Question:
I have read your article about the dog who came to live with a family and took to their family member who had cancer. When this person died, they never saw the dog again. Well, let me tell you about my cat Archie.
I got him from PAWS in Norwalk, Conn. He is about 6 years old and is HIV-positive, but I fell in love with him anyway. He could be a football player for the New York Giants he is so big.
Every time I get up to go to the bathroom, he comes with me. When I go into the kitchen or down the cellar, he comes with me just like a dog would follow you around. If I go outside, he waits for me near the door inside.
I sprained my ankle a few months ago, and he was on my bed one morning warming my ankle. When I'm healthy, he usually sleeps on his blanket on my bed, but when I'm sick, he sleeps right by my side.
M.S., Fairfield, CT Apr 04, 2010
Answer:
Many readers will enjoy your account of your cat Archie's sensitivity and attentiveness when you were injured. I would appreciate hearing from other readers about how their companion animals react when they are laid up, like you were, with an injury or illness It is noteworthy that the sound frequency of cat purrs may help with bone healing; and the licks of healthy dogs can heal various skin problems because the saliva contains antibiotic-like and tissue-repair-stimulating substances. The warmth and comfort of our animal companions, whose presence can help one feel less alone and more secure, are additional elements that can facilitate healing and convalescence from injury and illness.
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