Pets as Comfort in Life
Pets are a great source of comfort to many baby boomers these days. Pets have always been a source of comfort to people, but as you age, they help to fill many gaps.
The benefits of living with pets are many. Here we will discuss only a short list. Please feel free to share how your pets help you in everyday life.
Pets Help to Ease Loneliness
If you’re alone, having a living, breathing companion in the house is comforting. Someone to take care of, someone to walk, nurture and feed. They’re a constant companion and a good one. Dogs will follow you from room to room. Just knowing they’re there is comforting.
I talk to my dogs, and they understand. Some people may think it’s crazy; I don’t think so. Dogs truly understand their owners. They get it. If you’re paying attention, you will see it in their eyes.
They Give You Reason to Move
Dogs give people a reason to get up in the morning. You must walk the dog. You must get up, get dressed and take them out. It also gets you out of the house where you will likely meet other dogs and pet parents. It’s fresh air and exercise for both of you and maybe even some socialization with neighborhood people and their pets.
They Give Us Comfort
Pets offer us a sense of solace and calm when the going gets rough. Our pets have an innate ability to understand and sense our moods.
If you’re feeling down or you’re sick, they understand. They will stick by your side until you’re well, helping to comfort you along the way. They just want to please. They’ll sleep with you and watch out for you.
Taking the Stress Away
If you are anxious, they will calm you. Stoking the fur of a beloved cat or dog or whatever animal is calming in and of itself. It has been proven that animals help to reduce blood pressure, anxiety and even depression in humans. For a depressed person, having an animal takes away feelings of being alone, because they are not alone. These are emotional support animals, and they can be a lifesaver for some people.
Practical Helpers
There are also specially trained dogs who are trained to perform specific tasks. They can be taught to alert us to seizures, turn lights on and off and even take clothes out of the dryer. These are true service dogs trained to help the disabled, and they do a wonderful job of it. Service dogs are not emotional support animals.
A Loving Companion
Pets offer unconditional love. They want nothing from us but to be loved.
The positives of what having a pet can do for humans is nothing short of amazing. How often have we seen a dog go in to save a family after they suffer a terrible loss, yet the family feels they saved the dog. In truth, they saved each other.
Pets have been wonderful companions throughout my life. Each one was special in their own way. I know I will always have a dog or two. It is my hope that people who have found solace and gratification in having a pet for the first time will continue to do so for many years to come. We depend on our pets, and they depend on us.
“Until one has loved an animal, a part of one’s soul remains unawakened.”
― Anatole France
Let’s Have a Conversation:
Are your pets comforting to you? What are your day-to-day interactions? How do you benefit each other? As pet lovers, I’d like to think so. If you’d like to have a conversation, let’s talk about it!!!
I had two female dogs…living with me for almost 15 years…when jeanie died…katy could not go on living for she missed her so much. She passed away less than 6 months after….I was devastated….losing 2 within 6 months…I live alone…they were my family….I have not had the courage to get another….I totally agree with the article…but there are health factors…financial factors etc that must also fit into the equation. I seem to always be ‘sitting in the fence’….a very difficult place to be:(
I’m so sorry for your losses, Martie. Two within such a short time must have been really hard. Only you will know when or if the time is right. One of the other ladies mentioned a rescue where you foster the animals and they pay for everything. The only thing is you have to be able to part with them when the time comes. But then you get to do it all over again. Be well and take care.
I don’t know who rescued who?? After moving to a new state I realized how much I missed having a dog. I finally rescued a dog, something I had never done before. He’s a schnauzer and very talkative n very head strong kinda talks back when he doesn’t get his way lol. I’m so glad I found him. However with a pet comes alot of responsibility and care. I can’t always go wherever I want as I have to make sure he’s taken care of. However to me it’s all worth it!! He gets me up and walking twice a day. He’s brought so much happiness to my life.
You rescued each other, Kathy. And isn’t that wonderful! I have two dogs who are also bossy. My friend is always saying, who’s the boss? lol. I think it’s wonderful he gets you up and walking twice a day and brings you so much happiness. Isn’t that great!! And you bring him just as much happiness!
I have had dogs and or cats my whole life. Sometimes I like them more than people. My cats have lived the longest….Princess 18 years before she passed. Toby is now 15 and still going strong even if a bit slower. I’ll never be without a pet. They have seen me through divorce, loss of a daughter and cancer.
I can understand that, Judy. You know what they say, if an animal doesn’t trust a person, watch out. I believe there’s a lot of truth in that. Your pets have seen you through a lot. Bless you. You are a strong woman. I’m glad you have them.
My beagle/walker hound is a blessing. He is the bestest boy ever and still going strong at age 11. I often ponder what life will be like after he’s gone and if at at 71 I’ll be able to care for another dog or a cat in a few years. I’m praying so! The more we age, the more we need a trusty pet companion beside us.
So am I, Kris! I agree with you, we need them and they need us.
I’ve always had a dog or two all my life, lately I’ve had a shelter dog or a dog needing to be rehomed. It appears I’m saving them–but they’re saving me even more. Angels without wings, they love, heal us and make us laugh!
Beautifully said and so true, Kat! Thank you!