Share Your Life With A Pet That Loves You

“Until one has loved an animal, a part of their soul remains unawakened.”

                                    ~Anatole France

As we continue to witness the fallout from the global pandemic, the major health issues and concerns about the possibility of economic collapse, it has never been more apparent that our world is changing. But through our own fear and anxiety about the future, there is still much we can do that will not only help others, but will be healing for us as well. For example, we can visit an animal shelter and consider sharing our home with one of the many needy pets available for adoption or foster care. 

Even as I am writing now, Maggie, my rescue golden retriever, and Cato, the neighborhood cat that hangs out with us, are right here by my side. They look almost exactly like this photo!

Prior to rescuing Maggie five years ago, I had lost my previous two goldens, both at age 14. Without them, I had grown sluggish and was not getting out to get the exercise I needed. When Maggie came along, the fact that I was responsible for her well-being generated a lot of activity like walks in our neighborhood and have conversations with other dog walkers (maintaining the proper social distance, of course!) that I probably wouldn’t have had otherwise. 

There are many stories that provide ample evidence that pets are the least expensive Western medicine there is. In 2008, Dogs Trust (the UK’s largest dog welfare charity) launched its Canine Charter for Human Health. The Dogs Trust gathered together concrete proof that dog ownership is good for our health. They compiled independent academic research from around the world which highlights these main nine areas in which owning or interacting with a dog can improve your health.

1. Dog owners make fewer visits to their doctors.
2. Owning a dog can help reduce stress and anxiety.
3. Owning a dog can help reduce blood pressure.
4. Dogs can help the development of children with autism and children with learning difficulties.
5. Owning a dog can boost your immune system.
6. Dog owners are likely to recover quicker from heart attacks.
7. Dogs can help safeguard against depression.
8. Trained dogs can detect a variety of health conditions, including epileptic seizures and hypoglycemia.

If we just open our eyes to the opportunity, we can learn some of our most important life lessons from animals. Some of these lessons are captured in such a beautiful way by author John Grogan in his book, Marley and Me. He says, “A person can learn a lot from a dog, even a loopy one like Marley. Marley taught me about living each day with unbridled exuberance and joy, about seizing the moment and following your heart. He taught me to appreciate the simple things—a walk in the woods, a fresh snowfall, a nap in a shaft of winter sunlight. And as he grew old and achy, he taught me about optimism in the face of adversity. Mostly, he taught me about friendship and selflessness and above all else, unwavering loyalty.”

Grogen went on to state that a dog can teach us about the things that really matter in life such as loyalty, courage, devotion, simplicity and joy. And the things that do not matter too. “A dog has no use for fancy cars or big homes or designer clothes. Status symbols mean nothing to him. A dog judges others not by their color or creed or class, but by who they are inside. A dog doesn’t care if you are rich or poor, educated or illiterate, clever or dull. Give him your heart and he will give you his. It is really quite simple, yet we humans, so much wiser and more sophisticated, have always had trouble figuring out what really counts and what does not.”

Cato did want me to point out that the benefits of the human animal bond aren’t just restricted to dogs. There are many devoted pet owners enjoying the company and the benefits of spending time with cats, birds, bunnies, horses and other animals. What it really comes down to is this: Animals make us happy and it appears that they make us healthier as well. At this time when many people are living by themselves and/or experiencing social isolation, having a pet can go a long way toward enhancing our over-all well-being. While pets may cost a large amount of money due to food requirements, medical needs, toys and other pet products, the general consensus among researchers and pet owners alike is that the improvement of health and happiness is worth the expense.

If you are thinking of adopting:      

1. Talk it over with other household members since your new pet will likely interact with everyone in your home.
2. Think about what kind of pet might best fit for your lifestyle. (Check out “4 Tips for Finding the Right Pet for You” by Niccole Schreck.)
3. While you may decide to go the route of a breeder, consider visiting your local shelter to meet animals of all breeds, ages and sizes who are in need of a home.
4. When you find the pet that’s right for you, bring him/her home and discover the joy of sharing your life with a pet that loves you.

May you be happy, healthy and safe!

Donna