Attachment in Action

“Emotions are the gifts of our ancestors. We have them and so do other animals. We must never forget this.”   —  Marc Bekoff

Here are some fun videos illustrating how relationships come in all shapes and sizes. It is emotions that bind us…

Best Friends – a kid, a dog and a puddle

Research shows that companion animals can serve as a secure base, meaning our relationship with companion animals can give us the security to know that some individual, human or nonhuman, has our back and is there for us, helping us feel safe in the world.  This short video clip demonstrates this bond between a young boy and an older dog and is a joy to watch.

Elephants Never Forget

Shirley, the elephant, comes to her new home, The Elephant Sanctuary.  There are good-byes and hellos.  The empathy and attachment the zoo caretaker has for Shirley, his elephant ward, is incredibly touching.  And the reunion of Shirley and Jenny, two elephants who haven’t seen each other for 25 years warms my heart.  To see more fun furry friend videos, visit: Dogwork.com

 The Orangutan and the Hound Dog

The joy of sharing your time – and food – with someone you love.  I laugh out loud every time I see the playfulness between these two friends. For more Nation Geographic stories about amazing animals and their relationships, click here: National Geographic YouTube Channel: Wild Chronicles

Tara, the Elephant, and Bella, the Dog

The comfort of being in each other’s presence helps Bella heal from an illness.  There is so much trust between the two that Bella will let Tara rub her belly with Tara’s foot!

Love knows no bounds.

Maria, the goose, and Dominic, a retired salesman, spend their days together. This video shows how love can change a person.To read more of Maria & Dominic Ehler’s story, click here: LA Times Article: A Match of Man and Goose

Tortoise helps out a friend.

The lyrics of Lean on Me, that accompany this video, says it all: “You just call on me brother, when you need a hand; We all need somebody to lean on; I just might have a problem that you’d understand; We all need somebody to lean on; If there is a load you have to bear; That you can’t carry; I’m right up the road; I’ll share your load; If you just call me; Call me if you need a friend.”

 

 

Family – A Duck, Several Dogs, and Humans

Individuals who make up your family are not all biological. You can create your own trusted circle of animals – human or otherwise – with whom to share your life. These special connections can help us cope with the normal stressors of life and contribute to our community.

 

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If you have any questions, need more information, or would like to make an appointment, you can call me at 301-279-7779, email me at BethLCounseling@aol.com, or use the form below.

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