The Power of Pets By Maggie Allen
In times of stress and sadness, what cheers people up? It can be hard to pull yourself out of a funk, but if the view counts on YouTube are anything to go by, watching pets is a good place to start. It’s a known fact that animals can make us smile, but many people don’t realize that there are health benefits to keeping them as well. According to the CDC, people who own pets tend to have decreased blood pressure, cholesterol, and feelings of loneliness, but report increased opportunities for exercise, outdoor activities, and socialization. This has been shown across many demographics, but especially those who are older, more isolated, or struggling with mental health. Bonding with an animal can also offer a greater sense of purpose, because even the most well-behaved pets need a lot of care and attention. Pets of all kinds are waiting in shelters or foster homes, all vying against each other for the chance to be adopted into a loving home. I have adopted two skittish cats from shelters in my area, because their shyness was making it harder for them to be noticed. I had the feeling that their true personalities would shine through in time, with their own space to feel comfortable and safe. Seeing them warm up to me since then has been so rewarding. One of them has even proven to be a serial cuddler, something I never knew a cat could actually enjoy. Pets provide a sense of unconditional love and support that might feel lacking in other relationships, but that doesn’t mean that it doesn’t have to be earned. Like people, some animals had rough starts in life, being abandoned, neglected, or mistreated. Forming a connection might be gradual, way slower than you would like. But giving them another chance can be rehabilitative for more than just the pet. Prison programs are a great example. The Florida Department of Corrections is utilizing a Teaching Animals and Inmates Life Skills (TAILS) program, pairing at-risk dogs with institutionalized men. Most of these dogs were seized from dog-fighting, abusive or hoarding environments, or were otherwise awaiting euthanasia. Both the dogs and prisoners are screened for serious behavioral problems or offenses before they can enter the
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