Every day around the world, millions of people experience the incredible bond between humans and animals. Anyone who has felt a connection with a pet and experienced that unconditional love, understanding and acceptance knows the value of a pet's companionship. These qualities make animals ideal therapeutic visitors for patients in hospitals and other medical facilities. So why do some establishments not want their residents to take ownership of this relationship? Therapy dogs provide motivational, educational and recreational interactions that can improve the value of an individual's life. Michael J. McCulloch, MD, says that "in an age of research where it is tempting to reduce emotions to biochemical reactions and rely heavily on the technology of medicine" (One Health Concept), Discoveries have now been made that say animal assistance is necessary. therapy also contributes to the healing process. One of McCulloch's quotes is "heal when possible but always comfort" (One Health Concept) and that's what animals do, they comfort. Adding therapy dogs to the healing process will eliminate the need to “rely heavily on medical technology.” Although medicine plays an important role in the healing process, different people heal in different ways. With animal-assisted therapy, patients heal not only physically but also emotionally. Since therapy dogs are not service dogs, they do not have the freedom to enter public buildings without being asked. Therapy dogs and assistance dogs provide assistance to those who need help and there should be no limitations on the type of assistance provided. Although facilities that allow therapy dogs share their patients' progress with other nursing professionals... middle of article...... Thomas P. Monath. August 16, 2007. the web. April 2011. Nimer, Janelle, Brad Lundahl. “Animal-assisted therapy: a meta-analysis”. Anthrozoos: Multidisciplinary Journal of Human-Animal Interactions 20 (2007). Print. April 2011. “Animal Therapy: Healing, Recovery and Love.” » Sniksnak.com. Pawprints and Purs Inc, 2010. Web. April 2011. Phillips, Debra. “Research and reflection: Animal-assisted therapy in mental health settings”. Advice and Values ​​48 (2003). Internet. April 2011. Rodgers, Kay. Interview. April 2011. “TDI study: Perception of the impact of pet therapy on residents/patients and staff of establishments visited by therapy dogs.” » TDI-dog.org.Therapy Dogs International, Inc, 1998. Web. May 2011. Waltner-Toews, David. “Zoonotic disease concerns in animal-assisted therapy and animal visitation programs.” Can Veterinary Journal (1993). Internet. Can 2011.