My Guide to Pets

I think that one of the best parts of my life is my pet dog Zeus. My family got Zeus in March of 2018, we just recently celebrated his 2^nd birthday. Zeus enjoys playing with his toys, especially his toy bear. He also enjoys eating paper, kicking everyone off my couch, and most importantly scaring off all the birds in the yard by barking and chasing them. But besides all that, he is a great source of comfort and provides lots of laughs to for everyone around him.

Pets are incredible companions to have as they help us in a multitude of ways without even realising it. Having a pet can help alleviate anxiety as their interactions trigger the release of the happy hormones in the brain, such as serotonin and dopamine. I have personally found that Zeus is such a good stress reliever and can instantly calm me down. 

Despite allergies and sensitivities to typical pets like cats and dogs, people can still have pets. Reptiles are great as they can live in a cage, you can even hold them or let them roam around… depending on size of course. Birds are another great option because you can teach them tricks and similarly to reptiles they can be in a cage or roam around freely. Fish are the best pet for busy people or those without lots of yard space, they really are great swimmers… so they should be! Additionally, watching a fish swim can decrease muscle tension and stress levels (1). This is only listing a few alternatives for those out there who can’t have a cat or a dog.

There are many factors that you must consider when making the decision to include a pet into your life. The amount of time you have to give is a huge factor as pets like cats and dogs need training and lots of attention, whereas a fish is mostly self-sufficient. Another factor to consider is money, not only is there the initial cost but also ongoing costs for food, training, vet bills – the routine AND the unexpected! And of course, toys and some stylish accessories and collars. Pets can also smell which is something important to take into consideration if you’re getting an indoor pet – consider the time or cost to keep their space and yours clean as well as bath times. As well as the smell you will also need to consider the space available, if you are getting an outdoor pet like a dog then it will need enough space to roam and run around.

For some it may not be realistic to have your own pet, but there are ways around this. Did you know you can also volunteer at animal shelters, there are so many shelters and animal rescue organisations where you can get your animal fix with not just dogs or cats but also other animals like horses, cows, pigs, birds and more! Other alternate options are things like becoming a dog walker, which is awesome if you like your exercise and even earn some extra cash … win-win right!? Pet sitting is also on the rise as it’s a great way to have a pet in your life for multiple days at a time. Although if having a pet for long periods isn’t suitable for you, hiring a pet is also an option as you can instead spend time with a furry friend for just a few hours. 

I may be biased because of the love I have for my dog Zeus, but I think that having a pet in your life is so important. They can have such a positive impact on everyone around them, pets are awesome anxiety and stress relievers. Every animal is different just like every human is different, so it goes without saying that certain people will click with different animals. I didn’t realise until I did some research of my own that there were so many different ways to include a pet into your life. If a furry (or feathery/ scaly/ otherwise) friend is missing in your life, think about what might work best for you and give it a try!

 

Love Jamie xx

 

1.       Robinson, L. (2020, September). The Health and Mood-Boosting Benefits of Pets. HelpGuide.Org. https://www.helpguide.org/articles/mental-health/mood-boosting-power-of-dogs.htm