Food for Thought: What can pets do for us?
Pet ownership can be one of the most rewarding experiences a person can have. Pets come in a variety of sizes and shapes. They include but are not limited to: fish, birds, rabbits, horses, reptiles, guinea pigs, llamas, and of course dogs and cats.
If you love, feed, train and take care of your pet, they will give you more health and joy than ever imagined.
Researchers have found pets can relax and calm a person. They can take our minds off loneliness, grief, pain and fear. They bring laughter and offer a sense of security and protection.
They encourage exercise and broaden the circle of one’s acquaintances. Some animals are amazing. They have the power to detect certain diseases such as cancer and epilepsy, uncover drugs, bombs, illicit contraband and find missing persons.
They have been trained to aid the blind, and assist the deaf and disabled.
What Can Pets Teach Us?
Empathy. Studies report that children who live in homes in which a pet is considered a member of the family are more empathic than children in homes without pets. Children see animals as their peers. They can identify better with animals than humans. As children get older, their ability to empathize with animals will carry over into their experiences with people.
Nurturing. Nurturing skills are learned. Those who do not learn these skills from their parents can learn by taking care of pets. Psychologically, when a person nurtures, his/her need to be nurtured is being fulfilled.
Self-Centeredness. Individuals who have mental illness or low self esteem focus on themselves. Rather than thinking and talking about themselves and their problems, they watch and talk to and about their animals and the environment around them. This in time may generalize to other people.
Acceptance. Animals love you unconditionally. They don’t care how a person looks or what they say. An animal’s acceptance is nonjudgmental, forgiving and uncomplicated unlike the psychological games people often play. They accept you the way you are.
Entertainment. The presence of an animal and watching their antics and reactions provides entertainment and joy.
Mental Stimulation And Socialization. In situations that are depressing or institutional, the presence of animals serves to brighten the atmosphere. These positive distractions may help to decrease people’s feelings of isolation or alienation.
The warm fuzzy touch of an animal to hold and hug brings comfort for many people who otherwise have no positive appropriate physical contact.
Healthy Reasons To Own A Pet
Positive self esteem, cognitive development, and better psychological well being is enhanced by owning a pet.
Pets in nursing homes increase social and verbal interactions.
Pets are preventive and therapeutic measures against every day stress.
Pets decrease feelings of loneliness and isolation.
Pet owners have lower blood pressure, triglyceride and cholesterol levels than non owners.
People who own dogs go to the doctor less than those who do not own dogs.
Companionship of pets helps children in families adjust better to the serious illness or death of a parent
Contact with pets develops nurturing behavior in children who may grow to be more nurturing adults.
Some people feel spiritual fulfillment or a sense of oneness with life and nature when they are with pets.
Several well known authors have described their relationship with animals and nature as part of their sustaining life energy and/or part of their communion and relationship with God.
Before you run out to adopt a pet, remember owning a pet is a big responsibility and serious commitment. A pet needs to be fed, trained, given attention, played with and, especially in the cases of dogs, exercised.
This is the least you can do for all the benefits a pet gives.
Dr. Leta A. Livoti Ph.D, LCSW, LCPC is a psychotherapist in Thompson Falls. She can be reached at 827-0700.