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Role of pets in treatment and recovery?

Page last modified on: October 16, 2008
Question from suited: Although my friends and family were wonderful help during my treatment and recovery, much of my emotional support came from our dog and cats (never impatient or judgmental, always ready to make me laugh, or just be there when I needed to cry). Will you talk a bit about the role of pets? Thanks.
Answer —Rosalind Kleban, L.C.S.W.: Much research has been done on the benefits of pet therapy because they provide exactly what you are talking about: unconditional love, acceptance, and care. For that reason, nursing homes, hospitals, and cancer centers have pet therapy programs. There's a pet therapy program at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Dana Farber Cancer Center in Boston, and one will begin at some point in the future at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York.

On Wednesday, February 21, 2007, our Ask-the-Expert Online Conference was called Partners, Loved Ones, Caregivers: Taking Care of  You. Author Marc Silver and moderator Rosalind Kleban, L.C.S.W. answered your questions about how you can take care of your loved one and yourself during and after breast cancer treatment.

The materials presented in these conferences do not necessarily reflect the views of breastcancer.org. A qualified healthcare professional should be consulted before using any therapeutic product or regimen discussed. All readers should verify all information and data before employing any therapies described here.

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Meet the Experts

Marc SilverMarc Silver is the author of Breast Cancer Husband: How to Help Your Wife (And Yourself) Through Diagnosis, Treatment, and Beyond.

Rosalind Kleban, L.C.S.W.Rosalind Kleban, L.C.S.W. is administrative supervisor for psychosocial programs at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center's Lauder Breast Center in New York City, where she leads weekly support groups for women with early and advanced breast cancer.

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