Hello and
welcome to the Happy Pets page! I hope to provide you with information on how to care for
your pets, the advantages of owning and caring for pets, and other pet-related topics that will enlighten,
inform, and even entertain you.
Throughout
the years my
family and I had different pets, and my parents were also very understanding and respectful of animals and their
care. From turtles, fish, cats, rabbits, parakeets, to some extraordinary dogs, I have been fortunate to have
had some great pets in my life. From a very early age, I learned about the priceless gift of
unconditional love that they give to us, and I am thankful to have loved and cared for them all.
There are
many benefits in having a pet as part of your family. I truly believe that they enrich our lives in so many
ways. The most interesting and
important fact about human-animal interaction is that it can actually improve the quality of our lives, providing
both psychological and physiological benefits. In fact, the majority of pet owners are healthier than those people
without pets.
When it comes to choosing a
pet for yourself and your family, there are many types available, and there are also many things to consider when
making that choice. If you have a family, it is highly recommended that everyone discuss the reasons for wanting a
pet and all of the needs and responsibilities involved in the decision.
Before buying or adopting
a pet, be sure to educate yourself about the animal’s specific needs for maintaining their health and
wellness.
Additional Benefits of Pet
Ownership
Pets help children
learn – It was shown
that children often read to their pets or have conversations with their pets because pets are non-judgmental.
Therefore, children are more relaxed and do not feel pressured when around their pets. Pets are great
listeners!
Pets
provide comfort and encourage nurturing in children – When children are sad, angry, or afraid, they
often turn to their pets for comfort and solace.
Pets build family
bonds – Pets help
families grow stronger and closer. Very often, a pet is the focus of activities that families do together,
both in the home and outdoors.
Pets provide an important health benefit to
children – I
was not aware that children exposed early on to animals (most specifically furry and feathered pets) tend to
develop stronger immune systems overall. A study by Dennis Ownby, MD, a pediatrician and head of the
allergy and immunology department of the Medical College of Georgia shows that having multiple pets actually
decreases a child’s risk of developing certain allergies. Children who grow up on farms and who are
around animals usually don’t have allergies. No one knows for sure why this is the case, but it seems to be a
natural immunotherapy of sorts.
Pets make us
healthier –CDC and
NIH studies have shown that pet owners exhibit decreased blood pressure, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels, all
of which can decrease the risk of heart attacks. The care of some pets involves outdoor exercise, which is a
definite plus in healthier living for owners.
Pets improve socialization
skills – Whether it
be meeting and interacting with other pet owners at a dog park or training classes, at the vet’s office, or an
online site, people who own pets find and create a social bond with other pet owners.
Pets combat feelings of loneliness and
isolation – This is
particularly true in the elderly and the unwell. Pets provide companionship and a sense of purpose, which is
very important. I have seen this firsthand in being a Pets On Wheels volunteer for many years and with seeing
seniors in my neighborhood with pets. The transformation and difference in an elderly person who was once
alone and who now has a pet for a companion is amazing.
Pets both
distract you and keep you present – This seems a little confusing, so here’s an example: A friend
had a medical condition that required a biopsy. She began to worry and stress over what the results might
show, but she had to take care of her diabetic cat and be very careful of his feeding and his insulin
injections. She found that taking care of her cat made her forget about worrying about her own issues and
kept her thoughts in the present. Her stress level was greatly lessened and she remained calm until she got
her test results…..which, happily, were normal.
Last, and certainly not least, pets give us
unconditional love and make us smile. These simple gifts they give us are priceless. They are an important
source of love and friendship and they can help us enjoy a much fuller and more rewarding life.
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