PETS AND CHILDREN – A MAGICAL COMBINATION

There is something truly magical about the bond between pets and children. I’ve witnessed it for decades—first as a mom, then as a Pet Doula and Animal Communicator, and now as someone whose entire life has been shaped and healed by the unconditional love of animals. Pets have an incredible way of meeting children right where they are. They help with early cognitive development, encouraging little ones to crawl, walk, explore, and later even build confidence in reading.

My daughter learned how to walk because she was determined to reach our dog Rocky’s fluffy tail. That tail was all the motivation she needed! Many schools now use programs where children read to dogs. Sometimes a tiny treat is hidden in the book so the dog keeps “focused” on the pages. The child thinks the dog is reading along, and that magical belief gives them the courage to keep reading longer.

Science confirms what our hearts already know: pets reduce blood pressure, ease anxiety, and lift depression. I will never forget a teenage girl who had been hospitalized for severe depression. Nothing seemed to reach her—until the therapy dogs arrived. Slowly, gently, she came back to life. She started volunteering at a shelter and eventually adopted two kittens. Animals saved her spirit.

Pet therapy is real. It is powerful. And it is life-changing.

Animals have the unique ability to comfort us through unconditional love, lift our pain with their presence, and give us courage when life hands us more than we think we can bear. Dogs, cats, rabbits, horses, llamas, donkeys… even pot-bellied pigs—all have this gift.

Rocky, my beloved dog and soul companion, helped me through Crohn’s Disease many years ago. His love kept me alive and gave me strength when I had none. Everything in life happens for a reason, and because of Rocky, I now teach others about the healing power of pets, helping countless children and families cope through their hardest moments.

When Rocky passed away in 2001, he left a huge paw print on my heart. I created my children’s book series Rocky’s Journey to honour him. The first book, Rocky’s Trip to the Hospital, tells the story of how pet therapy helped me heal. I take that book, along with my certified therapy dogs Molly and Willy, into children’s hospitals. I share my story… and then the dogs take over. Their magic fills the room.

Children who have been hospitalized for weeks—frightened, lonely, missing their lives and their pets—suddenly light up the moment they see those wagging tails. Laughter returns. Color returns to their cheeks. Hope returns.

Willy has a gift that still amazes me: his snore. Yes—his snore! He curls up beside a child, gets relaxed, and suddenly the loudest, funniest snore echoes through the room. Even the sickest child can’t resist smiling.

Molly has her own healing superpower. When a child refuses bitter medicine, Molly steps forward with those big brown eyes, gently offering her paw. If the child takes a sip, Molly performs a trick. Suddenly medicine time becomes “Molly’s Show Time,” and every child eagerly participates. She has never failed.

I once visited a little girl who had undergone three surgeries in one week. She was pale, exhausted, and defeated. I read her Rocky’s Trip to the Hospital and gave her an autographed photo of the dogs and me. As she studied the picture, a spark appeared in her eyes. She said, “I want to see the dog.” With the nurse’s approval, I helped her into a wheelchair. Just seeing that wagging tail gave her strength. Minutes later, she insisted on wheeling herself down the hall while holding the leash. Her transformation brought tears to everyone’s eyes.

Pet therapy doesn’t only happen in hospitals.
At a school presentation, a young boy approached me with deep sadness written across his face. Through tears he told me his grandfather had passed away alone the night before. Before I could respond, Willy quietly stood up, walked over, and wrapped himself into the boy’s arms. With each lick of tears, that little boy softened… then smiled. One hundred and twenty children witnessed the healing power of love in that moment.

Pets helped me through cancer too.

When I was diagnosed with cancer, my family and I were terrified. Suddenly life became appointments, fear, fatigue, and uncertainty. And once again, it was my pets who steadied us.

Marley, with his gentle old-soul wisdom, lay beside me through every hard night, breathing slowly and deeply as if reminding me, You are safe. You are loved.

Buddy, always ready to bring joy, made us laugh even on the darkest days. He would nudge my hand, dance around the house, or curl up on my chest, reminding me to breathe, to rest, and to believe that healing was possible. Those two boys helped my family cope when we didn’t know how. Their love carried us forward—one paw at a time.

Pets truly are Earth angels.
They sense our pain, our fear, and our joy.
They show up exactly when we need them most.
And they give us unconditional love—a kind of love that heals.

I encourage every parent, grandparent, and caregiver:
If you can bring an animal into a child’s life, do it.
It will be one of the greatest gifts they ever receive—emotionally, physically, and spiritually.

About Sue London

Sue London is an award-winning Hospice Pet Doula, Reiki Master Teacher, Animal Communicator, bestselling author, speaker, and creator of healing music for pets and people. Having crossed over twice and reunited with her own pets on the other side, Sue brings a rare and heartfelt connection to every family she serves. Her work has helped thousands of children, adults, and animals find comfort, healing, and hope through the power of love, storytelling, and the unbreakable bond between humans and their pets.