Life without pets seems almost unimaginable for many of us. Fellow. Actor. Confidant. Playmate. Protector. This week, which has been designated Pet Appreciation Week, is a time to celebrate all the ways pets contribute to our lives.
Let’s take a closer look at some of the amazing ways pets leave their paw prints on our hearts.
They provide comic relief with their antics.
Dogs and cats always seem to find ways to make us smile, giggle, and laugh, no matter our dark mood. Dogs and cats are experts at drawing smiles, even peals of laughter, when they sprawl in comical positions, make silly noises, roll around with a catnip toy, stalk or chase other pets or family members, or just play dumb.
They offer unconditional love.
Dogs and cats are devoted companions who can sense our moods. One of the best things about having a dog or a cat is the way they shower us with unconditional love. Wagging the tail. Wavy buttocks. The head rubs. Body woven around the ankles. The barking and meowing welcomes us home, even if we’ve only been to the mailbox or the grocery store. Cats and dogs communicate their unconditional love and acceptance in so many ways, all of which promote a sense of well-being in us (and probably in them too). In fact, research shows that pet owners tend to have better overall well-being than non-owners.
They help relieve our stress and anxiety.
Contact with pets helps reduce stress, anxiety and depression, studies show, and helps protect against other negative feelings. Pets seem to know when we need their support, which brings comfort, relief from worries, and a sense of acceptance. The simple act of petting cats and dogs releases endorphins, our body’s natural feel-good and pain-relieving hormones. Other neurotransmitters, such as oxytocin, are released when we look at animals, bringing feelings of joy.
They teach us to live in the moment.
A dog that chases and retrieves a ball thinks only of retrieving that ball. The cat scratching its post thinks of nothing but I’ve got to. scratch. NOW. Our pets do not live in the past. They don’t plan for the future. Cats and dogs live in the present. This is a lesson that many of us could benefit from.
They improve our health by increasing our physical condition and boosting our self-esteem.
Research has shown that interacting with our furry family members has significant health benefits. Just check out the Human Animal Bond Research Institute website and the Pet Effect website to learn more about the healing power of prescription DOG (bestfriendor) and CAT (purrfectis).
Dogs help us stay in shape when they don’t allow us to skip walking time. Studies have shown that dog owners walk more on average than those who don’t.
Research has also found that pet owners have higher self-esteem and a greater sense of belonging and purpose than those without pets. The fact that our pets love us, no matter how we look or behave, builds confidence and self-esteem.
We could make a strong argument for celebrating our pets and all they do for us every day throughout the year. But for now, let’s focus on showing our pets how much we appreciate them this Pet Appreciation Week. Give your dog or cat a nice hug today and thank them for being such a loving and devoted companion.
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