually does the trick.

Sorry if that was TMI, it's just that my Daisy really is my therapy snake. I have a hard time connecting with humans and recently with other mammals. Daisy on the other hand stops me from doing very stupid things.

Also here's a picture of miss therapy snake!

[sharthun]

My snakes are sometimes anxiety and stress relievers for me as well. Keeping them helps me stay zen. Caring for them is kinda like bonsai to me. If that makes sense.

I agree, of my 5 snakes, my black milk is probably my "therapy snake" He is so calm that it relaxes me when handling him.

[Zoo Nanny]

I know a few people who prefer the company of animals over people. I can understand what you mean by getting your "zen". When I was still at the zoo there were more than a few days that I spent lunch time in an animal holding area. I grossed out a few of the other keepers because I had no issue of holding my sandwich in my right hand while in the left I had thawed mice to feed the coyotes.

[Minkness]

Lol. Omg I do the same thing XD

Ok, not exactly the same because I don't feed coyotes, but, i have been known to eat while multitasking with animal chores for my own pets.

XD

[Marshallarts]

I'm liking this post! I have quite a few animals.... My horse isn't always the best to go to if I'm feeling down, he just picks up on my attitude, causing him to be anything but comforting lol. My dogs, well it depends on their moods. If they are all snuggly and sleepy, very therapeutic:) I also have two whites tree frogs.rather stressful to handle( they continually jump away) but extremely peaceful to look at. They always look so relaxed and calm. And my newly acquired ball python Marshall, he is absolutely therapy for me. I love it when he wraps through my fingers and squeezes, or licks my nose. He is "cuddly" too! I'm sure it's just for the heat, but he always tries to stay as close to me as possible. And just looking at his little puppy face, how could I not feel joy?

[Zigoni]

I agree when I have a bad day at work any one of my snakes help me to just relax. definite stress reliever

[marvelfreak]

We had a member on here who would take their Dumeril boa out in public with them. She suffered from extreme anxiety disorder. She couldn't leave her home unless she had her snake with her to help her feel secure. If i remember correct her and her doctor where trying to get it registered as a service animal.

[millertime89]

Companion animal, not service animal.

[Zoo Nanny]

Companion animal, not service animal.

Up until the law change any animal species was able to be a service animal. It really all depended on the doctor wanting it. One girl I know has an anxiety disorder secondary to her primary diagnosis of schizophrenia. She has a small cockatoo that her psychiatrist had registered as a service animal. This woman has progressed in huge leaps with her bird. Coming out of a psychiatric facility to now living on her own and being able to travel via public transportation. Because of the changes in the law she now also has a service dog. She continues to live independently taking both animals with her on errands.