There is something about having a loyal, cuddly, playful companion that makes the world seem brighter on the days that the weight of your worries, responsibilities, and stresses might otherwise weigh you down. Pets are more than just animals that happen to inhabit the same space as you. They are living beings with distinct personalities that often will very much become a part of the family.
It is hard to care for such a creature and not feel a bond created. Whether you are a dog person, a cat person, an exotic pet person, or an animal lover in general, it is easy to identify that gleeful warmth that you feel when you wake up in the morning or get home from work and are greeted by an adorable furry friend that is so happy to have you around.
Why we love our pets
There was a study conducted with 217 participants from a community, and it examined the effects that having pets can have on people. The study showed that those people who had pets displayed higher self-esteem, were more likely to be in better physical condition, were part of healthier relationships, showed more signs of being conscientious in general, and were often more socially outgoing as well, when compared to those in the community without pets. Though it may seem trivial or silly at first thought, the significance of having a small companion to care for and love on actually makes a big difference for a lot of people. On top of that, that connected feeling when your pet shows affection is enough to melt anyone’s heart.
Focusing on pet care
Across the country, there are over 46 million households that own a dog, and nearly 40 million households that own a cat. Sadly, around 8 million to 10 million of those animals head to animal shelters each and every year. Some people do not have the resources, money, time, or patience to care for an animal, and end up having to get rid of their pet. Sometimes, people do not realize how costly it can be take care of a pet, particularly one that has special health or diet restrictions.
Getting your pet to a vet clinic regularly is important for check ups, vaccinations, flea, tick, and worm treatments and more. While there may be local animal hospitals that offer discounted services in emergencies, it is better to plan ahead and budget accordingly when you make the decision to bring an animal into your life. It will be depending on you, after all, and you should be capable of providing it with a happy and healthy life.
Bringing out the best in us
Having a pet is not for everyone. But sometimes people can be surprised to find that they actually are an animal lover deep down. It is quite rare to see a heart so hardened that they don’t at least give a bit of a smile at the sight of a playful pup or cuddly cat. Many people will completely light up. This connection we have with animals is more than that of owner and animal. We share this planet, we are all living beings. There are some connections that are deeper than societal constructs or even the languages and understandings that separate species. Bonding with an animal on that deeper level helps you see the world through different eyes, and appreciate it on a different level. Life is simple, and our pets can show us that.
You may not have thought about taking life lessons from an animal before, but break it down to the basics. Cats eat, sleep, and play or wander if they want to. In fact everything they do is based on what they feel like doing in any given moment. There is fierce independence to be learned there. And dogs? Well have you ever seen a creature so full of energy and unconditional love? That should certainly be looked up to and aspired to. These animals have quite a bit to show us, if we just pay attention.