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Sensory Tools For Pets: Animals And People Helping Each Other
by Diana A. Henry and Deanna Iris Sava

Henry Occupational Services, Inc., 2006. Softcover, 41 pages, $12.95.

www.southpawenterprises.com

 

I have a confession to make. As someone who reviews books in the fields of both animals and disabilities, I wasn't sure, when I opened the review copy of Sensory Tools For Pets, where to better send a review. After reading this deceptively slim volume edited by two occupational therapists, I am no longer uncertain. This excellent, innovative work would be equally relevant to both audiences.

Actually, the subtitle of Henry and Sava's compilation of sensory integration material and tales, tells the whole story. The first section briefly introduces readers to the concept of sensory integration (SI) or sensory processing, a technique practiced by OTs in order to help clients who have difficulty appropriately integrating input from their five senses, muscles, and awareness of body movement/position in space; as a result, many of these individuals, such as children who figure on the autism spectrum, face neurological, emotional, and social problems. The bulk of the first section, however, is devoted to the supposition that SI techniques can be equally effective with animals. Through short anecdotes, Henry and Sava , offer convincing case study evidence.

The second portion of the work, dealing with the ways animals aid in clinical SI treatment or in the home or outdoor environments, will be more familiar to readers. Rounding out this practical guide with helpful alternative medical options and resources, Henry and Sava have done animals, humans, and their profession credit. Highly recommended for families with pets, service dogs, and human members who could benefit.

 

-Reviewed by Sally Rosenthal

 

About the reviewer: Sally Rosenthal, a former college librarian and occupational therapist, is anxious to try these techniques on her cat Toby.