Inspiration | Animals | Benefits of Pets
This Is Why Animals Are Great for Your Health
They don’t even have to be yours for you to benefit
“Animals are such agreeable friends. They ask no questions; they pass no criticisms.”
— George Eliot
Hello, beloved readers and writers!
Another week has flown past and we’re nearing the end of the first month of 2022 already. I don’t know about you but I feel like I should be seat-belted into my desk chair while white-knuckling my grip on its arms and screaming, “SLO-O-O-O-OW DOWN!!!”
I can already see Dec. 31 looming. Oy vey. 🙄🤦🏻♀️
On the plus side, I can’t wait for my birthday next month! As a numerologist, I work with numbers to help maximise the best energies in my life and minimise the ones that could be challenging. Since my birthday last year, I’ve been in a Personal Year 4…all about lots of hard work and attention to detail (although I have Virgo as my rising sign so I love detail anyway!).
The phrase “working like a dog” comes to mind with Year 4. Bark, bark. Whimper. 😂
I’m excited to start my Year 5 and I can feel that energy beginning already. This is normal, as the energy gradually builds and wanes from one to the next. It’s not a hard start/stop. That would be seriously weird.
The 5 can be restless; its worst enemy is boredom (what the heck is that?). I’m definitely feeling that restlessness now as my Year 5 approaches.
Personal Year 5 is all about change and opportunity. Woohoo to opportunity! And I am seriously ready for a lot of change! A solidly-used, highly-focused Year 4 ought to bring lots of it — and lots of opportunity, as well. And I was definitely squeezing out every drop of that “hard work and focus” energy all year.
The thing is, a Personal Year 5 can bring changes you don’t particularly want. The good news is that they will always be changes you need.
I’m buckling up and ready! Bring it on, Universe!
(Uh-oh, do you suppose I might regret having taunted it that way?!) 😂
Last week, I decided it was time to write about my little buddy, Bob. He was a most unusual rat snake and we had a unique and deeply connected relationship. There was a lot to his story, far more than you could possibly imagine, as those of you who have read it will now know.
I thank all of you for your kind comments about it, about him, and about how some of you are now a lot less frightened of snakes because of all I shared.
Then I saw Trista Signe Ainsworth’s incredible story about some of the animals in her life and her husband’s yesterday. It filled me with joy and made me smile:
On the heels of my story about Bob (and a bit about one of my other snakes, Fluffy, who was one of my boas), it felt like I was being directed to write to you about pets today.
So there’s your theme for this week, my lovelies.
And on that note, let’s dive in!
The Benefits of Having Pets
Any pet lover will extoll the virtues of their “little critters” or their big ones, whether hamster or horse or anything in between. They’ll tell you about the “feel-good” moments and how funny their animals are. And of course, theirs is the best pet that ever drew breath.
That’s all absolutely true and wonderful (yes, there really are an awful lot of “the best pets that ever drew breath” — isn’t it remarkable?)
Along with all of that, there are some actual “proven-with-studies” benefits to having pets! Yes, really! Arm yourself with them, pet-lovers, for all of those people who can’t imagine why on earth you’d want one!
Here are just a few of the proven goodies from having pets:
- Increased physical activity: Depending on what kind of pet you have, it can increase your level of activity. All of us know that’s a good thing, right? No need to elaborate. True, my snakes didn’t exactly get my heart rate up, and they’re so low-maintenance they’re “thisclose” to no-maintenance (which makes snake-keeping a great idea for people who want pets but are super busy with work, family etc.). Dogs need to be walked, even cats can get their owners down on the floor playing with them. And of course horses need a lot of care that requires physical activity. All good to keep your heart in great shape and those joints and muscles working well, too!
- Reduced blood pressure: Studies show that stroking a pet reduces blood pressure, thereby also reducing the possibility of stroke and other cardiovascular issues. Hmm, I did mention that about the snakes…well, the “stroking is lovely and calming” part. They feel so lovely and smooth. And I well remember the deliciousness of kitty cuddles, too. Such a treat to stroke their soft fur.
- Fewer allergies: Although it’s true that some people are allergic to certain animals, studies have shown that children who grow up with pets are less likely to have allergies. How cool is that??
- Dogs detect disease: In recent years, it has been discovered that dogs can sniff out diseases, such as cancer. In 2006, there was a study on five dogs that were trained to detect cancer from breath samples. They detected breast cancer (88% accuracy) and lung cancer (99% accuracy) across all four stages of the disease. A more recent study reveals that with dogs smell receptors being 10,000 times stronger than humans, they could pick out blood samples from cancer patients with 97% accuracy.
- Animal therapy: Cuddling pets and spending time with them produces endorphins, our “happy hormones,” making our animal friends helpful in providing therapy for those in hospitals, hospices, or care homes. They can also become therapy pets for children with learning difficulties, for anyone who needs emotional support, or to bring comfort to terminally ill patients.
- Trusted friends: Pets can become our confidants. We tell them everything. We pour out our hearts to them and they never share a word of it. Nor do they ever judge us or offer criticism.
- Unconditional love: They offer pure, unconditional love, no matter what our flaws or insecurities are, no matter how we dress, no matter how bad our breath smells in the morning (or anytime!). They love us always, no matter what.
- Laughter is the best medicine: Animals can be hilarious. Even my snake, Bob, used to crack me up with his antics (some of which I shared in telling his story).
“Laughter strengthens your immune system, boosts mood, diminishes pain, and protects you from the damaging effects of stress. Nothing works faster or more dependably to bring your mind and body back into balance than a good laugh. Humor lightens your burdens, inspires hope, connects you to others, and keeps you grounded, focused, and alert. It also helps you release anger and forgive sooner.” — helpguide.org
These are only a handful of the benefits of having pets. This week, I invite you to share your stories about pets. They can also be about animals in general, such as Trista’s wonderful story above.
Let’s (re)connect with our critters, current or past, and share their stories here over the next week (and beyond). Heartwarming, endearing, funny, bittersweet, all of it. Are you in?
This week, we are celebrating Hope, Healing and Humour having 92 followers!
And Shorties But Goodies! is up to 136!
Uh-oh. Witchy’s pub is still at 18. She was asking me this morning, “Do they not like me? Is it my breath? Should I offer snacks?”
I tried to assure her that it wasn’t her breath. I don’t think she believed me. As for the snacks…well…I tried to explain, but…🤷🏻♀️
Thank you so much to all of our followers and to those who read and appreciate our beautiful, uplifting, growing community!
Video Chat Just Days Away!
I’m so looking forward to our video call! Thanks so much to those of you who have registered.
If you’re planning on being there, register now before you get busy with something and oops, you miss the boat!
All relevant info is here:
Can’t wait!
Your Beautiful Stories
In response to last week’s multi-idea prompt (based on the story I told), we have these two gorgeous offerings:
Trista Signe Ainsworth has written a lovely story about balancing the bitter and the sweet in life — and includes her stunning photography, too!
Sally Prag offers an emotional, powerful look at growing up with two parents as opposite as the women in last week’s story…
We had plenty of other wonderful stories on a variety of topics, too — as usual!
Danielle Hestand shares a modern take on fountain pens and centuries of quills and ink pots:
…and a sweet story to help you relax…
Christina’s story of surviving all sorts of shocking injuries and health issues is a testament to how strong and resilient we can be! — along with insights on what it takes to help find your authentic self:
She also shared this inspiring mini-meditation with ideas for your writing process:
Kris Bedenian has written a lovely short piece about hugs — and the science behind why they feel so good! Oh…I could sure do with a bunch of them!
She’s also offered a lovely piece about smiling (the theme of a previous “newsletterish”):
And one about holding hands…
…and this fun one about cake!
…and one about boredom and how it can be of benefit!
Dr. Preeti Singh shares a sweet story with an inspiring message, courtesy of an unexpected messenger!
Malky McEwan submitted a fascinating article about oxytocin! Definitely a “feel-good” story, literally!
Evergreen Eden offers a “super-secret little ditty” to brighten your day and keep you healthy!
Drashti Shroff takes a light-hearted look at life and some its simpler problems:
Eko BP has written an interesting piece about the word “Yes” in some detail, offering a chance to reflect on how it impacts your own life:
Patricia Wright shares a super short but punchy message about what’s most important:
Suma Narayan shares a super short but passionate “Dodoitsu” poem:
Trista Signe Ainsworth has stumbled onto a cool way to be more productive! It’s fun and doesn’t even cost anything! Check it out:
Hamsalekha takes a fruity-fun look at life being like a banana — with a wonderful message for you, too:
Judy Millar shares a beautiful make-you-all-goosebumpy-and-a-little-bit-tearful story about what happiness really means:
Carrie Kolar has written a brilliantly inspiring piece about not giving a f*ck!! Just wonderful — especially the coolness about koalas that explains a lot!
Donnette Anglin has some brilliant insights to share in this short, powerful piece:
Vidya Sury, Collecting Smiles shares a shortie-but-very-goodie about another way to look at walking! It’s not at all what you might expect!
Tyra Jaide offers an interesting view of the “life and lemons” idea…
Thank you so, so much to all of our gifted writers who share their hearts so openly and generously. I appreciate every one of you, as well as our lovely readers who share their time with us.
We have such a fantastic Pub Family and community here on Medium! So many blessings! 🙏🏻🎁 💝
Annnnd now…the part of my newsletterish that I know you’ve been itching to see…once again brought to you by our dear little friend, Witchy…
Here is a list of our lovely writers:
Dr Andrea Polzer Kris Bedenian Rodney Brazier Patti Murray Voncannon Carrie Kolar Croix Sather Deb Fiore Dina Alexander DL Nemeril Donnette Anglin, Loren Lieberthal Jimmy Misner Jr. Judy Millar Julie Gaeta Pene Hodge Karen Schwartz James Knight Laura Izquierdo pockett dessert Dr. Preeti Singh Radhika Iyer Sam Branstner Sharon Sayler, Author Umme Salma Susie Kearley Tamil T Mann Vidya Sury, Collecting Smiles Lion~ Wendy S. Bradfield Yana Bostongirl Jo An Fox-Wright Maddox Suma Narayan Penny Walsh Shameem Anwar Irene Fassler Ananya Sandy Peckinpah Trista Signe Ainsworth Slow train A.H. Mehr Alex Frederickson Ashley Nicole B.R. Shenoy Carolyn Hastings Christina Christine Vann, MSc. Irene Fassler Edward John Ellie Jacobson ✍🏻 The Soulful Scribbler Isabel Young Kaz Rochford Nia Simone McLeod Nicole Hilbig Patricia Wright Pam Winter Rachella Angel Page Jodian Marie Thomas, MS, Bsc, Asc L Burton Muhammad Abdullah Kate Aries Danielle Hestand Sahil Patel Jessica Rabel Sharing Words Malky McEwan Belinda Castle Barbara Cook Tyra Jaide Megan Llorente Eko BP Drashti Shroff Evergreen Eden Bernie Pullen Hamsalekha
