It's a proven fact that animals make people feel better. When pets make rounds at a hospital, children and adults both respond positively. A child on the low end of the autism spectrum may not communicate with his parents. However, his first word may be the name of his therapy horse. An Alzheimer's patient may sit in her room all day in icy silence, and then crack a smile when a therapist makes the rounds with a few dogs and cats. Animal-assisted therapists get to see miracles every day.