Topic: Pet Therapy and The Elderly I. Introduction: Humans were not destined to live in isolation, but to establish meaningful relationships and companionships with others.
Thesis: Pet therapy has made a substantial and positive impact on the affected elderly since it has improved social stimulation behaviors, provides emotional and physiological stability and alleviates the symptoms of depression.

II. Body 1.) Pet therapy improves social stimulation behaviors.(Condit, 2010) A.) Animals can be labeled as alternatives to children who have grown and have moved in with their families or spouses who have passed away. (Beck &Meyers, 1996) * Provide opportunities to increase human-to-human social interaction * Interactions with pets enables them to live alone without being lonely B.) The elderly would be able to bond with the pet since it produces a “stress-reducing effect”. (Beck &Meyers, 1996) * Opportunities for fun and relaxation with the pet * Being able to talk to the pets to vent out their feelings or expressions C.) Studies show that those who experience bonding with their pets facilitate communication and interaction. (Condit, 2010) * Aids in the elderly achieving a positive attitude while conversing with people * Animals including dogs, cats, birds encourage social and verbal interaction 2.) Pet therapy provides emotional and physiological stability.(Condit, 2010) A.) Studies state that pet therapy enhances emotional well-being (Walsh, 2009) * Improves morale and decreases aggressive behavior * The elderly may attain attitudes and behaviors unattainable from human interaction B.) The human-companion animal bond is significant (Beck &Meyers, 1996) * Associated with connectedness between the human and animal * A holistic view as to how the bond increases the well-being of the human C.) Pets aids in physiological stability and wellness (Walsh, 2009) * Enhances mobility i.e. walking the dog * Fewer health problems, doctor visits * Lower health costs 3.) Pet therapy alleviated effects of depression.(Condit, 2010) A.) Elderly patient suffering from depression and apathy was laughing and played many games with their favorite dog (Kawamura, Niiyama,M., Niiyama,H.,2007) B.) Before pet therapy, the elderly patient would tend to sleep just after sitting for a few minutes in a chair but changed after pet therapy such as being active and taking interest in things. (Kawamura, Niiyama.M, Niiyama,H.,2007) C.) Pets are loyal companions for the depressed elderly because: (Walsh, 2009) * Provide a sense of belonging, security and comfort * Provides value, meaning and worth III. Conclusion
- Restating of Thesis
- Expansion and perspectives of pet therapy that would innovate how the elderly would be affected in a holistic manner

References
Beck, A. M., & Meyers, N. M. (1996). Health enhancement and companion animal ownership. Annual review of public health, 17(1), 247-257.
Condit, A. (2010). Animal-assisted Therapy as an Intervention for Reducing Depression Among Long-term Care Residents (Doctoral dissertation, Colorado State University).
Kawamura, N., Niiyama, M., & Niiyama, H. (2007). Long‐term evaluation of animal‐assisted therapy for institutionalized elderly people: a preliminary result. Psychogeriatrics, 7(1), 8-13.
Walsh, F. (2009). Human‐Animal Bonds I: The Relational Significance of Companion Animals. Family process, 48(4), 462-480.