A few months back I was indulging in a moment of sadness and self-pity. I lay on the floor in a room by myself, away from my daughter, and cried silently to myself. Thinking I was alone, I opened my eyes, startled and then comforted, to see 6 pairs of eyes looking back at me.
I have six cats–all very different in temperament and personality. But the one thing they all have in common is that they all love me… no matter what I look like, no matter what I say, no matter how I screw up. There are no conditions on their love. Now, of course, they could have been looking at me and thinking, “Get off the floor, you crazy woman!” But my interpretation was “It ain’t so bad, mom, we love you.”
How many of us have people in our lives who don’t judge or criticize us? Our companion animals give unconditional love and so much more. Research is now overwhelmingly showing that companion animals give to us in ways that make us both happier and healthier humans.
With the holiday season upon us, it is the perfect time to reflect on our gratitude for the many gifts they offer us.
Mood enhancement. Studies show that pets provide an effective defense against depression. It’s hard to be grumpy around a wagging tail or a soft purr. According to one study on men with AIDS, those with pets were 50% less likely to report symptoms of depression than those without.
Stress reduction and reduced blood pressure. A recent article reported that pets were actually better than medication at managing spikes in blood pressure due to stress. Another showed that people performing a high pressure task experienced less stress with a pet present than with a supportive friend or family member.
Exercise. Responsible dog ownership requires that you enjoy a walk and offers great opportunity to stop and talk to your neighbors. Aerobic exercise and social connection… a double benefit! (Not sure if cats help here. How often do we sit longer than we should because a furry someone has claimed stake on our laps? Maybe the benefit is on the flip side – demanding that we sit still every once in a while.)
Cure for loneliness. Pets help people lacking social supports. Nursing home residents reported less loneliness after spending time with a dog than they did after spending time with other people. Another study said that women reported finding greater emotional support from their cats than from their husbands or kids.
Cardiovascular health. In a study spanning 10 years, cat owners showed a 30% reduction in heart attack risk. While another study recorded immediate improvements in functioning in heart patients after spending just a few minutes with a therapy dog. (When my father had a stroke his biggest motivator for getting well wasn’t his wife, 6 kids, or 8 grandchildren; it was his little dog!)
Longevity. Another study said that cat owners live an average of seven years longer than non-cat owners.
Help for kids with disabilities. From helping children with autism communicate to helping those with learning disabilities learn to read, pets make a big difference in lives of kids with special needs. (There is a mother who brings her daughter with autism to HSHV to visit with our cats. It is her reward for accomplishing some specific task and her mother says it is the highlight of her week.)
This holiday season, let’s give thanks for the companions who give us so much and ask for so little in return.
If you would like to honor these amazing creatures by helping out the most vulnerable among them, the ones that are thrown away or abused, please visit our website for holiday giving ideas.
If you are looking at this list of benefits and thinking you might have time for an animal, please come see us soon. We’re sure you will find unconditional love within our walls.
Wishing you peace and joy this holiday season and all year round.