title: The Dog narratives: Benefits of the human-animal bond for women with HIV.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Companion animals play important roles in the lives of people managing the many symptoms associated with a chronic illness such as HIV. This study explored meaningful examples of pets, particularly dogs, and their place in support networks among women living with AIDS/HIV.
  
  
  METHODS
  Data were collected via focus group, as part of a larger Photovoice project. Qualitative analysis discovered three key related themes.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Emerging themes included pet as spiritual custodian, pet as unconditional source of support, and pet providing a sense of purpose.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The comments these participants made about their dogs allowed us to explore culturally embedded notions about animal companionship; the ability to know when one is sick, frightened, emotionally upset, or facing a spiritual crisis. The women.
authors.affiliation: The University of Missouri's School of Health Professions, 511 Clark Hall, Columbia, Missouri 65211, 573-882-5812 phone 573-882-4549 fax.
authors.forename: Allison
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Kabel
authors.affiliation: The University of Missouri's School of Health Professions, 502 Clark Hall.
authors.forename: Nidhi
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Khosla
authors.affiliation: The University of Missouri's School of Health Professions, 512 Clark Hall.
authors.forename: Michelle
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Teti