May 14, 2001 07:37 AM
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Pets have the healing power . Pet therapists have found out this after researching the therapeutic value of pets in our society . They say pets truly have the power to heal their owners, especially the elderly .
For the old people , the most serious disease they dread is not cancer or heart disease! It is loneliness. Other than old people, people who live alone also face loneliness . The only medicine to cure loneliness is, 'Love' and pets are one of nature's best sources of love and affection.
An animal's unconditional love has the ability to enrich our lives, decrease stress and relax us . They take your mind off your loneliness. They make you laugh and offer a sense of security . They lower the stress levels . They give a reason to play . They encourage exercise and broaden your circle of acquaintances. They provide social interaction! I have seen dog walkers, who may be total strangers stopping and chatting!
If any of you own a pet, you can recall coming home from a frustrating day at work, and being greeted at the door by an energetic dog or a playful cat! All of the day's tension slowly melts away, as you begin to gently stroke your loving companion. You may not realize it, but your pet's stress -busting power can have a positive effect on your physical health and mental well being.
Other than adults, children are also able to communicate with animals. Especially, for a child with emotional problems, a pet offers a safe place. Pets give them unconditional love . Even for children suffering from depression, pets seemed to bring some relief. I have heard of children in hospitals and their behavior after seeing and touching a pet . Pets brought them a sense of normalcy and security . It is easier for a child to share feelings with a pet than a human .
In North America, people have dogs, cats, fish, birds, reptiles, rabbits, guinea pigs, goats and horses as their pets. Cats and dogs are the most common among them.
Studies have proved that pets have a mysterious ability to heal emotional and physical ailments. I know this is true from my own experience with our pet .
Our pet is a female cat, and her name is Kitty. She is like my own child. She has been living with us for the past 13 years. She's been through a lot with me . The Gulf war for one . When we heard the sirens warning us of scud missile attacks in Dhahran, Kitty joined us in the shelter of our bedroom. Those were days of nightmare, when bombs kept coming, shattering the glass windows and doors of our house. Kitty kept her cool during those fearful days and helped us keep calm.
When we left Saudi Arabia for good, Kitty also flew with us to Canada. It was helpful to see her adjust so well to the new surroundings and climate here in Newfoundland. Kitty and I saw the first snowfall together. She's so clever! When my husband lights the woodstove, Kitty is the first to appear .Sensing the heat or smelling the woodsmoke seems to cue her to the comfort she loves!
Watching Kitty adapt to her new home has helped me adapt! Here there seems to be pets in almost every household and I realize Newfoundlanders understand the value of pets!
Pets have the power to heal their owners . I feel this is very true! When I hold Kitty in my arms, I feel a tremendous sense of relief especially during stressful times. I don't feel lonely when I have her by my side .She makes me laugh .the way she runs to hide, when guests arrive! She is shy .
My husband also relaxes in Kitty's company and she keeps his blood pressure down. We both miss our children who are living in different places due to their studies. Kitty fills some of the emptiness we feel.She gives emotional support in times of pain and stress .
Everything is hers! There is an English proverb which says, 'In a cat's eye, all things belong to cats.' This is very true; in our house, everything is hers. She plays with things she likes, knocks everything down, kicks litter out of the box and pulls doors open.
She is allergic to guests. When she hears the door bell ringing, she finds a place to hide immediately and reappears the next minute after the guests leave. Amazing, isn't it? My son, who is studying in New Brunswick, reminds me in his e-mails to feed her well before the guests arrive.
Kitty reflects the love and harmony she sees around her and radiates it back to me and my family . Undoubtedly, she is the bond that glues our family together, with her unconditional love and we are very grateful to God for the gift of such a wonderful pet as Kitty.
According to Albert Schweitzer, 'There are two means of refuge from the miseries of life. They are music and cats.'
I totally agree with him.
Hope I have convinced you enough with my own experience with Kitty .
Owning a pet is a wonderful experience, but a big responsibility! The benefit to one's health and longivity is immeasurable and should far outweigh the cost required to maintain the good health of an animal companion. Whatever your age, taking care of a pet has tremendous physical and emotional bebefits. And remember, your life span may depend on it!
