During the holiday season, many people are hoping for material presents, whether they get new UGG boots or an iTunes gift card. Even thought these presents are nice, there is one gift that can be cherished for much longer: the gift of having a pet.
Ever since I was small, I've loved having pets. Whether it was a guinea pig or a dog, it has always been nice to have a companion. This year, my family welcomed a new pet dog, Oskar, into our family. Although Oskar was meant to be my dad’s hunting dog, he has become a family favorite and is quite the sweetheart. Here are some reasons why our pets are something to be treasured this winter season.
They are there for you when you’re lonely.
Being home alone can be stressful for some people. Having a nice furry companion to keep you company not only helps you relieve some of this stress, but can also keep you busy. Playing with a pet, or even feeding them, can help you pass the time and keep you from getting too bored while having the house to yourself.
They become an important member of the family.
After having a pet for a little while, they eventually become like another sibling. Like their human counterparts, many parents have a favorite pet and sometimes even discipline them like they’re children. One thing my family does to help make our pets a part of the family is including them in our yearly Christmas card. We also give both dogs presents on Christmas morning, and it is always fun to watch them unwrap their toys and treats.
They can help teach younger children skills about responsibility.
Taking care of a pet is a lot of work. Growing up with a pet and having kids get involved with the care-taking process can teach them valuable lessons about responsibility. When our family first got our dog Trudy, every member of our family took turns doing different things for her. I was often in charge of feeding Trudy when we got home from school. This sense of responsibility was transferred over into working on things for school, and even taking care of other pets.
They are good for your health.
Having a pet not only gives you access to a nice companion, but they are also good for your health. Several studies discuss how pet owners have lower blood pressure, and dog owners are usually more physically active. There have also been benefits noticed in children who have grown up with pets. Dr. James Griffith of the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development found data proving how children often view pets as a source of comfort, and as helpful when developing empathy. Petting animals has also been known to reduce stress levels.
They are very cute.
When having a pet, they can be a great source of entertainment. Watching a cat squeeze into a box or a dog chase their tail can make a person’s day. These little habits picked up by pets are made even better when you notice their cute little faces. Every pet has their own unique personality, and watching these personalities develop is one of the many rewarding experiences of having a pet. Even if someone is having a bad day, they can always count on their pet to help cheer them up.
Around the holiday season, people often take time to think of the things they are thankful for. If they are lucky enough to have one, it should also be the time of year where we send gratitude to our faithful, furry friends.
