For most of us, a four-legged friend is a great companion to come home to, cuddle with, someone to run with and pay attention to. And who does not like that the dog licks us or the cat bites our ankles while we walk by? For those of you who had an animal growing up, I’m sure you have a couple of funny stories about feeding your vegetables under the table.
So what can a pet do for you? Why is adopting a pet so important and how can it really improve the quality of your life? Unfortunately, during the recession, many people are unable to keep pets due to the heavy financial responsibility they represent. With so many animals being placed in local shelters, there are even more good reasons for those who can adopt a pet to adopt.
I know what some of you are probably thinking. An animal is a great responsibility. And they are a great responsibility. They cost a lot of money: vet visits, pet supplies, and food, just to name a few. Pets, especially dogs, also require a lot of attention. However, those who own animals know that the time, energy, love, and money that goes into caring for animals is definitely worth it.
For starters, pets have been shown to dramatically improve our quality of life by lowering blood pressure and stress levels. There have also been many cases where an untrained animal was able to detect some deadly diseases like cancerous lumps that had not been found previously. It’s especially good to have a trained animal around if you have a serious medical condition, such as epilepsy.
Personally, when I’m feeling down or just having a bad day, having an animal around is good for improving my mood. I’m sure all other pet owners can attest to this. While some anti-pet people would argue that having a pet around is a bad idea because humans need something to control (yes, I’ve unfortunately heard this argument before). I would say that is not the case for most pet owners. Having a pet around me is not about controlling something, but for me, it is about having the unconditional love and joy that a pet will give you.
The unconditional love of a pet is a great thing for those who have suffered many situations of abuse. Whether true or not, you may have heard of how Jaycee Dugard and her daughters had “horse therapy” to help her cope with her new situation. What is certain, however, is that animals are excellent for emotional support. Animals are also great for other types of therapy; for example, as a treatment for Asperger’s syndrome.
Owning a pet doesn’t have to be limited to smaller animals for beginners. Horses can be a good hobby for those interested in larger animals. Owning a horse can seem intimidating, but stables offer a place to house them and can even teach you how to care for them. Horses are great at riding, moving, and competing in all kinds. The best part is that depending on where you live, horses may be available to those who are just looking for riding lessons and don’t have to deal with the hassles of owning one.
Animals are also great to have around the house for other reasons. If you have children, having a pet around you can be a good way to help them develop. Children will learn how to interact with animals and, in some circumstances, learn social skills from them. This may sound a bit strange, but this behavior is called modeling. It has been shown that children who are good with pets are also good with people; On the other hand, an early warning sign of violent behavior in children is animal abuse.
Children can also develop a sense of accomplishment and responsibility by having a pet. To give you another example from my life, I grew up in a small town and 4H was a kids’ group that I often joined. At 4H competitions, my classmates often brought the animals they helped raise and some even won prizes, much to my envy. Even if you don’t live in a small town, check out any local 4H competitions you may have in your town or city and see how some of the kids feel about their animals. You may be surprised.
However, having a pet doesn’t have to require a big reason. A dog can also be a great motivation to get out and run around the block, a cat can be a good companion to snuggle with while watching TV, and a bird can provide a nice tune.
Whatever you end up deciding is a good reason to adopt an animal as a pet, I hope you check with your local shelter. There are many good animals out there looking for a second chance to love someone new.
I wrote this article because I have a strong passion for animals and animal rights. If you have any general questions about how a pet can improve your life, feel free to contact me. Or you can tell me about the wonderful pet you have already adopted and how it has changed your life. I hope to hear from you.
