Do You Prefer Pets to People? Discover the Healing Power of Animals
Introduction: The Unconditional Love of Pets
Perhaps you’ve noticed that spending time with pets brings more joy than time with most people. Anyone who knows me knows I am always with my three 60 lb best buddies—Chester, Sadie, and Lucky. These bring me more joy than most people. I love being a pet parent. In addition to exercising me and getting me out into Nature, they provide unconditional love 24x7. The truth is, I’d rather spend time with my buddies than cranky people—there is nothing like unconditional love, especially when having a down day.
Benefit #1: Pets Bring Joy
Studies show that pets can make you happy. Pet parents are happier than the general population, and getting a pet can increase your overall happiness many times over. Dogs, cats, and other animals really are humans’ best friends for several reasons: their companionship, loyalty, and genuine excitement when you come home all boost your spirits instantly.
Benefit #2: Companionship and Connection
Pets provide companionship that reduces loneliness and improves social interaction. Pet parents feel more connected and like they have more social support than non-pet parents. They score lower on tests for anxiety and depression too. Caring for a pet releases those much-needed endorphins that make you feel good.
Benefit #3: Stress Reduction
Having a pet lowers your stress levels and decreases both immediate and long-term blood pressure. This leads to improved health outcomes. Even petting an animal that’s not yours can make you feel better; this is why therapy animals are becoming so popular in hospitals, nursing homes, and other places where people are stressed or hurting.
Benefit #4: Responsibility Equals Increased Self-Esteem
Meeting the challenge of caring for a pet is a great self-esteem enhancer. Pets require significant responsibility: feeding, care, cleanup, exercise, and more. Successfully managing these responsibilities builds confidence and a sense of purpose in your daily life.
Benefit #5: Social Bonds Increase
Pet parents report having more social ties than non-pet parents, and much of the difference is associated with their pets. Every pet requires occasional vet visits, forcing social interactions. Many pet parents also join groups dedicated to their pet type and meet people by taking pets to parks or community events. Walking a dog is a great way to meet new people. 🐕
Important: Finding the Right Pet for You
These benefits are wonderful, but one word of caution: it must be the right pet for you. The wrong pet can make you as miserable as the right pet can make you happy. Consider these key questions:
- Are you a dog or cat person? Or perhaps a pig, pony, snake, or rabbit person?
- Can you bond with this animal? Does their personality and energy match yours?
- Do you have the time and resources to care for them properly?
Make sure to find a match for you in size, activity level, and personality. A Siberian Husky does not belong in an urban environment, whereas a miniature poodle might thrive on the treats and attention from the Doorman. You’ll be in for a wonderful time if you get the right pet.
My Story: Animalizing—From My Memoir
Something I have noticed with the many dogs I have had the privilege to care for over the past 60 years is how unique each is. The more I love them, the more their personality comes out. They carry on the past lives of those I love, reminding me to be present and cherish good memories. All my dogs are on a verbal leash, trained with gentle commands and kindness. Like children, they want to be good, feel free to be who they are, and use all their senses.
From my book Living Like the Future Matters ~ The Evolution of a Soil to Soul Entrepreneur, here’s my story:
You cannot share your life with a dog or any animal and not know that they have personalities and minds, and feelings.
After years of begging for a dog, we finally got one when I was seven. One requirement was that my older brother and I take care of him. My mom got to pick out the puppy—a fashionable, miniature gray French poodle that made his way into our home and our hearts. Dad’s favorite drink was brandy, so that’s the name he chose for our new family member.
Brandy and I had an immediate affection for one another. My favorite time of day was walking and talking to him. I routinely leashed the frisky puppy and off we went for a stroll around the block twice a day. Nothing like a one-sided conversation when there’s so much to say. Somehow Brandy understood everything better than my family or friends, and I felt safe sharing my deepest childhood thoughts with him. Walk time got me outside and gave me a break from chores or homework. Rain or shine, I enjoyed communing with what was left of Nature’s beauty in the developing neighborhood.
My four-legged best friend had an excellent sixth sense. When we encountered others, he greeted them with either a wag or a growl. Instinctively, Brandy picked up on my feelings and treated me accordingly—whether it was a lick or a look of “let’s go.” He would jump in my lap when I was sad. My first animalizing mentor, a sophisticated poodle, awakened this sixth sense intuition in me. I loved to nurture and observe him grow into a mature, happy dog.
The Power of Animalizing
Why is it that most people analyze things to death without considering their instincts? Animals always live in the present—neither the past nor the future consumes them. They depend on their senses and trust their instincts. The essential characteristics of an entrepreneur are intuition, instinct, and taking calculated risks before the gut reaction becomes diluted.
Some consider animalizing as a cruel act lacking human qualities, but animals are not cruel—and humans are animals too, specifically mammals. Why do many humans put themselves at the top of the pyramid of importance and alienate themselves from other species? If we disappeared from the Earth tomorrow, Nature would begin to re-balance, and all other species would thrive.
Animals remind us to be present and live like the future matters—they remind us to play.
Conclusion: What Animals Teach Us
I learn so much from my four-legged friends. All my pets have been great teachers of unconditional love and excellent companions on my life’s journey. These playful animals continue to bring out my inner child, calm my mind, and boost my mood. Reflecting on the gifts they have brought me, I realized that all my pets taught me to “animalize” more rather than to over “analyze”—to dig deeper into my primal roots.
Your Call to Action
This week, spend quality time with an animal—whether your own pet, a friend’s pet, or a visit to a local animal shelter. Notice how the interaction affects your stress levels and mood. If you don’t have a pet, consider whether now is the right time to bring one into your life. Share in the comments: What gift has your pet given you? Let’s celebrate the animals in our lives!
🥰 A Dose of Positivity
Need some Mama Donna love? 🥰