How Pets Make Our Lives Better

Thousands of pets are euthanized every year because shelters simply do not have the capacity to look after them. Despite the many shelters nationwide, they struggle to re-home animals.

But there is something we can do about it. Adopting an animal will not only give a pet a new lease on life, but also change the lives of those who decide to save one.

Six Ways A Pet Can Change Your Life Forever

1. Pets Save You Right Back.
   Maybe not in the Lassie kind of way, but in the emotional kind. As someone who struggles with anxiety, I can tell you first hand that my cat Sphinx is my personal therapist. While I strongly suggest going to a real doctor for help, animals seem to almost have healing powers when it comes to making you feel a little bit human again.The internet is full of viral videos and stories of pets who support their owners through Asperger’s attacks, breakdowns and depression. Sometimes just having someone there who can’t talk to you through words but who will be there for you can be very healing.
2. Pets Provide Unconditional Love.
   Love comes in different forms and the love you receive from your pet is unconditional. They do not care if you are having a bad hair day or showing signs of aging. They might not be there for the rest of your life, but they will forever leave a mark on your heart.
3. Pets Are Furry, Hairy, Feathery Teachers.
   Pets teach us many lessons, including responsibility and compassion. They can also show us how to live in the moment, how to overcome anger, how to play, how to be loyal, and how to love openly and fully. Ultimately, these lessons help us to be better people.
4. Pets Help Us Meet New People.
   Walking your dog, or taking them to a park is a great way to strike up conversations with other people. I walk shelter dogs sometimes and when I take them to the dog park, I often end up chatting with the other dog owners. Plus, I get to play with their dogs too, which is always a bonus! Even ‘stay at home’ pets can help your social life. Having a pet is a great ice-breaker and who doesn’t love looking at animal photos!
5. Pets Encourage Us To Go Boldly Into Adventure.
   Pets are magnets for adventures, big and small. Imagine all the fun things you can do with your new furry friend from the shelter. Camping, hiking, dog beaches, or simply going to your local café can be exciting.
6. Pets Help Us Get a Beach Body Without a Gym.
   Pets keep you active. Whether it’s a morning or an afternoon walk, or simply getting up to feed them, groom them or clean their habitat, having a pet can improve your health. Even Goldie the goldfish can encourage you to get off the couch to feed him!

While we can’t save all the animals, I’d really encourage you to save one. That one animal is going to experience all the love you can give, and it will give it back a hundred times. You can change their life and they can change yours as well.

Of course before you adopt your new friend, you must be in this for the remainder of their life. Pets are not just there for when they are young and cute, or when they are healthy and easy to deal with. They are family, and you stick by your family no matter what.

Read another perspective on how pets can improve your life from the Huffington Post.

Adopting a Pet in Sonoma County?

Paradise Pet Resorts is always on the lookout for loving homes for pets. Sometimes they are pets in our care, and sometimes we work with local pet adoption agencies like the Sonoma Humane Society. Talk to us about what pet would be best for you, and we can help you find the right one. Find Paradise Pet Resorts contact information here.