RT Article
T1 Comfort, Christ and man's best friend: The ‘'new' Christian role for therapy dogs
JF Theology
VO 120
IS 6
SP 432
OP 439
A1 Holt, Nicole
A1 Walker, Peter W. L. 1961-
LA English
PB Sage
YR 2017
UL https://ixtheo.de/Record/1576342034
AB This article has been designed to provide a theological context for already existing research in the field of therapy dogs and their religious utilization. It also aims to set the scene for future research concerning the relationship between dogs and Christianity and between health, wellbeing and spirituality. This article argues the strengths of comfort companions and maintains that even through the potential ethical concerns, such practices show a resurgence in innovative thought and practice which aims to address psychological and physiological dimensions to the human condition which might be addressed through natural means, rather than medication. Dogs are already making their way into Christian churches and wider spiritual practices, so it may not be long before ‘comfort dogs' arrive from America.
K1 Christianity
K1 comfort dogs
K1 health and wellbeing
DO 10.1177/0040571X17719675