If you’re like me, then even the mere sight of a dog or cat or animal of any sort can lighten the load from a long, frustrating day. That is why I was so excited to finally get a sweet little animal of my own. As soon as I met her at the shelter, I knew she was the one. Her little furry face, sweet tiny head nudges and cute wee meows were all I needed to snap her up in a heartbeat. I named her Marceline, and I believe she has and will continue to save me every day. Suffering from several mental illnesses takes such a huge chunk out of you, and a lot of times it requires massive amounts of energy just to do simple things, like getting out of bed. Knowing that she loves me and needs me is an incredible motivator, and knowing I will come home to an excited and furry little jelly bean gets me through so many days. She even sees when I cry and comes over to snuggle me.

There is a wealth of therapeutic value that animals can give us. Petting an animal has been shown to release oxytocin, one of the chemicals responsible for happiness, into the brain. Having a pet has also been shown to help people live longer and healthier lives. Walking a dog or cat will give you and your pet exercise, as well as increase awareness about your personal fitness routines, and exercise has been shown in many cases to help combat some of the effects of many mental illnesses. Having an animal has been linked to better physical health as well; pet owners on average go to the doctor less, have lower blood pressure, and less risk of heart disease.

With all of these wonderful benefits, who wouldn’t want an adorable pet? If you do choose to welcome a furry friend into your life, please adopt instead of going to a breeder. So many animals are euthanized each year because shelters are overflowing with animals, especially senior animals! They usually live out the remainder of their days in shelters because so many people want to adopt kittens or puppies. Also, remember to get your pet spayed or neutered to help control overpopulation. You definitely need to be aware of the costs associated with taking care of an animal as well; if you can’t budget enough to ensure the health of your animal, then get your fur fix at a friend’s house! A little pet hair makes a house a home.