Time with Animals
To me, animals are one of life’s greatest joys. I love all aspects of interacting with animals: have a pet, going to the zoo, seeing animals in wild in nature, etc. Animals are seemingly unencumbered by jobs, anxiety, and depression. They live in the moment and interact authentically with their surroundings. They are never judging you or themselves. They are fulfilling their purpose by existing. I wonder if they feel free because they don’t have alarm clocks, bosses, and critical family members?
My favorite animals are my pets. I currently have a pet cat named Jackie. An article by Harvard Medical School affirms that “pets provide us with a sense of belonging, connection, and contentment for which we all long.” Before Jackie, I had weenie dogs, for which I still harbor much affection.
In additional to emotional support, pets offer actual medically proven positive health outcomes. Affection to and from pets causes the brain to release oxytocin, a “love chemical” that promotes bonding, reduced stress, and feeling safe. A 2022 study asserted that pet owners could focus better, remember more accurately, and understand information more quickly than non-pet owners. Fascinating! Dogs specifically can lower your body’s stress response, causing a positive impact on blood pressure and triglycerides. Researchers in Japan found that dog-assisted therapy programs reduced levels of the stress hormone cortisol.
Before you get a pet, please analyze your life to make sure this is the right decision for you. Pets with health problems have extremely high vet bills. Some people underestimate the energy and time needed to train and care for animals in the home so that they thrive.
Pets aren’t the only way to interact with animals. Visit them at the zoo or your local wildlife rescue/rehabilitation center. Volunteer at an animal shelter to get the brain boost of animals cuddles AND helping the community. I would love to see more wildlife by spending time on trails and hiking in dense National and State Parks.
Goats at Providence Hill Farm in Atchison, KS. Check it out - they have great animal encounter options: https://www.providencehillfarm.net/
Rehabilitated Possum at the Prairie Park Nature Center in Kansas. So cute!
Badass giant praying mantis outside my house last year!