How man’s best friend always shows up for our mental health
In a world full of humans, we are able to find deep fucking connections with entities that are not human, yet kinder, braver and more loveable than most of us: pets. What kind of world would we have if they weren’t there? Actually, don’t think about it I already hate it LOL. Our animals are our babies, they always will be, they’re proof of love, loyalty, happiness; always full of life. I mean you wake up and they’re happy to see you, you come home and they’re jumping around happy to see you again. Do you ever think how, we have our own world full of people and things, but we’re the biggest part of their world? Ok it’s now time you give your baby a big hug before reading the rest of my post.
Before reading, please note that pets can make your mental health better but you can’t count on them to make personal issues completely disappear. Having an animal requires patience, time, money & responsibility, it must not be neglected.
Why pets make your life better
- They’re your personal humorists
For the people who actually have pets know that they don’t necessarily make your life EASIER, but better LOL. Having a pet can be tough at times, because they can’t be talked to like you speak to an adult, they need to learn, associate and it takes a lot of patience, but when they do learn, they (almost) never forget. Anyways, tough doesn’t necessarily means negative, it means memorable. I have amazing memories with my pets, not all cute ones but I mean we’ll never forget the time we got back home and my dog took a shit in my sister’s room and proceeded to hide it with one of her pajama tops laying on the floor🤠. Now we laugh at it, but when it happened it wasn’t funny at all (ok I did laugh my ass off but how can he be this intelligent to hide his own poop???? Also seeing my sister’s face was just the cherry on top).
When you type funny pets’ moments on internet, what you’ll find are probably videos of them hiding after destructing the shit out of a cushion, even though the owner has to buy another one it still is a memory he won’t forget that easily. LAUGHING IS GOOD FOR YOU. It is such a huge benefit for mental health and animals won’t ever stop being funny. What’s even funnier is that they don’t even need to talk to be this amusing.
- They’re your personal trainers
You train them, they train you, we train us, whatever. When you have a dog, you must make them move, what better way to do this than moving with them? Go on a walk, go to a dog park, go play outside with them, etc. It’ll get your lazy body off the couch and make you see the benefits of moving.
About this, I do have a funny but not so funny anecdote related to this point: When my parents started seeing each other, my father had a little dog called Copain (translated to ‘’Friend’’ in english) and they went on this nice hike at the beginning of winter. Hours go by and they’re having fun but suddenly they’re just two lost people and a dog in the middle of a mountain. Having just about the time of their lives when they realised this, Copain had one mission on his mind. The little guy brought them back down the mountain exactly where they started hiking. I mean talk about a photographic memory he pulled a Mike Ross on them (Suits mention for the ones who don’t get it). Anyways, he was the savior of the day and they never forgot it.
- They make the extrovert or introvert in you meet new people
When you get a pet, you put much more in your routine and that includes going to the vet when they need it, going on walks, going to parks, going to the beach (ok winter Quebec doesn’t really allow that but let’s say we’re in summer), etc. Numbers of people you can meet by going to the vet just to buy food for them, or just meeting another dog and its owner on a walk, or even going to canine events such as Dog Shows. Although, if you’re really lucky, you and your doggo can have the chance to meet Breedou and get interviewed by them just by being on a walk in the streets! No but really, some of us are real down introverts and getting a pet can make you get out of your comfort zone.
- They fulfill your days & put up a routine
Obviously getting a pet requires at least a certain minimum of stability and routine, because they have needs that cannot be answered by themselves such as putting food in their bowl, going outside, pouring themselves water, etc. You must have a little routine that keeps them healthy and happy otherwise I’m sorry but you may not be suited to have a pet. However, if you’re having a hard time putting up a routine for yourself, they may bring you some stability.
Fulfilling your days is another thing they’re good at. My cat makes personally sure that I get up when HE is ready to. If I decide to sleep in, he’ll proceed to close the door of my room and meow until I get up and open it because otherwise he cannot get out of the room as the door.is.closed. So now I’m getting up early and having a productive day 😀. Some of you really own a nice thoughtful cat which even makes sure your night is busy as well! Sleeping? I do not think so ma’am, if I’m awake and running, you’re awake and listening to my marathon.
Jokes and all, but animals do make your days busier because they’re another being to dedicate your time to.
Which brings me to my next point.
Mental benefits of owning a pet
- More love surrounding you
Like I said multiple times before, love surrounds us everyday but when you have an animal, you get to be surrounded by love even more.
Animals you love, cherish and take care of will always love you back, never forget you and they most certainly will never break your fucking heart LOL. They’re the ones that are so happy to see you when you get back home whatever the time you left. They’re the ones that see you and feel happy, they feel safe around you and YOU are their home. I said many times that each animal in every household has a specific connection with one particular person and this person is their human. I mean they may love a lot of people, but they all have their human. Not only you receive their love but you get to give them love, and giving is a powerful thing for having a peaceful mind, but connecting, is an amazing thing to make you feel important and fulfilled.
- Reducing stress & anxiety
They provide companionship, safety and calm which can really help calm down an anxiety crisis or a panic attack. It has literally been proved how people that have animals are less stressed.
Or in my case you’re a super anxious person and end up getting a super anxious cat. But I mean, two negatives equal a positive right? No but seriously, my pets always really help calm my anxiety, they make me feel loved, supported and just knowing they’re physically here makes anxiety feel less tough or just makes it feel like you’re not alone facing it. Your pets provide you with unconditional love, because once they do love you, they will continue loving you forever and for anxious people, this is some kind of certainty that can comfort you.
Breedou’s opinion
A companion is one of the best remedies for various everyday situations, such as a disagreement with a friend. Your companion will always be there to listen, never in disagreement with your perspective, regardless of whether you’re right or wrong. Fortunately, they cannot speak; imagine confiding in your dog, whom you feed, shelter, and provide toys, only to have them tell you that you’re wrong. In our view, shelters would be even more crowded than they already are. In summary, having a companion positively impacts various aspects of our daily lives.
However, it’s essential not to adopt an animal thinking it will solve all your problems. Remember that when they are young, they learn from you and have specific needs you may be unable to address due to your current situation. If that’s the case, there is also animal-assisted therapy, which significantly aids in stress reduction, mood improvement, emotional stimulation, and various other aspects. If you love animals and simply want to change your mindset, animal-assisted therapy can be highly beneficial.
In the end, there are so many benefits of being the proud parent of a sweet dog and/or cat (any other pets you can have too), but the ones that are the most important, at least to me are the ones listed up there. If there’s something they will always be able to do, is make you smile, and I don’t know if you’re aware, but smiling releases dopamine, endorphin and serotonin which will definitely lower your stress level always. They’re your best friend so give them back the unconditional love they fucking deserve.
A special thank you to every organisation that takes care of those little ones with no family, they need much love too.
Let’s also give a huge thank you to Breedou for making your adoption their mission, for wanting people to recognise the best trustful breeders there are out there and giving dogs a chance to find their own human. ❤
Mwah
