PETS IMPROVE OUR LIVES IN MANY WAYS

The benefits of pet ownership to our both our physical and mental well being are invaluable and immeasurable. They actually improve the quality of our life. Many of us buy our pets Christmas and birthday presents, 80% of Americans sleep with our pets, we kiss and baby talk to them. But what do they really do for us?

Children, adults and elderly all benefit from the positive effect pets have in our lives. Children especially learn valuable lessons in responsibility and empathy. Children in homes with pets have significantly better attendance in school, higher self-esteem, better immune systems, and greater cognitive development than homes without pets. Most children consider pets their friends and important members of their family. The socializing benefits for elderly are particularly important for those that have lost loved ones. Seniors with pets tend to be more active, suffer less from depression and are better able to cope with stress. Most of us have heard about pets’ ability to lower our blood pressure and even cholesterol levels. One reason for this, aside from the benefits of increased activity and exercise is when we are kissing, hugging and baby talking to our pets our brain is releasing “happy hormones”. These “happy hormones” or endorphins actually lower our heart rates. Pet owners have 21% less visits to doctors offices then people without pets. Pets give all of us a sense of purpose and focus which is a benefit to all ages. Taking your pets for regular walks is not only great exercise but it offers multiple opportunities to meet new people.

Pet ownership can not only be richly rewarding but it can be equally stressful, that is why adopting the right pet is so important. When you decide to get a pet you are making a commitment. A commitment just as you do when you have children. They are going to need guidance, training, nutrition, exercise and regular visits to a vetrinarian. Everything is not always going to be perfect. Before getting a new pet take into consideration where you live, how much space you have, how you live, what you expect from your pet and from there pick what you think would be a good companion for your household. Never pick an animal or breed before thinking these issues through. Helpful and knowledgeable staff at The Gloucester-Mathews Humane Society are ready and willing to assist everyone in adding that all-important member to our household. By adopting from the Humane Society we are saving the life of an unwanted animal and that in it’s self is a hugely rewarding experience.

Healthy happy pets ensure that we as care takers will enjoy a full and rewarding life. Just as the t-shirts and bumper stickers ask “Have you hugged you pet today?”, let us hug our pets and get a good dose of “happy hormones”. To see animals available for adoption please visit www.gloucestermathewshumanesociety.org or call 894-693-5520.

Jennifer Schroeder

Humane Education Director

Gloucester-Mathews Humane Society