by Taetske | 2:25 pm
(Last Updated On: May 5, 2023)

 

Have you ever thought of having a pet in your life?

 

Big Dog and Woman sitting side by side

Big Dog and Woman sitting side-by-side image Sven Lachmann

 

Having a companion, a cat, dog or other animals can warm your heart and help you to not feel lonely. There is now scientific evidence that it is good for you to have fur friends. Often they will show more loyalty than humans.

I remember in 1982, when my fiance died I would return home after my day’s work as a tourist guide and would find my house dark, cold and empty. It was a really tough time. The closest neighbor, being 250 meters away, made it feel more lonely still.

Luckily, I would always be greeted by my dear animals. At that time, I had quite a few cats and a couple of dogs. They would come and greet me, and with their help, I would overcome my sorrow.

A great YouTube video explaining how it all happened.

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How wild animals became domesticated

Approximately 40.000 years ago, an important shift in evolution occurred. Animal behaviorists and archaeologists say there was a transition from wild animals to semi-domesticated animals. Sheep and goats became domesticated around 11.000 years ago.

Humans welcomed cats when agriculture started around 7000 B.C. Probably because of having grain harvests that attracted mice. You can understand wild cats would not mind having such an easy food source available. Humans profited from it too to have these able hunters keeping the mice at bay.

Dogs would help with hunting and serve as watchdogs warning of coming danger. In Germany, there is a burial site in Bonn-Oberkassel where it was discovered that humans and dogs were buried together 14.000 years ago. They probably were domesticated  gray wolves. Finding a lonely cub might have been the first connection, to then over time, evolve into a distinct species.

Over thousands of years, the bond between humans and animals became stronger. This working relationship was not the only benefit each side had, but a friendship was cultivated. When you ask a dog or cat owner if they would want to miss out on this friendship, they will all tell you no.

 

My best Friend

My best Friend image StockSnap

 

Many touching stories from all over the world

You will probably have heard about this Akito dog with the name Hachiko. He became the loyal pet in 1924 of professor Ueno and would wait at the train station for his human to come back from work. The professor worked at Tokyo Imperial University.

On May 21 of 1925, the professor suffered a cerebral hemorrhage and did not come home. Until 8 March 1935, his faithful dog Hachiko would go every day to the station and wait for the professor.

 

Some famous cats

The following website will delight all cat lovers. Cats in History. There are many stories about our feline friends.

I lived in Torremolinos and met Rabbe, a Finnish sculpturer. In his garden, which was next to the famous tower of Torremolinos, he had some amazing looking cats that also lived there. They were a crossbred between Siamese and normal street cat. You should have seen their tails, some had tails like a corkscrew.

A YouTube video explaining the health benefits of having a pet.

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Health benefits of having a pet

They have scientifically proven that having a pet is good for your health. It has a positive influence on your blood pressure and your cholesterol levels. As your dog takes you on regular walks, it is good for both of you. Getting out of the house for some fresh air and sunshine is beneficial.

Are you often sick? Then it might be time to get a pet. It will strengthen your immune system, which is quite amazing. Pets expose us to new germs and we learn how to fight that and strengthen our immune system.

Cats and dogs will save you from depression as they make you live a routine. You cannot let yourself go. Those enormous eyes demanding food, care and attention will keep you busy so no time for getting depressed.

Your children should grow up in the company of pets. They will develop empathy and learn to care for living beings. Often children with pets develop an understanding which grown-ups might lack.

Gentlemen, it is a good idea to have a pet. Why? A poll has shown that 82% of women are more attracted to men with pets. Probably the thought is, if he is nice to his pet he is a wonderful human. They have proven that walking a dog in the park makes you rather successful, 3 times more likely she will give you her telephone number.

I am sure science will discover more reasons in the future why it is good to have a pet. It is known already that you will be less prone to allergies. You might live a little longer. Get a better night’s sleep and you have less stress which makes you happier.

 

Lovely Ginger Cat

Lovely Ginger Cat image Eugin Akyurt

 

Your responsibility towards your pet

Having a pet you will probably soon realize you have an enormous responsibility towards this loving soul. I use the word love because in my life I have experienced the love given to me by many pets. Some of them only stayed for a short while, and others shared my life for many years.

The relationship between pets and humans has grown over many thousands of years. In those past times, our animals would eat hunted food. Bones, skin, organs, all included. They were carnivores, and this fresh meat was good for their gut. It would keep their microbiome healthy.

They would not eat grains, so one wonders why there is so much grain in pet food. Very simple, it is cheap. I would compare it to fast food for humans. Easy to get, quite tasty, and bad for your and their health.

In the old times, I would have a big group of cats and some dogs living on my farm. I used to go to a small butcher shop in the village and would buy a big bag of leftovers. I would cook this with different vegetables and some rice. They would all love their breakfast. Now I only have 3 cats and I do not cook anymore.

They get a breakfast of some dry food but during the night they are on the move experiencing happy hunting hours. Sometimes you might be surprised by a present. A mouse or lizard, hopefully not wiggling anymore.

Some years ago they surprised me with an enormous gift in front of the patio door. A beautiful big wild duck. I do not know who gave me that present, and I felt sorry for the duck, but a present is a present. I buried the duck in the garden.

 

Small Girl with Cat

Small Girl with Cat image Ludmila Kot

 

Conclusion

When a pet starts forming part of your family, you are responsible for its well-being. A yearly checkup with the vet and injection according to its passport. If you go on a trip or holiday and your pet cannot come along, try to get a pet sitter. Some animals are not happy to spend time in a kennel but then I also know of pets who consider it a holiday.

In case your animals cannot roam freely outside, one should make life interesting. You have to come up with a training program where their intelligence is asked for, while in the meantime some movement is involved. Your pet will be happy and tired.

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Before you leave, you might like to visit Recommendations. It is a special page I have made for you with a collection of things I hope you find interesting.

 

Source: Well.org

Photo Source: Pixabay

 

You might like to read this post on why Frontline is bad for your pets.

BEWARE OF FRONTLINE ! Your pets are in serious danger.

 

Comments

Joy gateru

Wow! What a great article, I always stop and concentrate on posts related to pets. Personally I have a cat as my pet, I think and consider her as a human. My cat is always soothing and always makes me feel more strong when it’s around me,.

I truly agree that pets can take over space that someone had occupied in our life. So sorry to hear about the loss of your lover but I hope you are well with a  current companion. Thank you for sharing such an informative post, I will have to subscribe to your newsfeed to learn more about this and other related articles.

Thank you.

Nov 17.2019 | 08:09 pm

    Taetske

    Good Morning Joy,

    Thank you for visiting my website and leaving a comment. I hope you downloaded your free PDF? Tulip widget.

    Nice to hear you liked my article. Having a pet in your life is important and can be of big help in sad and worrying times. When writing for my websites I have the company of little Jasmin who helps me with the job.

    Regards, Taetske

    Nov 18.2019 | 07:49 am

Pamela Arsena

Having a pet is both a beautiful and healthy experience to have.  We recently rescued a bulldog named Ginger who spent half a year in a kill shelter.  We adopted her one day prior to her day to be killed and she has been the best dog in the world It is hard to say who rescued who as she has given us so much.  With that being said I really enjoyed reading this and resonated with it completely. 

Nov 17.2019 | 08:10 pm

    Taetske

    Good Morning Pamela,

    Rescued animals are the best. Here on the farm they just walked in or I would find them somewhere. Also over the many years here there were quite a few babies. All in all lovely memories with sad experiences mixed in.

    When I write my new calendar I put birthdays and the days when people had to leave. I also write the names of my pets. When one gets older there sadly are a lot of little crosses but that is life.

    Thank you for your comment. I hope you downloaded your free PDF? Tulip widget.

    Regards, Taetske

    Nov 18.2019 | 07:57 am

Michel

Pets are a part of most people’s lives and everyone has their preferences. For me it is birds, but dogs are a close second due to their loyalty and love that they show you. 

I can well see how pets have health benefits as patting or cuddling a pet definitely relieves stress and makes one feel comforted and at peace. We as humans just have to remember to care well for our animals and spend time with them each day. 

Nov 17.2019 | 08:15 pm

    Taetske

    Good Morning Michel,

    Thank you for stopping by and leaving a comment. I hope you downloaded your free PDF? Tulip widget

    Yes, we have to take good care of our pets. Lately one hears a lot about laws being changed and allowing animals more rights. I am happy about that as we should realize they have feelings the same as we do.

    Regards, Taetske

    Nov 18.2019 | 08:09 am

Antonio

Hi Taetske

I could not agree with you more, as animals can  bring so much health benefits to you and your family. It can teach children about responsibility from an early age and that is a good thing. The way dogs and cats can reduce stress by simply stroking them is amazing. You can tell when they return the love you give them back many fold. I always love cats as I can play with them for hours on end.

The only drawback is if you have a child who is allergic, as keeping pets can become difficult. I know this very well.

This is an interesting article and science will come up with more beneficial aspects of having pets.

Thanks

Antonio

Nov 17.2019 | 08:24 pm

    Taetske

    Good Morning Antonio,

    Thank you for your comment. Nice to see you again.

    Michael is also allergic to cats but he has one. In his case, the joy overcomes the inconvenience.

    I grew up with cats and dogs. I have been living on my farm now since 1981 so many animals have shared my life. As I said in my article they have helped me to come through bad times, they were and are an important part of my life.

    Regards, Taetske

    Nov 18.2019 | 12:50 pm

Claude Langlais

Hello Taetske.

I just love the subject of your article. 

I personally have a Labrador and a cat and I am very happy. My animals bring me love and affection that can not be brought by other sources.

 I think my dog knows the time because according to what my wife tells me he is at the door a few minutes before I come back from work and he has been doing this for the last 12 years. 

His age is my only fear, 12 years for a Labrador it’s getting old. I try to appreciate it as much as possible for the time remaining.

During my life I had several dogs and cats and it has always been very difficult to say goodbye.

Nov 17.2019 | 08:37 pm

    Taetske

    Good Morning Claude,

    I know, it is very sad to have to say goodbye. My dear Cindy, such a kind Rottweiler Lady, had to leave last year June and I am still not over it. She loved the abandoned baby cats which I would adopt to bits. 

    My calendar for birthdays and when people leave also shows pet birthdays and departures. My calendar is full of little crosses but that is normal when one gets older.

    The fact is I would not want to live without some fur babies, they form part of my life for as long as I remember.

    Thank you for visiting and leaving a comment. I hope you downloaded your free PDF? Tulip widget.

    Regards, Taetske

    Nov 18.2019 | 12:44 pm

Cathy

I learned during my marriage (now divorced) that a man who hates cats and mistreats them is a very unpleasant person. I have a cat now and he is much cuter and more pleasant than my ex. I wouldn’t sell him for $1,000,000!

Dec 13.2019 | 04:39 pm

    Taetske

    Good afternoon Cathy,

    Thank you for your comment on my website. I hope you downloaded your free PDF? Tulip widget.

    Sorry, your comment made me smile. I can follow you very well as I also have an ex who did not live up to my expectations. Cats are often a lot nicer than humans.

    At the moment I share my life with Michael who emigrated with his cat from the U.S. to Spain in 2016. As he is a cat lover too he passed the inspection.

    Regards, Taetske

    Dec 13.2019 | 04:49 pm

Jessie

Thank you so much for this article about having a pet and how it can be good for your health. This is something that I have learned from my own life, and from psychology. It is interesting to see how different chemicals react in our brains when we have a pet around. It is different that when we have even our loved ones around. It seems that the love for a pet is different and deeper than we realize.

Apr 11.2021 | 06:40 am

    Taetske

    Good afternoon Jessie,

    So true that the love for a pet is unique. I remember all my fur friends I shared my life with. I also miss them dearly. 2020 was an awful year and so many people were alone because of restrictions. I am sure that those people who could share this loneliness with a pet were much better off.

    Thank you for your comment. I hope you downloaded your free PDF? Tulip widget.

    Regards, Taetske

    Apr 11.2021 | 04:26 pm

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