LET ME COUNT THE WAYS
Better Physical Health
Pet ownership also encourages physical activity. Yes, even cats. And turtles and snakes, but that’s a post for another day. How many times have you opened the door after a hard day and been greeted by a dog ready for a walk or a cat ready to play? (The simple act of running around the house dragging a bathrobe belt provides movement for you both and a lot of laughs for you.)
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Adjustable No-Pull, No Choke Pet Harness with 2 Leash Clips -
Highly Reflective 6FT Rope Dog Leash with Padded Handle$8.99 -
Product on sale
Cat CharmerOriginal price was: $11.99.$9.99Current price is: $9.99.
A Sense of Purpose
Pet ownership can provide a sense of purpose. I cannot overstate that reason for ownership enough. I have treatment-resistant clinical depression. I’ve had wonderful doctors who have helped tremendously, but at my lowest point, it was my dog that saved my life. Night after night, I would get home from work, and she would curl up with me on a blanket in the corner of my closet. She had been abandoned when I found her several years earlier and had already been through some tough times with me. When the darkest of thoughts entered my mind, it was my commitment to never letting her down that brought me back from the brink. Finally, after trying several drugs that had no effect, my physician found one that helped for quite a while.
A Sense of Security
Pet ownership can provide a sense of security. The presence of another living being in your home can make you feel less vulnerable and can provide emotional support when you are feeling stressed.
A Reason to Unplug and Relax
Pet ownership can remind us to unplug. As humans, we tend to make ourselves continually busy. Watching a pet curl up, or stretch out, for a nap reminds us that we need to unwind and relax a bit. Taking a little nap with a furry creature is a great reset. You’ll wake up feeling calmer and more productive. Give it a try.
Value as Physical and Emotional Support
In addition to simple companionship, animals have long been helpers to those who have sight, hearing, or mobility issues. Animals can also help detect seizures and some diseases. Support animals for those with PTSD are vital to their health and well-being. Modern research on the benefits of pet ownership continually finds more benefits. A few specific findings include the association of the relationship with pet ownership within the first 12 years of life with and lower risk of Schizophrenia later in life. Other studies are focused on benefits related to Alzheimer’s, Autism, and Cancer.
While we’re waiting for the day when it might be possible to have a prescription for a specific type of animal to help with our individual diagnoses, this I know for certain: My pets have always been my favorite ‘people’ and have always given me more than I could ever give them in return.
Share your voice with me. Are there any unexpected ways having a pet has enriched your life
I used to own a shop for cat lovers. Don’t get me started on my enthusiasm for my choices of things for pet lovers. LOL
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