I know there are many considerations when deciding to bring animal friends into your life: financial responsibility, time commitment, lifestyle, etc. There are many things weighing into your choice.
Maybe you’ve had animals before. Maybe this is your first experience. Regardless, this is not a decision to be made lightly.
This post will list the benefits of having animal friends as part of your family.
My Best Friends Don't Wear Pants
I can only remember a few times in my life when I have not had an animal friend, aka pet. Those times stand out because I could not wait until I was in a position to bring one home. I must have been around three years old when I remember going with the family to see my dad’s horses. I even remember their names: Barleo, Cinco de Mayo, and Chico. We also had a little dog named Tiny. I can’t wait to write about my childhood experience with her puppies.
The first dog that was my very own was a “Lassie dog” — rough collie. If you were a 70s child, you know all about Lassie and why a little girl would want one. We lived on a three-acre farm, and I wanted a Lassie dog with all my heart. We could not afford this breed, but my mother said if I really wanted one, I should pray and ask God, If it was a good decision, God would provide. I prayed, Mom scoured the classifieds hoping for a miracle, and that very week she found a gentleman trying to rehome his collie, Ginger, for a very reasonable fee. The day she came to me was the happiest day of my seven years. (My brother Rick will claim she loved him best . . . and he’s not wrong, but she was still mine.)
Since that time, I have owned numerous cats, dogs, parakeets, sugar-gliders, hamsters, guinea pigs, chickens, rabbits, and horses. All animals are glorious, and I would have one of every kind — even snakes — but I love my husband, so I try to limit my obsession. He’s an amazing sport. As of this post, I have two cats, one English Bulldog (who’s expecting puppies — one of which we’ll keep), two roosters, ten hens, and two horses (although, there are four in our pasture).
Do the Advantages Outweigh the Disadvantages?
Bringing animal friends into your life is a pretty serious commitment. I have made the mistake of getting an animal just because I desperately wanted one. When I went to college, I was lucky I had family to take my cat. I got sugar-gliders not understanding the amount of bonding time they required and how that would take away from my young family. Some animals are a huge financial burden, and I have had to seriously consider whether I could afford them. I do not regret any animal I have ever had, but I do wish I considered all aspects of the decision.
8 Benefits of Having Animal Friends
The following are eight benefits of having animals that make living without them impossible for me. See if any of them apply to you.
1. Love and Companionship
Without a doubt, this is my number one reason for bringing animals into my family. Their outpouring of love fills my heart and soul to overflowing. Maybe it’s because I love them first, but they possess an unconditional love that far exceeds humans. I’ll admit small children exhibit this, as well. Time and time again they trust and love even when you get after them.
You might say, “How can a horse show love?” When I got my first horse as a 4-month-old, he was barely weaned. He was afraid and avoided my touch. Every day I worked to gain his trust. On the third day he walked up to me and placed his forehead on my chest. We’ve had an amazing bond ever since.
Our pet’s companionship fills a void that can exist even when surrounded by people. I’m never alone when my furry friends are with me. My daughter said it wonderfully, “I can always count on Daisy (her dog) to be sweet. I can always count on her to be available for my love and attention. I know what she needs and when she needs it and there isn’t much more than that; the consistency of need is wonderful.” Do you notice how that need goes both ways?
2. They Make Us Better Humans
Having pets is a great tool for teaching life skills, whether we’re trying to develop these attributes in ourselves or our children.
- The care of pets requires a great deal of responsibility. They need to be fed and watered, groomed, exercised, and looked after.
- Being responsible for an animal teaches compassion and empathy. Many pets are smaller and need protection. Animals can be afraid, and we understand that feeling.
- We recently got a kitten and it’s a great opportunity to teach the toddlers to be kind. If they’re not soft and tender, they see how the cat runs away from them. They want to hold the cat, so they learn to be gentle.
- If you’ve owned animals before, you know how much patience they require. They make messes, require training, and need things when it’s inconvenient. They don’t understand human rules, so patience is a must as they learn.
- Social skills make life easier. We need them at home, at work, and in our communities. Animals provide a great way to meet people and practice talking. Whether you share your common interest in animals or you’re telling someone about your animal friend.
3. Pets Comfort Us When We're Sick or Depressed
True, your goldfish is not going to cuddle up with you when you’re sick in bed, and the last thing you want is your alpaca camped out in your living room binge watching Marvel movies with you when you’re feeling down — although it might make you laugh and that isn’t all bad. In fact, having to go out and feed the horses and chickens when I’m feeling crummy just adds to the misery. But — and it’s a big BUT (I like big buts and I will not lie) — dogs and cats are amazing at sensing when you’re ill and cuddling with you. Why is that?
Dogs hear and smell at a far greater ability than humans. They can tell when our chemical balance is off. Some can sense blood glucose levels or even detect cancer. Crazy, huh? I have a grandpup who knows when I’m in or gearing up for an ME crash. He doesn’t want to leave my side even when my son is calling for him to come. He looks back and forth at us, trying to decide what to do. Regardless of why, having a snuggle buddy makes you feel better. Which leads us to the next benefit.
4. They Improve Our Health
There’s a reason our animals make us feel better when we’re sick and in pain. When we cuddle, stroke, or interact with animals our body releases oxytocin. This calms us and makes us feel better. It also blocks pain receptors. Our blood pressure lowers, our heart rate decreases, and our breathing slows. These things are good for our health. This is also beneficial when we are struggling with depression and anxiety.
If we’re under stress, animals benefit us in numerous ways. We might cuddle and get that oxytocin release. Or maybe they make us laugh. You know you love to watch the videos of animals and their crazy antics. Laughing is great for our health. It strengthens the immune system, circulation, increases oxygen to our heart and muscles, helps us deal with tough situations, and improves our overall mood.
Most animals require us to exercise. Whether we’re taking our dog for a walk, riding a horse, feeding goats or chickens, or simply playing on the floor with the cat, it’s movement that benefits our body.
We get a squeeze of hay (between 64 and 68 bales of three string) four times a year for the four horses. Moving it all into the hay shed is a lot of work. It’s delivered in a stack that’s probably 12 or more feet tall, and we have to throw the bales down and stack it in our covered shed-out.
I’m sure you can think of other activities (at yoga anyone?) that we do with animals to keep our bodies strong.
5. Animal Friends Give Us Purpose
There are times in our life when we want to give up. For me it’s chronic illness (M.E.). The elderly may feel like they’ve lost their usefulness. People suffering from great tragedies, who have lost their way might think life isn’t worth living. Traumatic injuries create side effects that leave people struggling to keep fighting. Animals create an opportunity to bring purpose back into life. As we’ve discussed, they need care. They become the reason to get out of bed, the “thing” that is worth living for, the therapy that brings motion back into weak limbs. The smallest of animals can bring about enormous amounts of happiness and fulfillment. Check out this amazing article and the comments that share real-life stories.
6. They Also Fulfill A Purpose
I grew up watching Sesame Street in the 70s. Rest assured, you’re going to hear references to this show throughout drather B. A video clip that brings back memories any time working dogs is mentioned is “I’m a Hard Working Dog.” Now, you might be tempted to watch a only a few seconds, but I challenge you to watch the entire thing. My love of words was very much fostered by Sesame Street. The lyrics are fun.
Dogs have many jobs in this world. In our part of the country, everyone has a cattle dog. There are several goat and sheep ranches that have livestock guardian dogs. It used to be that service dogs were mostly used for the blind, but there are service dogs for multiple purposes these days. My daughter’s dog helps her with anxiety. Dottie, our Jack Russell mix that passed away this fall, was the best mouser EVER. The week before she died, she caught four mice. She couldn’t jump, and she couldn’t run. But she could find a mouse and had lightning-fast reflexes. We have a new kitten that is proving to fill that role quite nicely.
Horses gather cattle, transport supplies, and carry police officers. Mules transport tourists down the Grand Canyon. Equine therapy is a powerful tool in helping adults and children alike who have a variety of impairments.
Not only do animals give us purpose, but we give them purpose and fulfillment in their lives.
7. Animals Connect Generations
My mother didn’t really care for animals much. I know that sounds strange with as many animals as we had. She said, “I don’t necessarily like animals, but I like kids — and kids like animals.” We felt the love of our mother through the various animals we had. I think the only animal she really bought for herself was a canary that sang at the top of its lungs . . . while the vacuum was going.
I have found that when it feels like there’s a giant gap between my kids and me, the animals are a great way to build a bridge. When you don’t know what to do, a pet can open the communication. Standing face to face and talking is HARD for most people, especially if you need to discuss something sensitive. But if you say, “Hey, let’s take the dog for a walk,” or “Help me get the eggs. Let’s see how many we got today,” you’re busy doing something that keeps your hands and eyes busy, but your mouth can still talk. Kids feel safer saying what they feel if they’re not being stared at or pressured to make eye contact. I remember my dad saying once that he had some great conversations with his dad when his head was buried in the flank of a cow, milking.
Last month I took Blossom, our English Bulldog, to a breeder. Over the week, the breeders teenage daughter assisted him with the draws and A.I. sessions. They shared how she’s learning the trade, and it’s a family business. They raise other animals together through 4H. They’re an incredibly tight-nit family, with his mother even involved with the younger kids
I know in my town, and many places throughout the United States, generations of families raise and show animals. They take care of these animals like they’re family. Grandparents pass on their knowledge. FFA, 4H, and other programs connect generations in the pursuit of loving, caring, and learning about animals.
8. They Provide Us With Many Products
Our animal friends provide us with many products. When we raise the animals and enjoy the blessings of what they give us, it creates an additional bond. I’m thankful every day for eggs my chickens produce — espcially when you couldn’t find any on the shelves. I call them “my ladies”.
Cows and goats give us milk. When I was six, we had three cows on our farm. My dad and teenage brothers milked them morning and night. I guess we needed three because with four brothers each drinking a quart of milk at breakfast each morning. We made our own butter and whipped cream, too.
Alpacas, sheep, and llamas give us wool. Lotions and soaps made from goat milk are very popular. My dad kept bees. I don’t know if you consider those animals, but he had a love and connection with them. He rarely got stung. What better friends than those who return your love with products you need, right?
Can't Live Without 'Em
Animals are a major drather B for me. I can’t imagine my life without them. Do they make me frustrated? Yep. Do I want to ring the cat’s neck when it’s clawing the furniture two feet away from its scratching post? Without a doubt. I wonder what to do with them when I travel, and it’s a headache to set up house sitters. But I remember the few times when I was without a critter, and the advantages, for me, far outweigh any of the inconveniences.
Your Turn
What do you think? Did you grow up with animals? If you did, what’s a favorite memory? If you’re considering getting an animal, what are your pros and cons? Did this post bring up anything you hadn’t considered? Is there an animal you dream of getting? I look foward to reading your comments.
I love animals! We raised our kiddos with cats and dogs, chickens and ducks, cows and horses—with a variety of other kinds of animals thrown in through the years. I believe children and animals are the best combination ever!
I’m curious what the variety of “other animals thrown in” were. Thanks for sharing.