Having pets can bring multiple benefits to our lives, enhancing both of our physical and mental well-being. For many people, pets provide valuable companionship which help reduce anxiety and loneliness. The bond between a pet and its owner can be strong and offer a sense of responsibility and purpose.
According to the American Heart Association, “95% of pet owners report that they rely on their pets for stress relief.” This statistic helps show how pets can manage daily stress and improve quality of life. The presence of a pet can offer a constant source of comfort, which can be a reliable support system during challenging times. This can help make a person feel loved when they come home and their dog is filled with excitement to see you.
Pets also help teach responsibility for children. Taking care of an animal involves daily routines and commitments that are essential to their care. They involve daily tasks such as grooming, feeding, and exercising. This can start accountability early for young children and show the importance of taking care of another living thing. This experience can help shape positive character traits and encourage empathy.
Additionally, there are also therapeutic effects of pets. Pets are known to help lower blood pressure, reduce cholesterol levels, and help contribute to a healthier living style. Regular interactions with pets encourage a more active lifestyle, as they motivate their owners to engage in activities such as walking or playing. This helps enhance emotional and mental health as well. The bond between the pets and the owners helps enrich our lives while promoting a healthy lifestyle.
Caroline Kay, a senior at CFHS, shares “Having a service dog has benefited me in a couple of ways. I had Penny, my service dog, for my first two years of high school. There were some days that I felt it would have been easier to live my “high school life” without the attention of my peers because of my dog, but in reality, Penny provided a comfort and safe place for me. There were days where my schedule was so full, and I was ridden with the stress of my everyday life, that I forgot about managing my diabetes. Penny was a safety net; she knew when I needed a break, even at times where I refused to.
Another form of therapy with pets is also with horses. It is called equine-assisted-treatment and helps with PTSD. There is an emotional sensitivity of horses to humans, so they are able to provide support back to people to help cope with difficult feelings and triggers that associate from traumas.
Pets have also increasingly become a popular holiday gift. They symbolize love, companionship, and joy during the festive season. Families often buy their children a furry friend as a way to create lasting memories and to enrich their lives. The holidays show a growing appreciation for animals to become part of the family.
However, it is essential to remember that pets come with great responsibility that come with pet ownership such as time, care, and financial spendings. While pets can be a joyful surprise, ensuring that the family or child is able to take care of the pet and meet their needs is crucial for their well-being. Ultimately, before buying a pet for your child, you have to take into consideration the time and work that goes into their lifestyle.