Why getting a pet could be just what you need

 

*Spoilers- this post will be infested with pictures of my handsome dog Cody so beware

 

I guess by now – if you have been here fore a while- you know that I love animals.

 

Animals can be cute, funny, adventurous and great company. For the most time though, I just find them cute and quirky.

As you might also know, I got a dog- translated to: my parents have a dog, but we got it partly for my sake and I lived with him (the dog) for 6 years before moving out.

Because of my dog Cody; a cute and very quirky shih tzu, I had an easier time crawling out of my depression.

That’s why today we will have a talk about why it could be a good idea to get a pet.

 

First off: you should NOT get a pet just because it could be good for you, if you do not have the time, money or energy to do it.

A pet is not just a tool for you to use, it is a long-time companion and friend that will help you and stay with you in tough times, if you put in the time, love and energy it takes to raise them. Remember to also pick a pet that fits into your activity level and lifestyle.

Well, of course there is also the obvious; you have to actually like animals. A quick and easy tip: don’t get a dog if you hate dogs.

 

Now what are some of the benefits of getting a pet?

• You grow up
  Because you get someone you need to take care of, and therefore grow being more responsible.
• You get a companion through life
  Pets can often feel the love they get, and they are really great at giving love back to you too.
• You have a great excuse for getting exercise
  this is of course different if you got a turtle or something, but if you do have a dog or a horse, get out there! They need fresh air, and so do you.

  

• Makes you better at keeping routines
  Pets needs to be fed, aired and taken care of everyday, often at the same time every day. And therefore, you might also get better at maintaining your own routines.
• You get non-social social interactions
  No one can live completely without seeing or talking to other people, therefore having a pet accompanying you, gives you both someone to talk to and live with.
• Can reduce anxiety
  Having a pet or something fluffy to cuddle can often help with anxiety. Go grab your pet, cuddle it, and take some deep breaths.
• Makes you happy
  Spending just 15-30 minutes with your pets can help boost your serotonin levels and therefore lift your spirits.
• You will never be alone
  pets can accompany you in your good and bad times. If you miss someone, if you are all alone, single or maybe lost your other half. A pet can be a comfort in these times, and makes sure you are not alone and got someone to love.

  

• Can help with depression.
  This was one of the reasons we got out dog in the first place.
  A dog does not literally help with a depression like POOF now you feel god, but taking the earlier points into account all go towards the fact that getting a pet can make you happy.
  For me, I had someone to talk to, cuddle and help me with getting both exercise & healthy routines into my daily life.
  I got someone who also loved me unconditionally, and could feel if I was sad- in another way than my family could. Do not misunderstand though, my family did everything they could for me at that time, but honestly when you are as low as I was then; human interactions didn’t do much for me because no matter what they did there was a possibility that they said something “wrong”. Something that just did not feel right in my brain. A pet could never do that, because they keep silent- for the most part that is.

That was my favorite reasons to get a pet.

 

NOW, what pet should you get! I have listed a few types of pets (some of the ones that I think are most common) and what they need. They will be “explained” with 4 different categories.

 

Time

This pet needs you to take care of it often.

It cannot be alone all day and night. You can’t have this pet if you always overwork or goes drinking/to a lot of social gatherings. If you really want this pet, you should be ready to make time for it.

 

Space

This pet needs space to play on and stay on.

Maybe it needs a large garden or grass area, it might need a big place to stay/sleep.

 

Routines

This pet needs a routine to be happy.

It should ne fed, walked or trained at a certain time every day, so make sure you are ready to commit.

 

Money

This pet can be very expensive.

It might need regular doctor visits, eat a lot of food and overall need a lot of stuff like toys, leash, bed, special lighting and so on.

 

Then let’s look at some pets

 

DOGS

• Routines
• Time
• Money
• Space

 

CATS

• Money
• Routine

 

HORSE

• Space
• Money
• Time
• Routine

 

TURTLES

• Money

 

Smaller animals that of course needs a bit of all four categories but not “too” much-cleaning once a week/ daily feeding and “normal” pet chores.

 

• Fish
• Rabbits
• Hamsters
• Guinea pigs
• Birds

 

That are some of my most ordinary pets, but of course there is one million, billion, trillion others you can choose.

 

Please remember to choose a pet wisely, making sure it fits your lifestyle, make sure to give it all the love in the world, and treat them well. Thank you!

 

 

Do you guys own a pet, and what type?

I absolutely love animals, so please let me hear 😊

 

 

I hope you all have a happy life, one day at a time