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Poster 9
Nonhuman Animals as Healers
Author(s): Marie-France Boissonneault1, Stephen McIlwayne2 and William Gladstone3
Organization(s): 1Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada, 2School of Design, Communication & IT, Faculty of Science & Information Technology, University of Newcastle, Singapore City, Singapore, Republic of Singapore and 3School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Ourimbah, New South Wales, Australia
Corresponding author: Marie-France Boissonneault (click to contact)
Abstract (click to show/hide)
This research offers an analysis of the historical integration of the role of animals in care-giving positions, and their depiction in popular Western culture. It establishes the degree to which non-human animals, domesticated and wild, have contributed to the emotional lives and care of humans in contemporary Western culture. In examining the historical depiction of animals in literature and art, as well as their interpretations in contemporary mass media, the aim of my research is to provide an in-depth analysis of the cultural interpretation of animals as they interconnect with a diverse array of human-constructed realities principally in the area of 'wellness and suffering.' It seeks to explore the differences between the species of animals that have become regarded as human companions that can enhance or ameliorate the lives of human beings suffering from illnesses or disabilities on an emotional and/or physical basis.
Different media such as literature and visual depictions of the human-animal bond have an impact on the acceptance of non-human animals within human environments and thus influence the acceptance of their role in care-giving settings. Therefore, the analysis of past beliefs and nonhuman animal representations is important to establish a well-formed understanding of the views that societies hold in relation to animals in care-giving roles. The concept of 'nonhuman animals as healers' addressing the animal-human relationship and in connection with historical literary and artistic works is a link that has yet to be explored.
Several aspects of animals in care-giving roles are familiar to many; however, the widespread level of integrative activities within institutional facilities has only scratched the surface of the potential benefit that extensive implementation of such programs could offer. Exploring the various types of roles that nonhuman animals occupy within human environments enables an understanding of the societal concepts concerning human and nonhuman animal interactions, and thus facilitates the founding of future beneficial programs.