Man’s best friend. The love between an owner and their pet is clear to see, people enjoy the company of animals. However, are the relationships with our pets one way? Do they love us back? Do they even want to be near people?
Living with pets provides health benefits like lowering blood pressure and anxiety - and boosting immunity, as well. Levels of serotonin and dopamine rise when you play with a dog or a cat. Keeping pets gives many people companionship and great happiness. And it provides many animals with a loving home and an apparently happy life. Many animals are in danger in the wild so there is a great deal of comfort provided at the realisation you are indeed saving your pets life.
There is a degree of discrimination when choosing a pet. Why a dog and not a rat? Many animals are left out in the wild and people have their reasons, who wants a rat in their home? But here’s the thing, dogs weren’t always loving and caring - their characteristics are somewhat artificial or ‘man-made’. Instead of taking in other animals that need protecting, we continue to breed more and more animals that we deem friendly. The point we are getting at here is taking in an animal is one of the best things you can do, however question yourself, are you helping an animal in need or simply choosing one you think is the cutest?
Additionally, we are not stating that once an animal is given a human home it will be fine. Animal abuse is a major problem and the idea that a puppy is seen as a christmas present and nothing else is appalling. Once a pet is taken in it must be taken care of. Therefore you must be aware of all the issues surrounding animal welfare. All pets can carry the burden of high maintenance and high expenses. If you can't’ afford a pet or provide the necessary attention and care it needs then do not get one.
Buy a pet out of love not necessity. Dogs are man’s best friend, so treat them as such.
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