Why Pets Help Us Grow In Love!

Everyone seems to be privy these days to the fact that pets help keep us young, active and are great company. Studies have shown that domesticated animals can significantly contribute to longevity as well as to help increase immunity and therefore minimise illness and allergies, especially if you grow up with pets in the home. Pets can give their owners a deeper sense of purpose and responsibility as well as endless rewards and love. I have been taught that animals are here to teach us how to love unconditionally, and the more I witness and understand, the more I can see just how true this is. They will self sacrifice, instantly forgive, know when you need them the most, listen and hold space. I am fortunate enough to have a couple of fur babies myself. Having grown up with a couple of budgies and a cat, all of which were in the family before I came along and all that had departed by the time I was aged 8, I distinctly remember begging my parents for a puppy my entire childhood. The closest I got to a puppy were some gold fish for my 16th birthday, that I had to convince my friend to buy for me as I knew there was no other way my parents would let me have any pets. They didn't want the added responsibility, especially when we went on holidays. So when I finally got into a place of my own, I decided it was time to seek out a fury friend. Fate would have it that a good friend of mine found 3 abandoned kittens, just weeks old, not far from where she lives. Rescuing them, she set about trying to rehome them. I was over at her's visiting a week after she found the kittens, and instantly knew I would be taking one home to care for. That being said, it wasn't the easiest of decisions however, as I was allergic to cats. What's more, as a small girl, when I didn't eat my dinner fast enough, I would have to go into the laundry to finish my meal, where our feral cat that would hiss, snarl and try to eat my food, would be waiting eagerly for me. Despite this I knew I would have lots to learn from the newest edition to my family, and my oh my what a learning experience it has been. Becoming a mother overnight, I had no idea what I was getting myself in for! After 6 weeks the allergies finally subsided (I think my body finally surrendered to the fact that my kitten was here to stay). Toilet training was a breeze thankfully, but my near new couches didn't fair so well. While shopping for toys in the pet section of the department store, I passed by a woman who remarked "we spoil them like children" as I nodded and smiled back in agreement. I had well and truly fallen for my fur baby. I don't think I had a solid nights' sleep for the first year and after 6 months, even decided it was time to get my kitten a friend (thanks to some promoting from friends), so went and rescued another! Needless to say there have been a fair share of challenges, but the rewards far outweigh these. Having a little someone, or someones to greet you when you arrive home, to snuggle with you and to comfort you when you're feeling down, is priceless. They are simply irreplaceable. I couldn't imagine life without my two fur babies and am so grateful for all they have taught me in the small amount of time I have had them in my life: from patience to love and tolerance to preparation for children one day! Whether it's a dog, cat, bird, rabbit or gold fish...there are so many different animals, you're sure to find one that suits your lifestyle! I can't recommend owning a pet highly enough!