Nathan
was born both deaf and blind, into a world that sneaks up, without
warning, to touch and startle him. He responds to the alternating
emptiness and invasion of his world by crying and screaming,
or by retreating deeper and deeper into himself. His parents
and caregivers don't know how to reach him; nothing seems to
help.
But Nathan's life changes when he suddenly finds himself skin-to-fur next to something different. Soft and warm, the thing moves gently beneath his head, up and down with each breath. He has been propped up against Aspen, an exuberant golden retriever who is trying with all his might to be as still as a pillow.
Instead of recoiling as he sometimes does from the world's touches, the toddler's eyes open wide as he feels the dog's breathing and heartbeat. Then he unclenches his hands and reaches out to touch Aspen's silkiness--and for 45 minutes he is quiet and content. Nathan's senses have been stimulated, and suddenly he is feeling a little more comfortable in his dark, silent, surprising world.
The special therapeutic significance of this encounter is that Aspen has been able to help Nathan break through his isolation and feel motivated to reach out and explore the world around him. This is a crucial first step for children like Nathan, because until he takes it he will be unreachable, afraid to trust, and unable to learn progressive skills, including language, which will help him to connect with the outside world.
Dozens of research studies are now confirming what most of us have seen and known in our hearts all along--that animals can often help in situations where other people either cannot, or are less effective.