The Importance of Pets In Our Lives
By Kay Byers
Newscasters recently announced that according to a new study published by the American Veterinary Medical Association, pet ownership declined during the years from 2006 to 2011. It is speculated the 2.4% decline of pet ownership was due to the economic hardships we are facing today. What a sad statistic to hear simply because we gain so much more in our lives from pet ownership. ABC News has said more and more institutions are allowing pet visits to patients, especially for those who will be hospitalized for a while. Such programs exist in hospitals in Texas, Iowa and Delaware. Although we might think pet visitation could cause harm to their owners while they are in the hospital, there actually is a lack of infections or other adverse results from the visits. It is thought that since the pet owners were already living with their pets, they have already been exposed to the organisms the pet might be carrying. Some researchers have even stated they have found that blood pressure is decreased when in the presence of a pet, as noted by Friedman and colleagues (2007), Antrhozoos, 20, 51-63. As reported in Psychogeriatrics (2011;11:125-129), people who have pets report an improvement in their perceived quality of life. What better time to add quality of life than when hospitalized or under financial duress?
When our economy is suffering and jobs are hard to find, it's easy to forget how beneficial our long time pet friends are in providing us with unconditional love and companionship. Even during the aftermath of natural disasters, relief workers have found that therapy dogs provide stress relief for children and adults alike - providing them with seeming normality amid chaos. They offer a sense of hope and comfort which is sometimes difficult to accept from another person during times of stress and hardship.
We have long recognized the need to exercise in order to maintain good emotional, mental, and physical health. The benefits from performing light exercise by those suffering from depression have been documented over and over. Often times we might find it difficult to find a "walking buddy", somebody who is always willing and ready to get out of the house and exercise. That is rare indeed when you are the owner of a dog as a pet. They love to get out of the house, go for a quick jog, or simply stroll alongside of you as you walk your neighborhood. Even cats have been known to track their owners as they stroll outside although they might be less tolerant of being walked on a leash.
Pet ownership may not be an option for everybody but that should not limit their ability to interact with pets that are in need. Humane Societies, pet shelters, and equine centers are always looking for volunteers who can spend a few minutes with their residents. They are more than willing to educate those who are unsure of what to do to help. This is a great time to get out and visit dog parks in your neighborhood even if you don't own a dog. You can benefit from pet interactions even if you don't own the pet.
In summary, pets provide unconditional love, acceptance, and companionship. Hopefully those who are in the greatest of need are able to share their lives with a pet.
If you are experiencing stress in your life, you might consider reaching out for professional help. If so, please consider contacting Kay Byers, LPC at http://www.advancecounselingcentre.com for more information.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kay_Byers
http://EzineArticles.com/?The-Importance-of-Pets-In-Our-Lives&id=7229712