Expert Commentary Featured in Modern Dog Magazine

Monday, June 28, 2021

Pandemic pups: Adopted dogs offer a furry support system.

...our pets give us a sense of direction that has been missing for many during the pandemic, says Nancy Gee, Director of the Center for Human-Animal Interaction at Virginia Commonwealth University’s School of Medicine. Duty towards their dogs motivates older owners, in particular, to protect their health.

Fellegi, V. (2021, June 28). Pandemic pups: Adopted dogs offer a furry support system. Modern Dog Magazine. https://moderndogmagazine.com/articles/pandemic-pups-adopted-dogs-offer-a-furry-support-system/

Journal Publication in Animals

Tuesday, June 22, 2021

Dog walking and the social impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on loneliness in older adults.

Recent research suggests that older adults who walk their dogs experience fewer symptoms of loneliness than those who do not walk their dogs. The current study was designed to evaluate whether dog walking helps older adults facing significant social consequences related to the COVID-19 pandemic avoid increased feelings of loneliness.

Carr, D., Friedmann, E., Gee, N. R., Gilchrist, C., Sachs-Ericsson, N., & Koodaly, L. (2021). Dog walking and the social impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on loneliness in older adults. Animals, 11(7), 1852. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11071852

Journal Publication in Animals

Wednesday, June 16, 2021

Cognitive and composite behavioural welfare assessments of pet cats between the ages of 9–22 months, living in single and multi-cat households.

Although agonistic interactions between cats are often regarded clinically as a source of stress, there is currently limited research evidence regarding the welfare impact of keeping multiple cats as pets. The aim of this study was to compare welfare indicators between cats living in single and multi-cat households, as well as between cats living in multi-cat households where agonistic behaviour was/was not reported by owners.

 

Research Featured on Fox4

Friday, June 11, 2021

How the pandemic Is shining a spotlight on the loneliness epidemic in the U.S..

On Tuesday, May 25, veterinarian Angela Hughes, PhD, DVM, and Nancy Gee, PhD, Director of the Center for Human Animal Interaction at Virginia Commonwealth University, will be available to discuss the issue of loneliness among older Americans and reveal the goals of the therapy dog study surrounding this issue. This new study – and the field of research into Human-Animal Interaction (HAI) – is all about exploring the potential of the incredible bond that pets and people can have and the role each can play in making life better for the other.

Lynn, A. (2021, June 11). How the pandemic Is shining a spotlight on the loneliness epidemic in the U.S.. Fox4. https://www.fox4now.com/the-morning-blend/how-the-pandemic-is-shining-a-spotlight-on-the-loneliness-epidemic-in-the-u-s

Journal Publication in AERA Open

Tuesday, May 11, 2021

Incorporating human–animal interaction into academic stress management programs: Effects on typical and at-risk college students’ executive function.

Implementation of university-based animal-assisted stress-prevention programs is increasing despite limited knowledge about impacts on students’ academic success. This randomized trial (N = 309) examined the effects of a 4-week stress-prevention program with varying levels of human–animal interaction (HAI) and evidence-based content presentations on students’ executive functioning (EF).

Pendry, P., Carr, A. M., Vandagriff, J. L., & Gee, N. R. (2021). Incorporating human–animal interaction into academic stress management programs: Effects on typical and at-risk college students’ executive function. AERA Open, 7. https://doi.org/10.1177/23328584211011612