Learn how furry friends can help with therapy

Clinical psychologist Aubrey Fine (above) and Dr Nancy Gee (below), a professor of psychiatry, will talk about animal-assisted therapy and how pets can benefit people's well-being in a webinar tomorrow.
Clinical psychologist Aubrey Fine (above) and Dr Nancy Gee, a professor of psychiatry, will talk about animal-assisted therapy and how pets can benefit people's well-being in a webinar tomorrow. PHOTOS: AUBREY FINE, NANCY GEE, AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE
Clinical psychologist Aubrey Fine (above) and Dr Nancy Gee (below), a professor of psychiatry, will talk about animal-assisted therapy and how pets can benefit people's well-being in a webinar tomorrow.
Clinical psychologist Aubrey Fine and Dr Nancy Gee (above), a professor of psychiatry, will talk about animal-assisted therapy and how pets can benefit people's well-being in a webinar tomorrow. PHOTOS: AUBREY FINE, NANCY GEE, AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE
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When Canadian clinical psychologist Aubrey Fine took his first pet, a gerbil named Sasha, to a programme for children with learning needs in the 1970s, a boy who was usually hyperactive went up to him and asked if he could hold Sasha.

"Sure, but only if you can sit down on the ground and cross your legs," Dr Fine, who was then in his 20s, replied. "When I put Sasha in your palm, I want you to not move because I don't want you to scare my little friend."

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on March 24, 2021, with the headline Learn how furry friends can help with therapy. Subscribe