The Animals in Our Lives

These cats, from the left, are Kiki, Hurricane, Momacita, and Halloween, a mother and three daughters. They are Sphynx, a hairless breed developed from a natural mutation in a few barn kittens found in Toronto, in the 1970's. An unusual fact about felines is that their skin reflects the color of the fur, which can be easily seen in the Sphynx. In our case, we have tortoiseshells, blue (grey), and calico varieties.

Besides the felines, we have a Doberman and a mixed American bulldog that was rescued from the pound. The cats and dogs get along, and make for a happy, healthy family. Scientific studies conducted by the Centers for Disease Control have shown that pets decrease the incidence and severity of depression, reduces heart disease and lowers levels of LDL ("bad" cholesterol).

The American Veterinary Medical Association has reported that the elderly in nursing homes with well-cared for resident animals have less infections, fewer hospitalizations, and 30% lower staff turnover than homes without animals.

Pets are a marvelous way for humans to build character. They increase opportunities for exercise and serve as an ice breaker for conversation. Pets teach selflessness, responsibility, love, sharing, biology, life, and death. For children, the death of a pet teaches coping skills for the loss of human life.

Pets allow us to see the world through rose colored glasses. Who is the best secret keeper, always happy to see you, and loves you unconditionally? Your pet, of course.

At times we all need a bright spot in our lives when the general outlook becomes cloudy with the demands of work, school, children, finances, and trying to hold it all together. Animals are the bright spot -- a dog cheers us up when he lays his head in our lap, and we relax when a cat curls up and purrs like a motor.

What can you do if you don't have the ability, desire, or resources to have a pet of your own? You can reap benefits by volunteering at the local shelter, interacting with a neighbor's pet, or watching animals in nature. Animals are natural teachers, and even butterflies and other insects have fascinating lives that reveal themselves with close observation.

Whether feathered, scaled, furry, slimy, or (in some cases), hairless, animals enhance our lives. If nothing else, upload an aquarium screen saver on your computer monitor and watch the fish swim.

Photo by M. Brickner