Key to Being…

“Animals are such agreeable friends – they ask no questions, they pass no criticisms.”
~ George Elliot

Pets bring joy, are fun, entertaining and loving.  They also boost your health as well as strengthen the immune system.  Need proof?

The Baker Medical Research Institute in Melbourne, Australia conducted a 3-year study with over 5,000 people, and found pet owners to have lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels than non-pet owners.  The National Institute of Health noticed that pet owners make fewer doctor visits and in a 1999 study the Journal of the American Geriatric Society found that older pet owners are physically and mentally more fit.

Need more reasons?

Top 10 Reasons to have a pet:

1. Pets promote social interaction.  We all know the cliché of the guy with the cute dog in the park, sitting on a bench and all the passing women stopping by to pet the pooch which inevitably leads to a chat with the owner.  But hey, it’s a cliché for a reason – it works!
2. Pets encourage exercise, especially rambunctious puppies.
3. Pets are non-judgmental, and (dogs) love you without condition.  Cats….are a bit more finicky, but still love you if you treat them well.  And neither will care what you look like or accomplished that day.
4. Pets encourage laughter and playfulness, reminding us not to take life too seriously.
5. Pets help with depression and loneliness.  Someone depressed will focus on themselves.  A pet gives that person an outward focus, a purpose and someone to care for.  In return they get back loads of love and affection.  ¹

“There is no psychiatrist in the world like a puppy licking your face.”
~ Ben Williams

6. Children growing up with pets develop more empathy.  This could be because children view animals as peers and understand them better than adults.  They learn to read animals’ body language, and unlike adults, animals don’t pretend or play psychological games.  Once children have grown, they will better be able to read the body language of people and their empathy will carry over.  ²
7. Mental stimulation. Animals encourage social interaction which triggers memories and encourages communication.
8. Reduced blood pressure.  Studies have found that having a pet actually reduces blood pressure and triglycerides.  ¹
9. Physical touch. Infants who are not touched enough, fail to develop well, both physically and emotionally.  Touch is very important for the mind and spirit, however, many people are wary of touching even family members.  Pets are a safer alternative for some.  And in hospitals, where touch is usually scary, painful or invasive, a pet is a non-threatening and warm alternative.
10. Relaxation. Know why so many dentists and doctors have a fish tank in their waiting room?  Being in the presence of an animal (unless it’s an upset grizzly) and even watching fish swim is relaxing and can help calm hyperactive children.  Studies have shown that with many people it decreases heart rate and blood pressure. In addition, take some of this advice on keeping calm throughout the day.
11. Want an extra, super sweet reason that’ll make you a hero to some furry creature? Ok, adopt a dog or cat and save a life.  And increase the joy in yours. Immeasurably

Hospital and prison pets

Areas outside of the home that pets are of help in are hospitals, nursing homes and even prisons.  Certain systems, such as the Ohio Corrections System and Ohio Reformatory for Women have inmates paired with dogs for a training course, during which inmates teach them basic commands, feed and groom them and generally care for them around the clock.  After a few months, the dogs are ready for adoption and often find good homes.  This system is invaluable for many prisoners, as often they have led harsh lives, and caring for another being like that changes their perspective.  This program of matching dogs with inmates has been successful enough that many more correctional facilities are adopting it.  And as a bonus, it saves dogs’ lives that would otherwise be euthanized by shelters.

Are you ready for pet ownership?

1. Time. Do you have the time to take care of the pet on a daily basis?  You can’t ignore them because you are tired or busy.  Everyday they need food, water, shelter, exercise and affection.
2. Money. Cats are significantly cheaper to keep than dogs, and a gold fish requires even less investment.  But you still need to consider buying food, kitty litter, toys, brushes, training class, veterinary visits, spaying/neutering and other expenses that may come up.
3. Commitment. Depending on the pet, you may have it for the next 5-20 years.  Take into account possible moves, traveling and other lifestyle changes.  
4. Living arrangements. Is your place big enough for a pet? Do you have expensive leather furniture that a cat might take a fancy to?

Where to adopt

• Humane Society of the United States is one of the largest and most well-known animal protective groups. It’s very likely you have a local branch by where you live.  Not only can you adopt a pet there, you can visit the website to check out the other animal causes you can help support.
• Petfinder is a database where you can search over 9,000 animal shelters and adoption organizations to find your furry love.  You can search by type of animal, breed, age, size, gender and location.
• Dog Rescue USA has a Purebred Rescues section listing links to 126 different breeds you can research, rescue and love. It also has a listing by state of dogs you can rescue as well as a Lost/Missing Dogs section.  
• Purebred Cat Rescue lets you post inquiries, provides advice on choosing a cat and cat care and let you browse their forum for different cats.

Yes, you read correctly: adopt rather than buy

It’s ok if you buy from a local breeder or a friend, though shelter animals are much more in need.  But whatever you do, please don’t buy from a pet store.  Many puppies at pet stores come from puppy mills, where dogs are kept in tiny cages for breeding, never get to be outdoors and are crammed with barely enough room to move.  If you buy from a pet store, you encourage the continued breeding of dogs in inhumane conditions and the practice of puppy mills will be hard to stop.

“The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.” -Gandhi

^{1 “}The Pet Prescription: Is It for You?” WebMD
² “An investigation of human-animal interactions and empathy … in children”, Anthrozoos.  2006. 19: 2, 113-127