☰
☰
Having a pet might not seem like a big decision when you first get them, maybe it was a whim, or something you didn’t fully think through, but the fact of the matter is that an animal in your life is a very good and very significant thing. Unlike other people, who you can reason with, or talk to, or teach complicated things, animals aren’t that intense. So what you have to do is learn the ethics and morals of dealing with another living creature that isn’t fully capable of understanding everything you say. The result is something incredibly sweet.
See, animals are sincere in their affections towards you, and sincere in their behaviours. They have no real reason to lie, and no capacity to do so, if you talk to a dog in a stern tone, they’ll be upset and guilty even if they didn’t do anything wrong. But because you have basically absolute power over the animal, you also have absolute responsibility in regards to dealing with them. And that’s why people post pictures of their animals being adorable on Twitter all the time.
Source: Twitter
HelpGuide outlines the necessities of having a pet.
Most pet owners are clear about the immediate joys that come with sharing their lives with companion animals. However, many of us remain unaware of the physical and mental health benefits that can also accompany the pleasure of snuggling up to a furry friend. It’s only recently that studies have begun to scientifically explore the benefits of the human-animal bond.
Pets have evolved to become acutely attuned to humans and our behavior and emotions. Dogs, for example, are able to understand many of the words we use, but they’re even better at interpreting our tone of voice, body language, and gestures. And like any good human friend, a loyal dog will look into your eyes to gauge your emotional state and try to understand what you’re thinking and feeling (and to work out when the next walk or treat might be coming, of course).
Pets, especially dogs and cats, can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, ease loneliness, encourage exercise and playfulness, and even improve your cardiovascular health. Caring for an animal can help children grow up more secure and active. Pets also provide valuable companionship for older adults. Perhaps most importantly, though, a pet can add real joy and unconditional love to your life.
One of the reasons for these therapeutic effects is that pets fulfill the basic human need for touch. Even hardened criminals in prison show long-term changes in their behavior after interacting with pets, many of them experiencing mutual affection for the first time. Stroking, hugging, or otherwise touching a loving animal can rapidly calm and soothe you when you’re stressed or anxious. The companionship of a pet can also ease loneliness, and most dogs are a great stimulus for healthy exercise, which can substantially boost your mood and ease depression.
What about you? Do these remind you of a pet of your own? Tell us in the comments!
