Therapy dogs help cure mental illness at a Spanish psychiatric centre

Atila, a trained therapeutic greyhound used to treat patients with mental health issues and learning difficulties, falls asleep as it gets caressed by three patients at Benito Menni health facility in Elizondo, northern Spain. (Susana Vera/REUTERS)

Updated on: Mar 17, 2017 12:11 PM IST

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Atila, a trained therapeutic greyhound used to treat patients with mental health issues and learning difficulties, falls asleep as it gets caressed by three patients at Benito Menni health facility in Elizondo, northern Spain. (Susana Vera/REUTERS)

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Andres Garcia, 29, embraces Argi, as he relaxes at Benito Menni health facility in Elizondo, northern Spain. Puppy love is part of the treatment for conditions such as schizophrenia. (Susana Vera/REUTERS)

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Inaki Gorriz (L) kisses social worker Irune Alchu, as Andres Garcia (C) walks hand in hand with nurse Andre Carricaburu while going for a walk with "Argi" and "Atila”. The facility, based in a town near the border with France, uses the dogs to help patients with intellectual disabilities and mental health conditions develop social skills and a sense of autonomy. (Susana Vera/REUTERS)

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44-year-old David Villanueva poses with Argi. Alongside misty views of green rolling mountains, petting sessions with the eight-month-old puppies have a calming effect serving as an emotional outlet for patients who struggle to connect with others. (Susana Vera/REUTERS)

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Andres Garcia (L), 29, and Inaki Gorriz, 24, pet Atila, as their nurses and therapists look on. Playing with those who are more active and sitting still with those who find moving a daily challenge, the dogs tailor their behaviour according to the needs of their patient. (Susana Vera/REUTERS)

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Unlike other centres, Atila and Argi live on the grounds and are cared for by patients. (Susana Vera/REUTERS)

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In an effort to promote good habits like self-control and personal hygiene, patients groom and feed their furry companions taking them for daily walks to the nearby village where the dogs are icebreakers facilitating conversation with the locals. (Susana Vera/REUTERS)

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49-year-old Miren Martinez pets Atila. Centre residents who struggle to express themselves because of a range of cognitive and behavioural disabilities referred to their feelings for the dogs using words like “calmness”, “companionship” and “affection”. (Susana Vera/REUTERS)

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The dogs also work with those unable to feed or walk the animals, sitting with severe dementia patients in an effort to combat isolation and depression by stimulating their senses of touch. (Susana Vera/REUTERS)