Man’s Best Medicine?

From ant farms to pot bellied pigs, most people have some sort of pet in their lives. Pets give us the comfort no human can- they won’t criticize, they won’t tell your secrets, and a clean water bowl is all they need to be happy. But do pets, who many spend hundreds of dollars and hours of time to care for, even give a crap about us? Clinical evidence shows that it takes more than expensive food for your pet to care about you. Like humans, they don’t love you just because you’re there. Mostly, the type of relationship you have with your pet depends on the pets personality. While anyone who doesn’t like pets will argue that they are all the same, anyone who has ever owned more than one of the same species will tell you this is definitely not true. Jeffery Masson, author of “Dogs Don’t Lie About Love,” wrote about his three rescued dogs. His dogs, all from bad pasts, were “wear your heart on your sleeve” type animals. Some pets, after being rescued from an abusive relationship, become clingy, and possibly have separation anxiety disorders. On the other end of the spectrum, pets can be extremely independent. Cats are infamous for this type of behavior, often making their owner feel tolerated, not loved. Assuming the animal isn’t afraid of you because of past abuse, this type of behavior is fairly easy to work with. Independent animals don’t like to be forced to spend time with you, but will often visit when they feel like it. Make sure your pet knows you like to be close, call it to you a few times, but don’t force. Most likely, your pet will come once you’ve tired of calling in vain. Indoor pets will be more cuddly than outdoor ones. Pets have ways different ways of showing affection than humans do. According to a CNN report, when pets bring home dead animals, or lay other unpleasantries at your doorstep, they are actually offering you a gift in the only way they know how. While it isn’t something you want to encourage, yelling at your pet for this may cause them to become more distant. Pets also feel jealousy. If they have freedom to roam the house, they may feel put out when someone new comes into the house, especially babies. If a new pet comes into the house, introduce them slowly. It is natural for them to fight, as territory is very important to animals. As long as your pets aren’t doing serious damage to each other, letting them battle for the window seat or first dibs at the food bowl will be better in the long run, once a hierarchy is established. Whether you have brought a new pet or person into the house, be sure to pay attention to the older pet. They will notice, and appreciate you giving them all the attention instead of the cute new kitten or puppy. Most of us know someone who is all too involved in the lives of their pet, but how do you know if you’re guilty of the same thing? Choosing to walk your dog over hanging out with friends is a good sign you may be too attached to your two, four, or eight legged friend. Counselor Marty Tousley believes that when people replace human relationships with pet relations, something could be wrong. Tosley offers a few pointers that can determine if you are too attached to your pet. Has your pet seriously affected an important relationship in your life? Do you turn down invitations if your pet is not invited? Do you risk your own health for the health of your pet? Do you believe that you will die if your pet does? Tosley believes that such serious attachment goes beyond the love of animals and into something deeper, such as depression or attachment issues. People that feel this way may be in serious danger once their pet dies, especially if they have convinced themselves their pet will live forever. In 350 B.C. Aristotle wrote in his book “The History of Animals” that “some are good-tempered, sluggish, and little prone to ferocity, as the ox; others are quick-tempered, ferocious, and unteachable, as the wild boar.” Researchers today believe in the same principles. Jane Goodall reported feelings of grief in a chimp she studied after the chimps mother died. He lay in the stream where his mother died, staring into the water, until he wasted away as well. This shouldn’t come as a surprise, considering that, genetically, one of the only differences between humans and chimps is the fact that they can’t physically cry. Clinton Sanders, a professor of sociology at the University of Connecticut, believes that humans and pets can form a tight bond. Consider people that depend on dogs to get around. He says blind people with seeing eye dogs have told him they can sense their living walker knows how their master can feel. Fear is one of the easiest emotions for pets to pick up on. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), pets have been proven beneficial to ones health. Owning a pet can decrease blood pressure, cholesterol, triglyceride, and feelings of depression. Some pets also increase opportunities for outdoor activities, exercise, and socialization. Older people with pets are believed to live longer and healthier lives. Provided you have a realistic relationship with your pet, the relationship can do wonders. Pets allow us to feel needed, as well as give us something else to think about. With the holiday season coming up, consider adopting a pet for yourself or someone you love. Don’t surprise anyone with an animal. It is a great responsibility, and not everyone can commit the necessary time or money. Having a pet is a rewarding experience, and the bond the two of you may form is irreplaceable.