At 19 years old, not long after moving into his first apartment, my son announced that he got a dog. My shocked response, “Why did you get a dog?!” was fueled by a concern that caring for another living creature was a huge obligation for someone so young. I couldn’t argue with his response: “responsibility and companionship”.
Our furry friends offer companionship, unconditional love, and many lessons along the way.
Pets rely solely on their owners for their well-being. Providing their care often influences us in ways we don’t realize. Daily walks or playtime help pet owners get fresh air and exercise. A pet’s structured schedule around feeding, snack time, and walks can instill a sense of routine in the owner’s life, develop improved time management skills and lead to less stress throughout the day.
Even the moments of chaos that owning a pet often bring, like a puppy’s biting phase or a cat knocking things off tables, can lead to growth as individuals. We don’t just train our pets, we find ways to adapt, like storing items differently so they won’t be chewed or knocked down. Problem-solving builds patience and encourages us to think outside the box, boosting critical thinking skills.
The unconditional love that pets give us can be incredibly soothing, combatting feelings of loneliness and isolation. There may be times when we don’t see the importance of taking care of ourselves, eating healthy, or getting exercise, but caring for pets creates opportunities to nurture and be responsible for something other than ourselves. Pets can give us a sense of purpose and sometimes, a reason to get out of bed in the morning.
To begin a conversation about National Pet Month in May, I asked some of you to share what you consider to be the benefits and challenges of pet ownership. Your responses were heartwarming. Comfort, motivation, entertainment, joy, and companionship were some of the benefits. Challenges included the cost of vet bills, medicine, and food, especially for an animal on a special diet, barking, pet hair, grooming, changing the litter box, the smell, being tied down, not having a fenced yard, and the importance of training. There are many challenges, but everyone agreed they are not burdens, they just come with the territory, and you are willing to give up some novelties to provide your pets with proper care.
Some of you shared that you don’t have pets due to reasons listed or because of mobility or health issues, or lack of transportation. For someone attracted to the joys of pet ownership, but concerned about the obstacles, maybe you can consider a cat or small, low-maintenance dog breed, or a small pet like a dwarf hamster. Other options are to foster animals temporarily or volunteer at a local animal shelter or farm. Did you know that many home care agencies include pet care in their services, like walking dogs, feeding, and changing litter? Still, if owning a pet is not feasible, perhaps you can offer to take a neighbor’s dog for walks or care for a loved one’s pet while they travel. Local parks are great places to observe and interact with dogs and their owners. Many dogs need to say hello and get pets from everyone they pass.
Studies show that the simple act of petting an animal can release endorphins and create a calming effect. Pet owners, cherish your pets! For those without a furry friend - look for chances to experience gentle pets, soft purrs, tail wags, nose boops, and belly rubs, which can brighten your day! And join us for visits from Fiji the therapy dog. This month we celebrate her fourth birthday! We invite everyone to share pet ownership joys and benefits, challenges and obstacles, and photos, on May’s Pet Wall at The Center, where you’ll also find valuable information from the Humane Society, and an excellent article, “Pet Ownership and Poverty” by Brooke Harvey, The Open Link’s Nutrition Services Manager.
If you’re curious how my son managed as a dog owner, his dog Skyler is happy and healthy. She has been by his side through many ups and downs over the last 8 years, has helped him gain responsibility, and provides companionship.
