title: The experience of pet ownership as a meaningful occupation.
abstract: This qualitative study examined the experience of pet ownership in the everyday lives of seven men with human immuno-deficiency virus or acquired immune deficiency syndrome. Interviews and field observations were analyzed using a grounded theory approach. The findings demonstrate that the experience of pet ownership is both typical of any pet owner and yet profoundly impacted by the illness of the owners. The results of this preliminary study indicate pet ownership can be a highly valued occupation for some, and thus has implications for occupational therapy intervention.
authors.affiliation: Northridge Hospital Medical Center, 18300 Roscoe Boulevard, Northridge, California 91328, USA. allen_jessica@hotmail.com
authors.forename: J M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Allen
authors.forename: D H
authors.initials: DH
authors.lastname: Kellegrew
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Jaffe
mesh_terms: D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000328:Adult; D004644:Emotions; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D006304:Health Status; D001841:Human-Animal Bond; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009788:Occupational Therapy; D010067:Ownership; D011788:Quality of Life