What is the Human-Pet Connection?
The bond between a pet and its owner can be one of the strongest relationships in a person’s life. Pets rely on their owners to keep them safe, fed and loved. In return, pets show loyalty, listen to problems, encourage owners to exercise, and provide unmatched companionship.
Pets Are Companions
Many pet owners we meet are disabled or retired, and their pets are their only daily companions. Kane is his owner, Tyler’s best friend and companion pet. Tyler is a young man who has developmental and intellectual disabilities. Tyler is housebound; he lives with his father, his 24/7 caregiver. Kane is critical to Tyler’s well-being; he is always by Tyler’s side, protecting him and offering him comfort and companionship.
Perseus and his two siblings are their elderly mom’s only companions; without them, she would have no one.
Pets save lives as service animals or by alerting families of fires. The gifts our pets give us are endless.
Pets Are Family
It’s not uncommon for people to refer to pets as their “best friend,” “fur baby,” “child,” “sister,” “brother,” or a “member of the family.” These phrases are not just for fun. They are a true indication of how owners feel about their pets.
Pets Are Part Of Your Daily Routine
Think about your schedule. Time to feed your pets, take them for walks, clean litter boxes, and play are all part of your day. That room you make in your day and your heart is appreciated and recognized as much by your pet as by yourself. When pet owners make plans, it always includes consideration for their pets. More than one person has left a vacation early because they couldn’t bear to be away from their pet.
Coping With Pet Illness And Loss
When a pet gets sick or suffers an injury, it affects the whole family. A responsible pet owner budgets for pet food and essentials, but an emergency veterinary bill can be an impossible financial burden for someone living paycheck-to-paycheck. Urgent veterinary care can quickly amount to thousands of dollars. During these medical crises, if a pet owner does not have the funds, their veterinarian will suggest euthanasia. These owners cherish their pets as family. A doctor would not recommend putting down a human family member because the medical bills are too expensive. Owners in this situation struggle with feelings of fear, despair, and guilt over not having the funds available. When a pet dies, no matter what the case, it’s heartbreaking. Some would say, “It’s just an animal,” but anyone who has truly loved a pet knows this loss can be as hard as losing a close human friend or family member. People who are grieving the loss of a pet deserve compassion and understanding.
Pets Make People Better
Pets bring a unique sense of purpose and friendship to their owners. The common saying, “Who rescued who?” directly results from how pets improve human lives. Even in the criminal justice system, we see the benefits of dog ownership and how pets can help rehabilitate inmates.
Having a family pet helps teach children responsibility and compassion. And I don’t know a person who isn’t happier to talk about their pet than any other subject. The smile on someone’s face when you say, “Oh! You have a dog/cat; tell me about them,” represents pure happiness.
Pets show us how to love unconditionally and give from our hearts. In that way, they make the world a better place with every bark, meow, and attention-seeking bat of the paw. Give your pets an extra hug or belly rub from us today.
Please visit www.IWantToSaveALife.org for more details on how you can help pets and their people.