“The psychological theories of object relations, self-psychology, relational-cultural theory and narrative theory provide a baseline to examine our relationship with our canine friends. As we weave through the teachings of each theory, our developmental understanding of this connection becomes rich with meaning and understanding. Dogs can provide us with a level of soul healing, unable to be obtained by the clinical examination of life events. We are more than the labels given to us and animals know this. The power of healing offered by the human-animal bond can transcend us and connect us to our inner core, our soul. Each soul struggles in life to find meaning and purpose. Our love from dogs can lead us on a path of soul-discovery, simply by being present in the healing elements of the NOW. This is our gift from dogs, a lesson in soul healing…”
Source:
Soul Friends: Finding Healing with Animals
By Kate Nicoll