It's always been noted that having pets offers many advantages. And, the list of good stuff having a pet can provide continues to grow in these more unusual times.
From helping you get more exercise, to providing distractions & helping de-stress, to lowering heart rates & blood pressure, having a pet can only help you live a healthier-happier life!
Let's look at some accepted facts to support having a furry friend.
If your days are a blur & lacking structure, having a dog or cat will help you set up a daily routine. It's well known, we'll do more for our pets than we might do for ourselves. They need a schedule to thrive, & it's easier to set up theirs, which will structure yours a bit more.
If you've been too isolated & lonely, getting a pet will provide endless hours of companionship, & a loyalty & love you will rarely find anywhere else.They connect you to the world & help you engage, if only in the details regarding their care.
Been too moody? There's nothing like petting a soft, furry friend to calm your chaotic thoughts or temperament. It's a proven fact, stroking an animal lowers blood pressure & produces extra oxytocin, a mood-enhancer that gives you a sense of well-being immediately.
Animals help ground us & make us more resilient, simply by their presence & daily needs. The return on the investment is priceless. You'll find you're more flexible, less likely to lose it, find the humor in things more often, & be a bit more optimistic.
Can you imagine a person who can always read you? Our pets are incredibly attuned to our feelings, & they respond with a sensitivity that's rare in humans.They can measure your emotional & physical health too, & have been known to accomplish amazing feats, like detecting cancer or running a few miles to get help for their owners in trouble.
If you're looking to expand your network, there are all sorts of online & community groups about pets everywhere. And, did you know that statistically, people are more likely to talk to someone walking a dog?
If you're not quite ready to adopt a pet yet, check out volunteering at a local shelter or better yet, become a foster pet-parent. You can find organizations in every county & every state, all over the country, just check local sources.
There is nothing but health & happiness waiting for you when connecting with pets. It's a win for everyone, & especially appreciated in these changing times. You'll soon have a new perspective on what's important & what's not. And, you'll be motivated to exercise more, sharpen your sense of humor, build your resilience, stave off loneliness, boost your mood, lower your blood pressure, create a calmer environment & increase your confidence.
All that & more comes with owning a furry companion!
Best, Patrick & Jo-Anna
TakeAway Tip: Adopting a pet is a lifelong commitment, not something to do on a whim. While they provide years of comfort & love, they also need you to provide the same to them. Fur-ever!