by Carol Gioia

Created on: February 14, 2010

Acquiring a pet can be a mood-enhancing gift to yourself. If you live alone, a pet can be a trusted, loyal companion, keeping you from experiencing loneliness and enriching your life.

If you have a family, you might believe that you are capitulating to the children’s wishes to own a pet and soon discover the animal has become an integral, loving and loved, member of the family, contributing vastly to everyone’s happiness and well-being.

Being a responsible pet owner takes some effort and work, but the benefits of having a pet far outweigh any inconvenience.

Cats and dogs are the usual family pets, but even a bird, goldfish, hamster or other living creature of choice, can provide hours of entertainment and pleasurable distraction.

How your pet can improve your mood:

* Assuages loneliness or depression

You are never alone in the house when you have a pet. Their presence is a source of comfort, which can assuage feelings of loneliness and potential depression. When you come home at the end of the day, you can be assured of a happy, welcoming greeting.

You could potentially find yourself talking to your pet when there is no one else around. You can vent to your pet without recrimination or judgment.

* Provides opportunity for exercise

Your pet might get you up off the couch and out into the fresh air. When you have the daily habit of walking the dog, you are also developing a healthy fitness habit for your own well-being. After a brisk walk, you mood will be elevated and your thinking clear.

You could potentially interact with other pet-owners or your neighbors and so your pet can add a positive dimension to your social life.

* Gives unconditional love

A pet demands nothing from you but your love and attention. You don’t have to live up to any standard, you will not be judged or reprimanded; being there to receive his unconditional love is all your pet requires from you. His loyalty and devotion will not wane. When you have a pet, you are needed and wanted all the time. Taking care of your pet provides the opportunity to lose self-absorption, be responsible and focus on the needs of another living creature, which can potentially enhances your self-esteem.

* Encourages a sense of security

Pets, in particular dogs and cats, have a heightened sense of awareness and keen hearing, which enables them to discern when something different from the norm is occurring. Your sense of safety will be intensified when you have a pet to warn you of potential danger. You are less apt to be approached by strangers when you have a dog on a leash by your side, and intruders will seldom risk bothering with a residence where a barking dog is present.

* Amuses

Any type of pet can provide hours of entertainment. Just sitting and observing your pet at play is an enjoyable pastime. Watching your cat chase a ball of yarn, or interacting with your dog in a game of catch, will make you laugh and lift your mood. Animals have distinct personalities. Learning the particular habits and quirks of your pet can be amusing, and observing the way your pet adapts to your habits and quirks is equally fascinating.

When you feel alone and dejected, turn your attention to your pet and stroke his fur. He will undoubtedly lick your hand in appreciation and suddenly you will feel appreciated, loved and your mood will be noticeably elevated.

"Animals are such agreeable friends - they ask no questions, they pass no criticisms."  (George Eliot)

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