Pets, animals that love you for being in their presence, taking care of them, taking the responsibility of life in your hands, man’s best friend. These are all factors that make humans love them so much. There are many animals that are kept as pets from common ones such as cats and dogs to more exotic pets such as spiders, insects, and lizards. There are farm animals such as pigs and chickens, etc. There are many options and resources to help take care of your animal. This includes books, calling a vet or animal shelter, or even using a quick Google search.
This leads to the question, do animals really help with our mental state?
When asked what the relationship Aiko Agudo has with her pets she states she has one dog but is currently fostering a mother dog along with her three puppies. She then tells me that having the dogs by her side motivates her and her family to work harder in school and work settings to support their dogs. Aidan Co, an owner of three dogs, responds in a similar manner.
“I care for them a lot and I really do love them as they are my pets and they always bring me joy,” Co said. He goes on to say that whenever he is feeling down his dogs comfort him which makes him strive as a pet owner and motivates him to be a better person.
A cat owner, Ronney Chan (three cats he calls roommates) finds comfort in hugging and being with them. Sure Chan takes care of them, but he also gets a few things in return. Many studies have shown that growing up with a pet leads to a compassionate and responsible adult.
“A good relationship with a pet can also help in developing non-verbal communication, compassion, and empathy” the American Academy of Child Adolescent Psychiatry states. Pets teach children and teens many valuable lessons such as accidents, death, connection to nature, and respect for living things.
With this information, there seem to be many developmental benefits to people who grew up with or have animals. 69% have experienced positive effects which include: companionship, unconditional love and support, and the reduction of depression and stress. While the other 31% report little to no positive effect.
I have collected data from a few freshmen, sophomores, and juniors. I asked if they feel their pets help them be motivated and reduce their stress. The pet owners were untroubled by me and without asking, told me their animals’ names and species. These young pet owners have much pride in their companions whether that is a dog, cat, bird, and even a hamster. Out of the twenty-six people, the majority state that their pet has heavy influence on their will to improve as better people, and having them by their side eases their anxiety.
