Rescue Pets: Who Rescued Who?

Rescue Pets: Who Rescued Who?

 

 

One of the most amazing things to do is rehome a pet. We’ve discussed before how you’re not only giving that animal a second chance, but you make availability, space and resources for another animal to be saved.

 

What we should also consider is the benefits these animals have on us.

 

Having an animal in your home creates a strict routine, the responsibility of this has been known to have positive effects on many people.

 

We often see dogs specifically trained to aid humans. Service dogs and working dogs help police, military, farmers, owners with disabilities and many many more.

 

There are schemes for animals to visit residential homes and hospitals to provide joy and aid recovery for patients.

 

Pet therapy isn’t a new concept. You don’t have to own an animal to know that a scratch behind the ears or a little cuddle is all that's needed to lift your spirits. When was the last time you walked past a cat on a wall and didn’t say hello?

 

There are hundreds of articles online by owners who pin the success of their recovery from mental health or physical illness on their animals.

 

 

Here are some of the biggest known benefits to owning a pet:

 

Love & Affection

 

An animal, no matter what species, will give unconditional love. Playing with a pet has proven to increase levels of serotonin and dopamine which calm and relax.

 

Fresh Air & Exercise

           

We all know and are told how important daily exercise is. For some, the task of leaving home can be overwhelming. An animal doesn’t need to be specially trained to encourage this, it’s unfair to not take a dog for his walk and this creates a manageable habit that can reduce the pressure someone might be having.

 

Companionship Curing Loneliness

 

All ages experience loneliness. Children bullied at school, adolescence moving away from home, adults living alone and seniors unable to do as much as they used to. Loneliness and isolation can often be related to depression and it’s proven that pet owners are less likely to suffer from this than people who don’t own an animal. In many cases, animals have been known to relieve depression symptoms and improve to even cure these symptoms.

 

Health Benefits

 

The most popular pets are the cat or dog, but even watching fish swim in a tank has proven to lower pulse rates and muscle tension. Although hiking with a dog can dramatically increase an individual's exercise, spending time with any animal reduces levels of anxiety. 

 

 

Programmes exist for criminals in prison to experience regular times with animals because it shows long term changes in their behaviour. This makes it difficult to deny that an animal can have an effect on almost anyone.

 

Owning a pet doesn’t suit everyone's lifestyle. Whether that be because of personal, family or work commitments. There are many other options for spending time with animals, maybe a friend has a dog you can walk or a family wants to go away for the weekend and needs someone to house sit with their cats. A great option is to volunteer at your local rescue shelter. A little commitment once a week that doesn’t only benefit you but the animals too!

 

If you are considering rescuing an animal check out our post here about all the things to consider:

 

Pet Adoption: Where Should I Start?

https://petsofthepeople.co.uk/post/pet-adoption-where-should-i-start