11 minute read
THE STRENGTH OF THE HUMAN- ANIMAL BOND
The human-animal bond we have with our pets is a unique relationship that only pet owners can truly understand. Our pets all have their own individual personalities and quirky behaviors that keep us laughing and comforted after a long stressful day. While they depend on us to meet their basic needs of food, water and shelter, we depend on them for their unconditional love and the many health benefits they provide us.
Pet owners gain a variety of healthful benefits from our companion animals. Research shows that our pets can help us lower blood pressure, reduce stress, and even raise our oxytocin levels. They can also offer benefits for other human health challenges. When we are sick or feeling sad, our pets intuitively sense it. It is not unusual for our pets to be exceptionally affectionate and attentive when they sense that something is wrong. Even everyday stressors like a forgotten password or an unexpected bill are easily remedied by an exuberant pup licking your face or a curious cat attacking your printer. These unexpected, comical pet behaviors help us reboot and maintain our sanity in the increasingly complicated world we live in.
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The bond we have with our pets today has significantly changed from the relationship we had with them hundreds of years ago. In the past, humans and dogs would work together to hunt, track and herd other animals. Cats were typically outdoor animals that were used to hunt and kill rodents that could spread disease and damage food or other materials. While this was a mutually beneficial relationship at the time, we have since learned that companion animals can also assist us in many therapeutic ways. Today, we have realized the powerful healing qualities that animals possess and have utilized them to help people suffering from a variety of emotional and physical disabilities. Therapy animals have been shown to be particularly effective in helping those dealing with depression, anxiety, PTSD, and a variety of other debilitating conditions.
The same calming therapeutic benefits animals provide can be felt by all pet owners. Although we may not be afflicted by a particular condition, we all experience the emotional benefits our pets provide. When we are feeling unusually stressed, sad, or anxious, there is nothing more relaxing than a soft snuggly kitty or pup on your lap. This irreplaceable relationship we have with our animal companions has now been fully realized.
Today, people treat their pets much like they would treat another human family member. The New York Times reports that 70 percent of pet owners sleep with their pets, 65 percent buy Christmas gifts for their pets, and 40 percent of married women with pets say they get more emotional support from their pets than from their spouses. Clearly, the depth of our emotional attachment to our pets is valued like never before. More and more people are opting to bring a pet into their home.
There has been a phenomenal growth of pet owners in the United States in recent years. According to a 2017-18 National Pet Owners Survey conducted by the American Pet Products Association (APPA), 68 percent of US households own a pet. While dogs and cats are still the most popular choices, horses, birds, fish and reptiles are also prominent and soughtafter pets. In all, approximately 84.6 million households in the United States include pets. With so many pets in our country, it is understandable that the APPA estimates that over $72.1 billion will be spent on pet supplies this year. These expenditures include food, supplies, over-the-counter medicine, veterinary care, and live animal purchases.
It is not surprising that we sacrifice such expenditures on our precious pets. We cherish them and care for them unconditionally. In turn, they comfort us and remind us every day just how strong the human-animal bond can be.
PALNV’S RESCUED TREASURES CAT CAFE
Dedicated To Saving Our Community Cats!
www.palnv.org
4155 N Rancho Drive #150 Las Vegas, NV 89130 (702) 629-6351 OPEN
WEDNESDAY THROUGH SUNDAY 12 NOON TO 6 PM
Rescued Treasures Cat Program is the main focus of PALnv and has been serving our community cats since 2019
Our Cat Café
Sessions & Events Adoptions
We offer sponsorship opportunities, gift items for you, your best friend, and your pets, free WiFi, complimentary beverages and snacks, fun events, and best of all adoptable cats and kittens!!
Open Wednesday through Sunday, 11am to 6pm!
We also have added birthday parties, business, club meetings, and special events! Check out our Events Calendar for upcoming events. We have kittens here at Rescued Treasures Cat Café for adoption! We are adopting by appointment only at the café. Call 702-629-6351 for more information.
Where Every Cat Is Special To Us!
Trailwood Cat Resort and Spa Luxury Suites and Play Areas
CALL NOW: (702) 625-9717
ZOD ROXIEHEART
AKIBATU & PEPPERMINK CHEVE CONNIE MR. ARMANI & MISS MADDIE
MOTO SCOTCH PUMPKIN
POPO
LEILAH BLUE LILY BELLE
FELISHA BUBBA
SAPPHIRE BELLA
FIFI
SKYE SISSY CHARLIE APPLESAUCE GOLDIE
HARRY SNOW JOJO SNICKER & PRETZEL SPIKE
MANNY IME DONUT &GERALD APOLLO
KENO CHRISSY MAGGIE MAY-FLOWER MARSHALL
PETS Las Vegas One photo per family please! Show Off Your Pet! Email: info@lvpetscene.com By submitting a photo, you are giving Las Vegas Pet Scene Magazine permission to use the photo in our magazine, emails, and social media/facebook.
SHUMAI FURBY BASIL GELATO CHLOE, BUDDY SKY & ZOEY GARCIA
VIOLET
GINGER & ROSE KODY & GABBY
KERMIT IVANKA
DESTINY & EPIC REX, HOOKY & RAYA
KANEOHE
MARLEY & BAILEY ROSIE COBRA GINGY
BOOMER BISCUIT BLUEY DIAMOND ROCCO & LYRIC
TUCH SCOUT LUKE BLUE BETTY BOOP
TITAN RYEN BENITO NALA & BAILEY
SHE-RA OWEN APOLLO NEWBY
PETS Las Vegas One photo per family please! Show Off Your Pet! Email: info@lvpetscene.com By submitting a photo, you are giving Las Vegas Pet Scene Magazine permission to use the photo in our magazine, emails, and social media/facebook.
Animal Assistance, Rescues, Shelters
SAVE A LIFE ADOPT A PET
Adopt Foster Sponsor Volunteer Donate Educate Everyone can do something, large or small, to help save a life.
Gizmo is a six year old male Havanese. Smart, loves toys, plush blankets, and great on walks. Former family had to surrender him due to lifestyle changes. Housebroken and plays well with others. Learning to master the doggie door. Super sweet little boy who will bond with his humans. Y
Gizmo
Connor & Millie’s Dog Rescue Submit an interest form at: www.ConnorandMilliesDogRescue.org
Mamba is a 10 month old lover who is looking for an easy going, loving family. He is good with kids, other dogs but isn’t a huge fan of cats. He’s gone through training and knows his basic commands. He is eager to please and loves to go for walks. Y
Mamba
Vegas Roots Rescue Email us at: VegasRootsRescue@gmail.com www.vegasrootsrescue.com
Cookie is a 10 month old girl who loves to play! She is getting professional training while she waits for her forever home. Cookie does well with kids and other dogs. She is house trained and knows her basic commands. Please send in an Adoption Interest form on our website to meet her! Y
Cookie
Wagging Tails Rescue View all our adoptable dogs at: www.waggingtailsrescue.org
Johnny Cage is a very sweet older boy that loves to play. He has been social here at the shelter and doesn’t mind other dogs. Johnny is sometimes overly friendly with other dogs so a meetand-greet is required for other dogs in the home. He would be best with kids 8+ years old due to his size. He does have some arthritis and takes daily supplements. Y Visit nevadaspca.org to see available pets.
10 YEARS OLD - 74 LBS Johnny Cage
Nevada SPCA 702-873-7722 | info@nevadaspca.org www.NevadaSPCA.org
Sara is a quiet sweetheart that has adapted well to her current foster home. She is a senior girl, at 14-years-young, and is looking for her forever home. Would you like to meet Sara? Please fill out an application on our website. Y
Sara
Las Vegas Valley Humane Society info@lvvhumane.org | 702-434-2009 www.lvvhumane.org
Nigelwas born 4/17/22 with 3 sisters. He is ready for adoption as well as his sisters. He is a beautiful buff color and will have medium length fur. As you can see Nigel was busy playing and decided to take nap in his Moma’s empty bowl, when you Nigel gotta nap you gotta nap, right? He is a busy boy, but likes hugs and kisses, he purrs up a storm. He has been tested for FELV (neg), 2 set of vaccines, will be neutered and chipped as well. Y
Paws 4 Love Cat Rescue If you are interested, please call 702-622-3092 www.paws4love.net
Honcho is a sweet one year old boxer/pit mix who is 52 lbs and came to us as an owner-surrender. He has the MOST love to give, loves walks, snuggles and just being next to you! He’s an active young boy who really needs out of boarding. He can live with kids + other dogs, unsure of cats. Please email us if you would like to meet Honcho! Y Honcho
Animal Network adoptanimalnetwork@gmail.com www.AnimalNetwork.net
Belle is a 12 yr-old mare. She is a friendly, greet-you-at-gate horse who loves snuggles and treats. Due to an old break in her right front, Belle Belle is available as a Photo courtesy of Jillian Adams companion horse only. She is a true beauty with a zest for life and enjoys running and trotting when turned out. UTD on feet/vax. Adoption fee: $300
Local Equine Assistance Network For more info: www.leanhorses.org/horse/belle
Chikilito is a snuggly sweetheart who loves treats, knows sit and down, and walks well on a leash. He enjoys his walks but is meant for the couch potato life. Adopt Chikilito today! Y