Doctors can prescribe a pet..UK will pay £1,000 to "fill" rx.

[SoCalDem]

Last Updated: Monday, 8 August 2005, 12:23 GMT 13:23 UK

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/london/4131458.stm

Plan for 'pets on prescription'

Pets are believed to have a therapeutic effect on their owners
Patients are to be given grants of up to £1,000 so they can boost their health by buying a pet. Medical experts believe that looking after an animal can have a therapeutic effect on the owner.

Now, a health trust in south London, is running a pilot scheme which will allow doctors to offer the chance to care for a pet.Lewisham Primary Care Trust said owning an animal can help people recover faster and reduce isolation. Trust spokesman Oliver Lake said it is hoped a pet will keep the patient out of hospital. Caseworkers will be allocated the budget and will decide which items will help to improve the patient's wellbeing.

snip....

"Evidence suggests that caring for a pet can help patients get better, but there are many other options." Other items that can be bought with the grant include a type of chair, air conditioning, heater, transport to a social club, or an overnight carer.

Five practices in the borough are taking part in the pilot.

[Benbow]

1. That's wonderful :-) I can vouch for the therapeutic effects of a pet dog

But perhaps they should have a slogan: a pet is for life not just for five days. Probably too obscure - I am thinking that the average course of antibiotics lasts five days.

[SoCalDem]

2. I think that's a big part of why so many oldsters die soon after

entering a nursing home. Lots of them have aged pets that mean the world to them, and when they enter a home, they must part with the pets. People often say they will "take care of them", but I'm sure the oldster knows what will really happen to their beloved pets..It has to be a spirit-breaker..

I even worry about my kitties. they are mostly young ones,but if something happens to us, what will happen to them?

I can only hope I have time to log on to DU and find homes for them before I check out :)