Photo courtesy of Prairie Darkroom Photography
In our last article, we spoke of Magical Paws. This is an extension of that article into a series on the Human Animal Bond (HAB). Magical Paws was about the ways that being in the presence of animals can be an avenue for us to stay aware of the present moment. In the present moment is where animals inhabit their lives, and the companionship of animals can teach us about everyday mindfulness.
That article also spoke of how animal lovers can share stories of the healing impact of pets/companion animals on their humans. Magical paws and hooves guide us along this mindfulness journey! In this series, we will explore ways that the human-animal bond can help inform our mindfulness practices and ways to be fully aware of our present-moment experiences.
Life in the pandemic has been challenging for us all. Through the path of expanding knowledge of what we love, we would like to credit the trainings and ideas from the Dreamcatcher Association and Healing Hooves for the reflections in this series. There is also deep gratitude for all the animals at Spirit Farm who have helped us to re-energize and reconnect with what counts, as we spend more time with them in this strange time.
The readings and research about the Human Animal Bond and the impact of animals on the physical and psychological wellbeing of humans are continually expanding. In this first article, we’d like to share some ideas about the nature of the Human Animal bond. We will follow this article with a summary of interesting research on the benefits of the Human Animal Bond, an article reviewing some of the theories that explain the powerful healing in these bonds and, finally, we share an article describing how we can stay grounded in and be enriched by these bonds via mindfulness practice.
Although there is no single accepted definition of the Human Animal bond, here are a few attempts at capturing what this bond means;
“a mutually beneficial and dynamic relationship between people and other animals that is influenced by behaviors that are essential to the health and wellbeing of both”
1998, American Veterinary Medical Association Committee, courtesy of Dreamcatcher Association
“Relationship of a continuous nature” “bidirectional” “persistent” “voluntary” “increased trust on the animal’s behalf and increased caring and understanding of the animal’s needs on the part of the human”
Fine, A.H. & Beck, A.M. (2015). Chapter 1. Understanding our kinship with animals: input for health care professionals interested in the human-animal bond. In A. H. Fine (Ed.), Handbook on Animal-Assisted Therapy. Foundation and Guidelines for Animal-Assisted Interventions (pp. 4-5). Waltham, MA:Elsevier.
As we read this and connect the feelings on a personal level to the animals we know and have known, these are some elements that seem crucial to the workings of a Human Animal Bond:
There is a reciprocity in this bond, where both the person and animal are connected, giving and receiving in return
There is a sense of willingness to enter this relationship, both the human and animal are voluntarily entering this bond
There is a sense of mutual respect and appreciation and caring, although the terms may vary depending on the specific context and individual involved
There are mutual benefits, and studies have explored the positive psychological and physiological effects on both the person and the animal in these bonds
Here is a poem by one of our favorite poets on this subject, Mary Oliver, capturing the essence of what we mean by the Human Animal Bond. As you read the words, notice how they impact you and your emotional experience. Perhaps also notice any associations or memories arising and the physical sensations of the moment. This in itself is a mindful awareness exercise. Awaken to the present moment!
Little Dog’s Rhapsody In the Night, by Mary Oliver
He puts his cheek against mine
and makes small expressive sounds.
And when I’m awake, or awake enough
he turns upside down, his four paws
in the air
and his eyes dark and fervent.
“Tell me you love me,” he says.
“Tell me again.”
Could there be a sweeter arrangement? Over and over
he gets to ask.
I get to tell.
