Pet Life, Human Heart :The Bond That Changes Everything

The profession of mental health therapists is much in business these days, making tons of money. Especially during these vulnerable times when many might be on the verge of breaking down. Work stress, personal life, or loneliness are some common reasons behind these mental health issues. People are ready or forced to pay the therapists or counselors or use their employment benefits.

No, I am not forgetting the topic. I want to draw some attention to those unsung therapists of our lives who don't even get paid for their services and are on the job 24/7. We are talking about pets and how they impact our lives. You do not need appointments with these therapists. You can speak with them as long as you want. And, the best part is, they answer you with their eyes, sometimes with tongue, teeth, or saliva.

Be it a dog, cat, rabbit, or talking parrot, all these therapists have certain skills and expertise. Their services are so underrated and underestimated. When you decide to have a pet, some things in your life change forever, irrespective of the life span of the furry therapist you adopt. Beware before letting them enter your lives, nothing in this world can match the value they add to it. Just like humans, they are mortals, with a shorter lifespan. Once you have a pet in your life, you can't have a life without a pet.

This topic is close to my heart and I am writing this in loving memory of Buzo, Chelsea, and Wai Wai, who played crucial roles in helping me understand the value of selfless companionship and patience.

<Buzo

Chelsea>

<Wai Wai

The Paws-itive Impacts

Have you ever noticed that pets, sometimes, ignore some people, but are over-friendly to even strangers? I have read somewhere that they can look into your soul. They can sense a person's energy more than any psychic does. Their tails are like a little antenna that connects to their hearts. The love-o-meter inside their body starts beeping as soon as they are in the proximity of someone with a kind heart. If you are already a pet owner, I am sure you have had those monologues with your pets during turbulent times. But those are not monologues. Pets, particularly, dogs and cats understand everything. I call them energy stabilizers.

The non-pet lovers might not understand this because they have never felt this. The satisfaction you get is of a different level when you interact with a pet. My curious mind found out that there is a scientific reason behind it. It is not a coincidence. The interactions between humans and their pets have been linked to the release of "Oxytocin" and its second name is more relatable - "The Bonding Hormone". It makes total sense. The chemical reaction not only develops deeper connections with pets but also enhances feelings of happiness and contentment in their owners. That, of course, reduces anxiety levels and depression. Walking, Grooming, or Training your pets are not just pet duties. The sense of responsibility and routines also encourage mental focus and clarity.

Recently, I found out that there is an organization called " Human-Animal Bond Research Institute". To be honest, I was surprised at first that such a thing exists. That means it matters to some people and they are trying to find out more about it. This institute did a study and revealed that people who owned pets scored more than non-pet owners on mental health parameters. Pet owners are less likely to experience loneliness or isolation. That also means pet owners may not want to make many friends as they are already blessed with a loyal one.

Moreover, pets can serve as powerful social facilitators. I have a friend who is new to the country and wants to build connections. She takes her dog to the park and uses the time to socialize with other pet owners. She recently met a dog owner at the park who not only was from her native city but they went to the same school as well. Now, they hang out without the dogs too. Thus, walking a dog often leads to conversations with fellow dog owners, creating a social network that may be beneficial for people struggling with social anxiety.

If you lost a job, going through a breakup, or lost a close one, no matter what the situation is, adopting a pet can profoundly impact your life and help you recover. They temporarily fill that void until you get back on your feet. The bond between humans and pets contributes significantly to emotional resilience and can even inspire positive life changes.

The Physical Aspect

I would agree with the fact often mentioned by non-pet owners that having a pet is really exhausting. But wait, Isn't it good? How frequently do you miss working out or even go for a workout? Pets, particularly dogs, indirectly play a crucial in having an active lifestyle. Would you even go out for a walk if it's raining? Be it rain, snow, or a tornado, your dog will make you go out because it's his time to fertilize an unwanted plant or to water a newly installed electricity pole in the hood.

There are tons of studies and research available on Google. Still, the crux of all is that the companionship of a pet, combined with the physical activities associated with their care, encourages healthier heart functions and better blood pressure levels. Regular interactions and exercises with pets also release endorphins, which can lead to stress reduction, further contributing to heart health and overall physical well-being. People who own pets exhibit lower heart rates and cholesterol levels compared to those without pets. These are all scientific facts. But it's not rocket science when your dog makes you run or drags the leash, it's not only the dog working out. Try playing their favorite game "Fetch".I bet on you burning more calories than the dog.

All non-pet owners, if you want to experience tranquility, lose all your judgments and try spending some lonely time with a pet. The soothing relationship you may build with pets will not only help to alleviate your stress but also foster a more stable emotional state.

Pets: The Playway Teachers

Our furry friends have multiple professions. They not only work as a recreational therapist but also work part-time as playway teachers. If you have toddlers in your family, you must have a pet. Unlike the expensive playway schools, these trainers do not charge anything at all. Just some extra treats would do the trick. They ensure that your children acquire qualities like empathy, responsibility, and emotional intelligence.

Having a pet in the family with kids silently plays a significant role in shaping the character of the young ones. Pets cultivate companionship and instill vital life lessons that build their character. Make your children engage in the daily activities of pet care such as feeding, grooming, and exercising, they will learn to be accountable for another living being. This responsibility is pivotal in nurturing a sense of duty and commitment, which, nowadays, is a rarity among adults.

The relationship between a child and their pet often creates an unconditional bond. Through this companionship, children experience variations of empathy - recognizing when their pet is in distress, needs care, or simply understanding their feelings. This emotional intelligence is essential as it translates into their interactions with friends and family. When children learn these qualities, they become more kind and compassionate, which serves them better in building a harmonious and understanding environment as adults.

That is not it. The most important trait is patience. Nurturing a pet requires patience and dedication. Children get the first-hand experience of practicing these qualities if they have a pet in the family. They get to experience the joy that comes from caring for another being such as witnessing the happiness that pet exhibits as soon as they are ready for a walk. That feeling is gratifying. These experiences lay the groundwork for future relationships and interactions.

Leashes and Lessons: The Challenges of Pet Ownership

Of course, like all other good things in the world, pets come with some challenges too. The biggest challenge is the financial aspect of it of course. Starting from the initial costs such as adoption fees or purchasing the pet. But that's where it starts. Some ongoing expenses include food, grooming, veterinary care, and pet insurance. The pet owner must do thorough budgeting to ensure they can provide a stable and healthy environment for their animals throughout their lifetime.

In addition to finances, a significant time commitment is involved in caring for a pet. Pets, whether dogs, cats, or other animals, require daily attention, training, exercise, and social interaction. For example, dogs need regular walks and playtime, while cats may require an engaging environment with play opportunities. The demands on a pet owner’s schedule can be daunting, particularly for those with busy lifestyles or young families. However, this is a lesser price to pay if you are a pet lover. Time management and scheduling can significantly alleviate these challenges, allowing you to balance the responsibilities effectively. Soon, it becomes a habit and you start enjoying all the management.

Another critical consideration is managing pet behavior, which can sometimes pose challenges in a household. Pets may exhibit undesirable behaviors such as barking, chewing, or littering, which can be frustrating for owners. Understanding and addressing these behaviors often requires patience and commitment to training. If there are no financial concerns then you can always engage with professional trainers or attending obedience classes can be of great help to overcome these issues. Importantly, comprehensive preparation and research before getting a pet can help overcome many of these challenges. It ensures that both the pet and owner can enjoy a fulfilling companionship.

Understanding Stray Animals: A Game of Survival

We don't get to see many strays in the western countries but the population of strays in the Asian countries is worrisome. They go through lots of miseries and the human treatment they get often is heart wrecking too. The existence of stray animals, particularly dogs and cats, presents a sad picture of survival in both urban and rural environments.

Strays often deal with the fundamental challenges of acquiring food, securing shelter, and accessing medical care. In cities, where the hustle and bustle of daily life often overshadows their presence, these animals are frequently seen rummaging through garbage or depending on the goodwill of passersby to meet their basic nutritional needs. Conversely, rural areas may offer more open space, but the scarcity of resources can pose its own set of difficulties. The lack of regular food sources can lead to severe malnutrition and health issues.

Another significant concern for strays is to find a shelter or a safe place to hide. In both settings, stray dogs and cats live through harsh weather conditions. They are compelled to seek cover in abandoned buildings, under porches, or in dense bushes, where they have ongoing threats from predators, other stray animals, and the worst kind, human hostility.

I came across a chilling statistic, it is estimated that thousands of stray cats and dogs are euthanized each year due to overcrowded shelters, reflecting the critical need for effective intervention and preventive measures. Personal stories abound—beautiful moments, heartbreaking losses—illustrating a reality many of us overlook in our daily lives.

The Importance of Adoption: Giving a Second Chance

Adopting a pet, particularly a stray, you can do your bit to address the widespread issue of animal homelessness. Each year, millions of animals find themselves in shelters due to various circumstances, ranging from abandonment to neglect. Choosing to adopt rather than purchase a pet provides a loving home for these animals.

To begin the adoption process, you can visit local shelters or rescue organizations, where you can meet a variety of pets looking for forever homes. These facilities often host adoption events that allow potential pet owners to interact with animals and learn about their backgrounds. You can go for a pet according to your lifestyle preferences, space availability, and the time commitment involved in pet ownership, as these factors influence the adoption decision. I recently got an opportunity to work with an organization( Save A Life Society)that rescues stray animals and finds a home for them. If you notice any cruelty against animals, make sure you report it to the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

The PICHKU Effect

My mother has never been a big pet lover. She always had her reservations about having a pet, like who was going to clean up after, they spread germs, who was going to take them to the vet, etc. For the past few months, this little guy "Pichku", a stray kitten, has been paying her visits. It started with her giving him a bowl of milk twice a day and he would climb the stairs up to continue his daily expeditions around the neighborhood(Of catching rats, maybe). But, now he has become an integral part of her life. Whenever I video call her, he is right there, rolling on her bed. Forget about the germs, now, my mother's favorite activity is giving him belly rubs and head massages. The point is, that we couldn't do anything to change my mother's mind about having pets. But, Pichku, with his cute face and endless affection managed to move the mountain and changed my mother for good. But I worry, one day he will surely stray too far away to make it back and will leave my mother waiting for him. I hope he stays.

Creating a Joyful Household with Pets

Whether you won the day or made blunders at work, you come home and your pet cuddles you irrespective of what you did, without any judgments, you are still the best person in the world. It is an amazing feeling that cuts you off all the worries for that moment Beyond everything we discussed above, the best quality pets add to your household is, that they soak all the negative energy from your house. They introduce an abundance of love, energy, and playfulness, which often leads to laughter and unforgettable memories. The unique personalities of pets, whether it be a cat’s whimsical antics or a dog’s unwavering loyalty, can brighten even the dullest of days.

Ultimately, If you have never experienced having a pet I would highly recommend the joyful addition of pets into your household. You may find it a little hard in the beginning, but trust me it's way more than value for money and time. Their playful nature, and inherent ability to provide comfort, will make them your family members in no time. These moments of experience enhance the overall quality of life. My motto for life is - to become as good a person as my dog already thinks I am.