Now you might wonder, “Why does this guy want me to have a pet?” Well, there are many reasons why everyone should have pets! Some of them for your own benefit but also for the benefit of these cute animals!
During my 16 years of life I have had 10 dogs and 6 cats, so I’m highly invested in pets and animals in general. That’s why I believe in the importance of pets and how more people should have at least one.
First of all, having a pet gives you a new responsibility! This responsibility is very important because you’re taking care of the life of an animal. It is not a plush, it is not a toy, so you need to take care of them by providing food, shelter and good healthcare. In return, they will love you unconditionally and will never leave your side!
And it can contribute to your experience with kids in the future! Personally, during my life, my parents have told me that pets can make someone more responsible and I can say that it’s true! When you get a pet you’re basically agreeing to give them your time and care all their lives.
Second, pets can help to reduce anxiety, depression, stress and improve heart health! In more specific cases they can help improve social skills to kids with certain conditions like autism and ADHD. A current study is looking at the safety of bringing dogs to visit children with cancer.
There are many ways a pet can help you, but you need to know that pets can also show symptoms of stress, fatigue and even depression. So be mindful that pets are your friends and will always be by your side, but you have to support them too and let them feel loved. Many people don’t tell their children to behave with pets, so they don’t respect their pet’s boundaries. This often results in bites and scratches because of stressful situations. And in most cases a bad upbringing leads to aggressive behaviors towards those trying to be affectionate.
Some pets even bring specific benefits; dogs often increase their owner’s physical activity, cats have been shown to have a higher rate of stress reduction in their owners, and fish help diabetes patients control their glucose.
By adopting a pet from a non-profit animal shelter you’re giving a new opportunity to an animal that had suffered abuse and had been left alone. You’re helping them feel loved again (be mindful that they can feel sad too!).
Finally, I think the love of a pet is really important. You feel cherished and loved during your journey with them, and at the same time you help them as well. Remember that their lives are shorter than ours, so you have to make every day of their lives memorable, giving you the feeling of fulfillment and acknowledge that they will always love you.
So, America, do yourself and a furry friend a favor and adopt an animal. You will both be happy you did it!
