I love all animals, big and small, and have been fortunate to have grown up with cats and dogs as pets. Even as an adult I have chosen to share our home with dogs, cats and chickens, as without pets it makes life feel empty and a little less warm.
Owning a pet is a lot of responsibility, takes up time and requires patience. 
It can also be costly, so I understand why some people would never consider having a pet. Everyone knows how intelligent animals are and how they are often used to help man, such as guide dogs for the blind, sheep dogs, police dogs and horses, rescue dogs and military animals. The list is endless and there are many tales and stories throughout history of heroic and brave acts performed by animals to save mankind.
Pet owners know how much their furry friends can bring them so much joy and happiness and generally help to improve the quality of their life. There is no denying the unconditional love and bond between humans and their pets. There is nothing better than returning home from a stressful day to an excited welcome from a cat or dog who can provide the comfort so desperately needed. Whether we feel really happy or are feeling at our worse, our pets always remain by our sides, never judging or criticising us. Pets are often considered more than just a loyal companion, as they become another member of the family.
Not everyone understands this special bond between human and beast, or even realise how much pets do for their owners. Recent research has proved that owning pets can actually be beneficial to our health and mental wellbeing as well as providing companionship.
Pets take away the loneliness of people living alone, or if their partner has to go away for a short time. As stated above pets are excellent companions and will be there to greet, comfort or listen as needed. Just their presence creates a warm secure atmosphere. Likewise, as the pet owner community is an incredibly friendly one, there is more chance for lonely people to make friends. In fact having pets is a great way for anyone to meet new people and create good friendships quickly, even if small talk does not come easily. Studies have suggested that it is not only dogs who help owners form relationships but other pets such as cats, rabbits, guinea pigs and even snakes can foster connections as well.
Studies have also shown that older homebound adults who own cats or dogs have better skills in paying attention, remembering details and using past experience to decide how to act, than those who do not own a pet. People like to feel needed and caring for another living thing gives a sense of purpose and meaning. Studies with the elderly and people who suffer from depression or mental anxiety, showed that when caring for pets their self- esteem and confidence would improve, unlike those who were not caring for pets.
Children also benefit from sharing their home with animals, especially children with autism, learning difficulties or if they find it difficult to communicate with human beings. 
They will find no problems talking to their pets, who will in return show them the love and understanding that they need. This will build up the child’s confidence and self-esteem and teach them interaction and social skills, which helps them form successful relationships later on in life.
I was touched and inspired by the heart- warming story of the little 7 year old boy, Owen Howkins. He has a rare genetic condition which made him feel withdrawn and fearful of the outside world, as he hated feeling different from other children. That was until his parents rescued an Anatolian Shepherd dog called Haatchi. The dog had suffered a rough life and had lost a leg and tail after being tied to a rail road and getting hit by a train. It was a miracle that he had survived. As soon as the little boy and dog met there was an instant bond between them. Owen happily goes out everywhere now with his best friend closely by his side. They have helped each other to gain confidence to interact with the outside world and the quality of life for them both is much happier.
Having pets in homes and classrooms help children learn responsibility in caring for things, teaching them how to be compassionate and show empathy when needed. Dogs brought into a classroom of children with ADHD helped the children to be more focused. While guinea pigs brought into a classroom with children with autism resulted in relieving the children’s anxiety and keeping them calm. Having pets also teaches children the sad experience of loss when our pets sadly die. Death is part of living and learning to let go and saying goodbye to pets, prepares children for grieving and coping with human loss, which will happen sometime in their lives. Having pets teaches children to value life and enables them to understand how precious life is.
Evidence suggests that owning a pet can stop children from developing certain allergies as the dander in animals’ fur contributes to this. There is no guarantee that this is always the case and if someone is allergic to pets they will not suddenly become immune. Studies have also shown that the dirt and germs pets bring into the home help to improve immunity to colds and other mild illnesses.
A dog needs regular daily exercise which encourages dog owners to keep fit and healthy. Walking a dog regularly gets the owners out into the fresh air, rain, snow or shine, increasing vitamin D levels and keeping bones strong. Walking also means there is less chance to be obese, but more likely to be physically active.
Pets are fun to play with, sometimes bringing a family together. Playing with pets can bring out the inner child in adults. Training pets can be challenging but is also fun and rewarding.
Modern life can be very stressful and high levels of anxiety can lead to numerous health problems. Fortunately by simply, stroking our furry pets or even watching fish swim around in a tank will actually calm and relax us, relieving us from all our worries and fears. Reducing stress helps keep blood pressure low, therefore aiding the prevention of a heart attack or a stroke.
Pets also prove to be good therapy for recovering from illness or for coping with pain. They serve as a support and comfort with their unconditional love. Dogs and cats always seem to know when their comfort and support is needed. Today some dogs are used as therapy dogs and are brought into hospitals and nursing homes to help reduce patients’ stress and anxiety. Allowing patients’ own pets visit them, also does wonders for the patients’ physical and mental health. As a nurse I have witnessed many patients benefiting from such visits. I remember a lady who was very poorly, being at the end of her life. When her cat was brought in and curled on her bed with her, the lady spent her last hours in peaceful contentment.
People who live with conditions like epilepsy or diabetes sometimes find that owning a dog can give them a better quality of life or even save their life. Dogs have the uncanny sense to know when their owner will experience an epileptic fit or when the diabetic owner’s blood sugar levels drop. Early detection help their owners act quickly and so prevent further deterioration. More and more dogs are being trained in this field so that people with these conditions can live a normal and enjoyable life.
Pets live in the moment because it is the only way they know how to live. Unlike humans they do not worry about the past or the future, they simply live here and now. Their focus is on whatever is in front of them. Pets appear to be simple creatures, but in many ways they are wiser than their owners. Pets can teach their owners to be mindful, so that they enjoy and appreciate the present moment.
These are the endless benefits of owning pets. Owning a pet is a lot of responsibility and they can be very challenging, but they deserve to be cared for diligently with a lot of love and kindness. Pets give so much to their owners and love them unconditionally, yet they never ask for anything in return.
Of course not everyone is cut out to be a pet owner and no one should own a pet if they cannot provide the time or care needed. To still reap the rewards of pet ownership people can foster a rescued animal, volunteer at an animal shelter, offer to walk a friend’s dog or assist to care for a friend’s pet now and again. This can help animals in need and in the process provide a sense of purpose for the person involved.
I am blessed to have shared my home with so many pets throughout my life. This blog is a tribute to all of them, to thank them for bringing me so much joy and happiness.
