In my work with individuals struggling with long term anxiety, depression and trauma, one of the solutions to healing became adopting or fostering an animal, particularly one found in a shelter. Due to the incredible numbers of homeless dogs, cats, rabbits, birds and other animals such as horses and even pigs, I have cultivated an area of my practice to help individuals obtain an animal and then certify that animal as a therapy companion. Dogs, in particular, are known to serve their owners this way, but cats and birds can also be trained. For seniors, a furry companion can be the difference between life and death, since animals provide a sense of routine and regulation that often changes as we age.