The CDC lists some benefits of pet owning. Having a pet can decrease blood pressure, cholesterol levels, triglyceride levels, and feelings of loneliness, and can increase opportunities for exercise, outdoor activities, and socialization. Animal Planet claims that the top five benefits of having a pet are: fewer allergies (surprisingly!), better socialization, better heart health, more exercise and weight loss, and greater sense of purpose and mood boost. Additionally, having pets can instill a sense of responsibility and teach important skills such as awareness of others' needs.
I can attest to the fact that having pets increases my well-being. I've experienced many personal benefits of having pets throughout my life. In my household, I have had dogs, cats, iguanas, fish, hamsters, and turtles. My hamster was the first pet I took care of almost completely by myself, and I will say that it taught me responsibility. I had to be there to feed her, change her water, clean her cage, and play with her. Fish are pretty basic to take care of, but I still gained responsibility by having to feed my fish and clean their tanks. My dogs are probably what have given me the most benefit, even though I am not the only person taking care of them. They have been the most responsive to my actions and seem to be most emotionally similar to me. When I am home alone, I have to take care of their needs, but I do more than that and actually receive something in return. Playing with my dogs not only gives them exercise but also gives me something to smile about and helps me relax. Just being in the company of my dogs helps me when I am struggling emotionally and lets me know that I am safe (at least safer than I would be alone). I love when I get to see my dogs' excitement when I bring home a new toy and their joy at going on walks through my yard, and I love hearing their reactions when my family puts me on speakerphone to talk to them. It always brings a smile to my face, and I can say having pets has made me a better person.
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| These pups are what give me something to smile about! |
I'm lucky to have the opportunity to have pets. I have the resources and motivation necessary to take care of them and the time to give them affection. However, some people have pets but disregard their responsibilities - these people should not have pets. A "pet" is not a dog sitting outside, chained to a fence with no food or water. A "pet" is not a cat given little attention because hundreds of other cats are piled on top of it. When having a pet, it is necessary to be able to provide for that animal and to actually do so; otherwise, no one (animal or human) is really benefitting. Make sure you have the resources and drive to take care of an animal over a long period of time before making the decision to take an animal into your home - it could save an animal from being sent to a shelter or kicked into the streets and could save your own resources and time if you aren't ready to take on the responsibility.
Finally, here are some of my favorite pictures of my two current pets: the joy-providers and tail-waggers of my life!
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