FA M I LY
Happiness in a Furball By Abigail Baker
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ith a woof woof here and a meow meow there, here’s a cluck, there’s a squeak, everywhere a hiss hiss… With furry fellas, feathery friends, and scaly sidekicks, the world seems to be overflowing with pet love, and there are many (great) reasons for it. As a pet owner myself, I can think of few things that bring me greater joy than spending time with my furry friends. They were my constant companions throughout lockdown, and their presence continues to comfort and inspire as I start to put myself out into the world again. I am certainly not alone in this. Around 70% of all households include a pet, and there is mounting scientific evidence that there are mental and even physical benefits to pet ownership.
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Taking care of a pet is the purrfect way to boost mood, elevate levels of serotonin and dopamine, and prevent the symptoms of mental illness that can make it feel as if one is trudging through a muddy swamp of emotions. Pets offer a sense of purpose and validation, as they rely on us to take care of them. Although not always in the most obvious ways (I’m looking at you, cats) - they are generally happy to see us. From giving them a well-deserved stroke - which can soothe us and decrease our cortisol and blood pressure levels - to enjoying their non-verbal cues of affection - it’s hard to argue the fact that time spent with our pets adds a dash of sunshine to daily life.
