My Dog ​​is Not A Pet, It Is My Family

They often say that whoever has not discovered what it is to live with a captivating cat or a dog obsessed with asking for your attention, who has never had a pet, does not know what the purest and most disinterested love is. ..

The one that is offered in exchange for nothing, the one that lacks resentment and that quietly, and through small details, makes your life a more placid, pleasant and authentic scenario.

It is possible that for many people this idea is difficult to understand, especially if we focus only on understanding the word family as that union through blood that establishes a certain type of relationship and kinship.

Animals can be family too

Now actually this word contains many focuses. Sometimes, blood is not enough to “create family”, because it is the bonds based on reciprocity, meaningful relationships and the authenticity of the day to day that unites us, the one that makes us need both people and people around us. animals.

Every positive emotion, wherever it comes from, enriches us and makes us grow. So, nothing happens if we make our pets that space on the sofa every day with our partners or our children. Someone might laugh if you explain to them that your cat comes to wake you up every morning, or if your dog senses your sadness earlier than your own father.

Animals are also part of our emotional life, and therefore, we welcome, integrate and recognize them as an intimate part of our particular microcosm. From our family.

When we are adopted by a pet

Have you already experienced what it means to be adopted by a pet? When an animal comes into our life it observes us with shyness and amazement, because the human world is sometimes too complex for it.

When we adopt a pet, many things change inside us that we are not aware of. However, they, through their clean, playful and sincere looks, know how to read much more than we think.

• When adopting a pet we suddenly discover that we are the center of attention of an animal, that it depends on us… and we on them. We love that moment when we come home, and be greeted with that overflowing joy.
• They need to integrate into the family as one more member. They like routines, habits and that we always treat them in the same way, without inconsistencies.
• When adoption turns to full integration, we all change a bit. They become protectors, we are their closest ties, their references, their herd and their lap in the afternoon where they can take a nap.
• Animals for us  are that emotional relief of each day, our silent confidants, the consolation of sadness and the explosion of moments of laughter and relaxation.

When we adopt a pet, our family grows bigger, and our hearts get stronger. Taking care of them will then be an obligation, but loving them is the best of privileges.

My pet is unique, and I am unique to him

If there is a rewarding aspect when integrating a dog or a cat into our family, it is the feeling that we are the center of their existence. Nothing happens if one day you wake up in a bad mood, or if today the day has ended in the worst possible way and you have failed in your objectives …

For them, for our animals we are always the same, whatever happens. Your mistakes, your carelessness, your appearance and even less what your past is do not matter. They live in the present moment and only know how to show you that you are someone worth loving.

Sometimes, dressed as we are with our daily worries, with our rush and responsibilities, we do not realize how the looks of our dogs, our cats, attend to us. .. And it is something we should do.

They live each moment in the fullest possible way. Yesterday does not exist and tomorrow does not make sense, they just want to have a good time with you, always hoping that it is the best, the most intense relaxed and happy.

They always accept a hug, a caress and a kind word. They let themselves be loved waiting for you to do the same. They are loyal creatures that make our day to day an adventure of anecdotes, of kind moments that will always sleep on the best side of your heart.

Benefits of having a pet in your family

Beatriz Hugues’ team (2012) in her article “Beneficial effects of companion animals for patients with cardiovascular diseases” , points out the benefits of having a pet at home. Here we point out three of the main advantages of having a pet in the family.

Reduces stress and favors those who suffer from heart disease

First of all, having animals protects against cardiovascular diseases. According to Hugues ‘ team, “they reduce blood pressure, heart and respiratory rates, anxiety and stress in children and adults alike . ” They claim that petting a pet helps release endorphins, oxytocin, prolactin, dopamine, while lowering cortisol. In this way, it affects the mood in a positive way and provides a feeling of well-being.

Psychological effects

Among the psychological effects, Hugues’ team adds that animals “reduce the feeling of loneliness and increase that of intimacy, which encourages the preservation of life in sick people . ” In addition to this, pets become a support in states of anxiety, depression, grief and isolation.

Psychosocial effects

Having pets also becomes important on a psychosocial level. The authors point out that “they promote the relationship and socialization between strangers, who become more supportive and communicative” . On the other hand, they also ” promote participation in recreational activities .”

Image Courtesy: Nadezhda Yume