Posted by Lieutenant Eleyr of House Em’ujo (Chief of Keeping Our Brains Healthy (CNS)) in Let’s Try this Again (TAG CNS)

(snip!)

“It’s an experiment. Constellation was chosen because of the crew size, available space, and our long term missions. The big to-dos back at Star Fleet medical thought having a pet would ease some of the mental strain on the crew from being gone for so long. I enjoy it. There are a lot of animals to keep up with, and lots of problem solving to be addressed. I was chosen for my background in counseling, to determine how the animals affected mental health and morale. I’m really glad you are here now, so we can collaborate. However they didn’t take into account that having that many animals on board required a staff of more than just 1. We also desperately need a vet with this many animals on board. But it does have its perks. I get to play with puppies all day.” Brenna grinned. She loved animals and unlike most Betazoids she enjoyed being around them and interacting with them. Their instincts never seemed to overwhelm her, unless she was very tired.

Atoded, CoP

“And what associations have you drawn between animals and the crew’s mental health?” Eleyr leaned back and snatched her spikey mug from the table, ‘stealthily’ endeavouring to mask the zeal touching her golden eyes at the thought of collaboration. Truthfully, she’d never had an animal companion. Her mother’s unpredictable assignments and ex-wife’s great disdain of anything with four legs left her companionless. She played with her brother’s pet targ, Kaz, and watched folks frolic with their four-legged friends in Golden Gate Park. But it wasn’t the same. Catching her mind adrift, Eleyr quickly dismissed the thought and returned her undivided attention to Brenna. “Although playing with puppies makes for a delightful pastime, you mentioned the work is a lot for one person.” Eleyr’s lips curved into a characteristic grin. “What would help ease to load for you? Beyond an animal doctor, of course.”

— Eleyr, CNS

Brenna shrugged, “There is a great deal of old research from Earth about the benefits of animals on mental health. And many other species have similar research. Even among us Betzoids. Even though we tend to shy away from forming attachments to larger animals we have been using Betazoid cats for centuries to help those with mental illness.” Brenna sat back, “There seems to be benefits, the crew overall seems more at ease. But as a long term program across the fleets I’m not sure command has considered the support needed for ships to provide accommodations for that many animals. As for support, I do, I hope, a fairly good job of matching animals to crew, but it would be nice to have someone else to assist with making matches. Then there is the physical infrastructure, which requires engineering. Someone certified to train animals would be huge too. But it’s just a test program so…”

Atoded, CoP