by Karla Osbeck

Created on: July 25, 2009

How many times have you heard about an animal making a person feel better about themselves? It is amazing how the simple act of cuddling with your cat or petting your dog on the head while he's laying next to you can make your spirits soar. I'm not saying that dogs and cats, or any pet for that matter will make your problems go away, or will bring about solutions that you couldn't have reached another way; but regardless if you are an animal lover or not, once you own a pet, a connection forms that nobody can deny.

It has been thoroughly researched and although I resist saying it has been "proved" since in the scientific industry that is a very strong word, it has been seen for a long time that animals form bonds with their humans that go beyond what you and I might comprehend. These bonds can tell an animal or pet when it's human is angry, or sad or depressed or in trouble.

Dogs for example were first domesticated, it is thought, to help humans hunt and for protection against other animals and possibly as an early warning system or alarm against predators and enemies. The symbiotic relationship that has existed for centuries between dogs and humans goes beyond the surface benefits they get from each other. Any dog owner can enumerate benefits that go beyond just those of feeling safe and protected when their canine companion is around. A dog can provide companionship, trust and loyalty: qualities that are sometimes not found in all of our human relationships.

Psychologically it has also been noted that sometimes the best help a person that has been abused or mistreated can receive is to allow them to help others. There are numerous sanctuaries around the world where abused and displaced children go to help out animals that have also been abused. There is something innate and primal about taking care of something that can't take care of itself. The programs some cities have to help the elderly and to help the sick and convalescent in hospitals also prove the worth of an animal companion. These people usually don't have the opportunity to bond with the animals that help them over long periods of time and yet the help they receive is immense. Imagine how much more so it would be if this companion was with you full-time?

Cats are another great example of ancient domestication that has proved to be mutually beneficial. Although cats are seen as more independent than dogs, they also form intense bonds with their humans. Many of the shows about animals that have

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>