Other therapists have labeled animals
as having a “social lubricant”
effect with patients; humans with animals
are sometimes seen as more
approachable and provide a topic for
conversation (Fine, 2006; Nimer &
Lundahl, 2007; Rossetti & King,
2010). For example, patients who are
more withdrawn may engage in increased communication with new
acquaintances in the presence of a
dog (Rossetti & King, 2010).