Pets and Mental Wellness: Carrie Nydick Finch Of PAWS NY On How to Maximize the Mental Health Benefits of Having a Pet
An Interview With Wanda Malhotra
Educate Yourself: Learning basic animal behavior will help you and your pet develop an even closer bond. You will be able to more fully understand how they communicate with you in many small ways all the time.
Pets have always been more than just companions; they play a pivotal role in enhancing our mental well-being. From the unconditional love of a dog to the calming presence of a cat, pets have a unique way of alleviating stress, anxiety, and loneliness. But how do we truly harness the therapeutic potential of our furry, feathered, or scaled friends? How can they aid in promoting mindfulness, reducing depression, or even enhancing social interactions? In this interview series, we are talking to veterinarians, psychologists, therapists, pet trainers, and other experts who can shed light on how to maximize the mental health benefits of having a pet. As a part of this series, we ask that you answer the following questions to be included.
Carrie Nydick Finch (she/her) is the Deputy Director of Programs & Strategy for PAWS NY and is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has been working in the social services field for over 15 years. With a Master of Science in Social Work from Columbia University and extensive social work experience, Carrie has worked at Doctors of the World, The American Red Cross, FEGS, the International Institute of New Jersey, and New York Harm Reduction Educators. Carrie joined PAWS NY in 2013 and she believes strongly in the power of the human-animal bond and the physical, mental, and emotional benefits that animals bring to our lives.
Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series! Before we start, our readers would love to “get to know you” a bit better. Can you tell us a bit about your background and your childhood backstory?
I grew up an avid animal lover — we had a beloved family dog as well as numerous other small pets — and I spent as much time as possible at the local horseback riding stable. As an adult I rescued my own dog, Emmylou, who was my best friend. I’ve also always had a deep interest in social justice issues, so after college I pursued my Masters in Social Work. After working as a clinical Social Worker for several years, I learned about Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT) and realized it was the perfect combination of my skills and passions. After becoming certified in AAT, I found PAWS NY, who happened to be looking for a Social Worker to join the Executive Director in managing and growing the program. For the last ten years I have worked with PAWS NY, managing our programmatic offerings.
Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you started your career?
We had a client many years ago who sadly passed away at her home and left behind her beloved dog. PAWS NY had been helping this pair for years, but when EMS showed up, they did not know about our involvement and took the dog to the municipal shelter, Animal Care Centers of NYC. Word of the client’s passing got to us and when we realized what happened to the dog, we quickly started making phone calls. The staff at the shelter was amazing and found the dog right away. I immediately started heading to the shelter to pull the dog out, and meanwhile one of the client’s most dedicated and passionate volunteers offered to foster her temporarily. That volunteer met me at the shelter and to our amazed relief, the sweet dog was headed home with her within an hour. Later we were able to arrange the most incredible adoptive home for the dog to continue living out her golden years. The experience was impactful because it showed how many people want to help keep families together, as well as the lives at stake if you don’t have a plan in place for your pet, or you are not a member of a larger community.
Is there a particular book that made a significant impact on you? Can you share a story or explain why it resonated with you so much?
“Citizen Canine” by David Grimm. It explores the idea of “personhood” for companion animals versus how they have historically been treated: as property. It is a fascinating exploration of the history of our relationship with animals throughout time and how we do or do not think of our pets as sentient beings.
Ok, thank you for all that. Now let’s move to the main focus of our interview. Can you share a personal story about how a pet has helped you or someone you know to improve mental wellness?
My best friend had the most beautiful and powerful relationship with her dog for many years. She always says that they “rescued each other.” Newly abstinent from drugs and alcohol, and recently ending an unhealthy romantic relationship, my friend was vulnerable and isolated and scared. It was at that exact time that she rescued a dog who had experienced severe trauma as a “bait dog” in a dogfighting ring. The two spent every minute together, gave each other purpose, learned to trust again, and were able to process and resolve their traumas together.
While human interaction is essential for emotional well-being, in what ways do interactions with pets offer unique benefits that human relationships might not provide?
Although pets can communicate with us in many different ways, they do not react with judgement, and they do not come to a relationship with the prejudices and criticisms that humans do. This “unconditional love” is incredibly powerful and is unique to the Human-Animal Bond.
Can you explain how this works? How do pets, particularly common ones like dogs and cats, biologically and psychologically help to alleviate human stress levels and anxieties?
Research has shown that people enjoy numerous physical and emotional benefits from the Human-Animal Bond. Pet guardians are less likely to have cardiovascular problems, have lower cortisol levels, and experience lower blood pressure. Specifically, having a dog increases physical activity and lowers levels of obesity.
In addition, the human-animal bond can help people living with mental health concerns. For example, symptoms of depression and anxiety show improvement when people interact with dogs and cats. Multiple studies have shown positive results for individuals who have experienced trauma, including a reduction of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms such as dissociation and flashbacks. Finally, dogs and cats can help individuals living with a serious mental illness, such as schizophrenia, regulate their emotions and adhere to treatment recommendations.
In the backdrop of global events like pandemics or natural disasters, how have you seen pets playing a role in alleviating anxiety and providing comfort? Can you share some instances where pets have been integrated into therapeutic practices? How do they complement traditional therapeutic techniques?
During the pandemic, pets provided companionship and purpose for people who were extremely isolated. Levels of anxiety and depression also skyrocketed during this time, and as mentioned above, pets can help alleviate those symptoms. Pets provided an escape during this difficult time and because they live in the moment, helped keep people present and grounded. During natural disasters where people have to flee their homes, pets can be a familiar and therefore comforting presence.
Research has shown that pets also improve the therapeutic alliance between mental health professionals and clients. Clients are more likely to trust their therapist — and in a shorter period of time — if there is a dog present during sessions. Pets also act as a “social lubricant,” allowing people to focus on a neutral subject while building relationships and getting to know one another.
Not all pets are dogs or cats. From birds to fish to reptiles, how can individuals choose the right pet that aligns with their mental health needs?
There are many different things to consider when bringing a pet into your life. First of all, there are financial concerns. Do you have the resources to provide food and appropriate veterinary care for that pet, for the duration of their life? Secondly, do you have the right environment for that particular pet? Third, there are physical considerations. For example, a dog will need regular exercise walks, and a cat needs their litter box to be cleaned out regularly. These tasks might be more difficult for someone managing illness, disability, or impaired mobility. And finally, do you have a plan for the pet’s care if something happens to you? For instance, who would take the pet if you faced an unexpected hospitalization? Stress and concerns around the care of your pet could potentially negate all the emotional benefits from the Human-Animal Bond.
Our organization, PAWS NY, seeks to alleviate some of these concerns, by providing volunteers that assist with physical pet care like dog walking and cleaning the litter box on a regular basis for folks living with impaired mobility. In addition, we provide emergency fostering when someone finds themselves in the hospital, or is seeking inpatient substance use treatment, and cannot establish care for their pet(s).
How does the act of taking care of a pet — feeding, grooming, exercising — contribute to an individual’s sense of purpose and mental well-being?
Having a pet means that someone needs you and you have a responsibility to show up for them. This provides purpose, as well as schedule and structure to one’s life. In addition, being active naturally reduces stress.
The past 5 years have been filled with upheaval and political uncertainty. Many people have become anxious from the dramatic jolts of the news cycle. From your experience or research, what are your “Five Ways To Maximize the Mental Health Benefits of Having a Pet?” Can you please share a story or example for each?
1. Prepare: Make sure you are choosing the right pet and that you have plans in place for unforeseen events.
2. Be Present: Put aside time to spend with your pet where you are not distracted, and you can both enjoy each other’s company.
3. Pay Attention: Notice when you or your pet might need extra support and take action to visit with your own therapist or set up a veterinary appointment as needed.
4. Do New Things: Join a cat lovers group, or make a point to get to know the other folks walking dogs in your neighborhood. It will stretch you outside your comfort zone and gives you the added benefit of a larger community network.
5. Educate Yourself: Learning basic animal behavior will help you and your pet develop an even closer bond. You will be able to more fully understand how they communicate with you in many small ways all the time.
The loss of a pet can be deeply traumatic. How can individuals navigate this grief, and how does it compare to other forms of loss in terms of mental health impact?
Grief is very personal and each individual experiences it and processes it in their own ways. Different kinds of grief should not be compared to each other. Often, we spend more time with our pets than any one person so the loss can be profound. It is important not to downplay that and seek professional help if needed. There are many pet bereavement groups offered nowadays, most online so they are highly accessible. And finally, some people might find comfort by performing some of the rituals we often reserve for humans, like having a burial or cremation, or creating a place to physically remember them.
You are a person of great influence. If you could inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of peace to the greatest amount of people, what would that be?
I would love to see us stop treating animals like commodities. In my mind the mistreatment of animals is a direct reflection of humanity’s worst characteristics.
We are very blessed that some very prominent names in Business, VC funding, Sports and Entertainment read this column. Is there a person in the world, or in the US with whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch, and why? He or she might just see this if we tag them. :-)
Jane Goodall
How can our readers further follow your work online?
You can learn more on the PAWS NY website: www.pawsny.org
Thank you so much for sharing these important insights. We wish you continued success and good health!
About the Interviewer: Wanda Malhotra is a wellness entrepreneur, lifestyle journalist, and the CEO of Crunchy Mama Box, a mission-driven platform promoting conscious living. CMB empowers individuals with educational resources and vetted products to help them make informed choices. Passionate about social causes like environmental preservation and animal welfare, Wanda writes about clean beauty, wellness, nutrition, social impact and sustainability, simplifying wellness with curated resources. Join Wanda and the Crunchy Mama Box community in embracing a healthier, more sustainable lifestyle at CrunchyMamaBox.com.
