In recent times, much attention has been devoted to the belief that keeping a dog, a cat, a parrot can benefit the owner’s health in multiple ways. It reduces  the risk of heart disease, reducing loneliness, dementia and depression. About half of the households in Britain alone include some kind of pet; roughly 10m of those are dogs while cats make up another 10m. Pets cost time and money and nowadays bring little in the way of material benefits. But during the 2008 financial crisis, spending on pets remained almost unaffected, which suggests that for most owners’ pets are not a luxury but an integral and deeply loved part of the family.

Recent research supports the idea that animals are conscious beings. And some of them such as dogs, dolphins, monkeys, and elephants can experience a range of emotions typically associated with humans, such as fear, compassion, happiness, respect, or joy, and display empathy towards humans and other animals. They can also sense the differences in behaviour both physically and psychologically due to an illness. It’s been known that both dogs and cats have saved many lives by recognizing and identifying the scent of human illness through the scent of chemical changes.

Sharing your life with a loyal companion animal brings a lot of joy. Their love is unconditional, and they do more than just keep you company. So, what are the benefits of the human-animal bond? Empathy is the ability to understand the feelings and emotions of others and be compassionate toward them. Humans have empathy toward other humans and animals. And animals are more empathetic and loving towards humans. They are selfless and affectionate than humans. 

In comparison among animals, dogs are known to be protective and attentive to their owners, and this can include guarding them when they are unwell, often seen as a natural extension of their mentality and desire to protect vulnerable members. I was unwell for six months and had to take rest the whole day. My pet, Momo used to not even get up, he  used to sit near my bed. Through his eyes and expressions, he used to assure me that I would get well soon, if I would get up to use the washroom, he would follow me and sit outside the washroom. He was a huge German shepherd. After a while he used to sleep at my feet, rubbing my feet with his face, which used to give me a sense of warmth, and a sense of security.  I have experienced that German Shepherds are generally friendly and loving with their families, but their protective nature can make them reserved or watchful of strangers. He used to communicate with me through a combination of barks, body language, and facial expressions, especially his eyes, to convey his emotions. 

Research has shown that dogs can read the emotional state of their owners and respond to it in the same way as a human would. That means that your dog really cares when you are unhappy and wants to help, providing sympathy and comfort. Dogs are known to be highly adjusted to their owners’ health and can sense changes in their well-being, including illness, through subtle cues like changes in scent and behaviour. 

Some people aren’t pet friendly. Why is this the case? It is highly probable that our desire for the company of animals goes back tens of thousands of years and has played an important part in our evolution. If so, then genetics might help explain why a love of animals is something some people just don’t get. No matter your mood, you must care for your pet. Pets motivate us to be active. Taking your dog for a walk or a run helps you increase physical activity and meet your daily exercise requirements.

Psychologists explain that our attitude towards animals is influenced by many possible contributing factors, such as socio-cultural norms, religious beliefs, personality traits, and early life experiences. Researchers also suggest that compassion for animals may be linked to genetic differences. A study revealed that people who love animals have a specific version of the gene that produces the love hormone oxytocin, which is important for empathy between humans and boosts social bonding. So, oxytocin helps people bond with animals too, and animal lovers are friendlier people and have more empathy. Pet-lovers teat their pets as their child. Pets are entirely dependent on people, so they trigger the same protective instincts as our own kids do. We love animals and want to protect them because we view them as innocent creatures that cannot help themselves when they are in trouble.

We love our pets deeply, and we really want them to be happy. Our love for pets is revolutionary because it represents our closest ties to another species. We do not care about things regarding the species that they belong to. At times we prioritize pets over people. Many people talk to their pets, and it’s natural. And in addition to being a conversational partner, pets can help you maintain your emotional stability. They fulfil the basic human need for touch and provide emotional comfort by reducing the effects of the things that stress you. I conclude my passage by stating that my German Shepard friend, Momo taught me to be mindful, he taught to live in the moment. I miss him every day and I honour his memory.  

How having pet helps?

Having a pet helps you stay invested in life; particularly if you live alone. Pets keep you busy handling their routine as well along with yours, thus they counter loneliness and help you staying in touch with surrounding. They keep you focused. They keep you bound to life’s worth. If you’re going to see the compatibility match for a “good” or “best” pet, let me tell you it’s no different than finding a perfect life partner. There is no one pet perfect for you. They are as crazy, as lazy, as moody or as nagging as you are. Yes, they have their moods and egos both. They have their highs and lows as well. They might growl, bite to express their uneasiness some times. Tolerate them, because they are worth it. I think although there is no perfect pet, millions of pet lovers will vouch saying that a dog is the best choice for many of them. You see, dogs and people develop deep emotional ties, and dogs are great companions; they are honest, protective and most caring creatures.  They will literally lay down their lives to protect you. And what do they ask for is little in return – a pat on back, scratch behind their ears, little cuddling, and little chatter that’s all.

Do you know this – dogs mold their schedule and personality to match yours? They are never engaged or off duty. Smaller dogs, in particular, are easier to handle. They can travel with you everywhere.  The routine of caring for a pet can bring structure and purpose to daily life. Maybe you don’t always want to get out of bed, but your pet wants you to. Isn’t that a good thing?

Whether you like or not, your dog will want you to exercise – he/she wants you to take them out regularly for walks, give them food at regular intervals, play with them, keep them neat and tidy, regular bathing, cutting their nails, taking them to veterinary checkups – there is so much of work. So the dog’s upbringing becomes part of your daily plan. Many researchers have indicated that older people with pets show less stress than those without. This maybe because those regular walks or regular activities in life help you get over distress. When you come back home, who is the happiest of all, it’s your pet. His/her innocent tail wagging and jumping cannot be compared to tons of money in life; they make you feel so important, so much wanted! They really welcome you with all fondness.

Your dog keeps you connected with others in society; many won’t like him, while many will be his fans. He/she many times outshines your subsistence. It is such a psychological relief to be taking care of another living creature.

When you bring a pet home, remember you promise to continue being involved in his life, and this commitment is one of the most positive decisions you can make as you get older. Whether you believe it or not, pets are a great way to improve your mood and temperament. Research has shown that people who suffer from various diseases have lesser chances of depression if they keep pets as compared to those who are suffering from similar diseases and don’t keep pets.

Medical practitioners say that dog owners have lesser problems related to blood pressure and heart dieses. It also helps reduce cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Pour your heart out to them; tell them your problems and secrets, you bet, they will never reveal your secrets to others. To me, they are the best stress busters. Several studies have discovered that people who tend to spend their time with pets are more likely to live longer than people who don’t. You’re benefited because they improve your social skills. Kids who grow up with pets at home are always respectful towards living things.

How to cope with the grief after your pets death?

Their life spans are shorter. Join a pet-lover’s group or form one. They are the best people to come to console you, and you can also do the same to a pet lover in his moments of grief. When you’re pet dies, acknowledge your grief and give yourself permission and time to express it. Don’t hesitate to reach out to others who can lend a sympathetic ear or shoulder. Jot down your feelings in your diary, write poem, a paragraph, a short story – you’ll feel much better. I mean it.

Don’t rush into the decision of getting another pet. It is not all that easy when you are emotionally warned out. And, maybe you won’t be fair to your new pet. Each animal has his/her own unique personality and a new animal cannot replace the one you’ve lost. Your life will guide you the right time to adopt a new pet; give yourself some time. Most importantly, think cautiously whether you have the energy and time to take on new responsibilities? Do you have a support system to lean on when you want to travel? Listen to your heart you’ll get the answer.