Though domesticated over thousands of years, pets are a link to nature that we have taken into our homes. Although they take time and money to look after properly, they have huge wellbeing benefits for us which more than repays us.

I was fortunate to be brought up in a family that had a variety of pets. I remember the day my father brought home a tiny kitten that could stand on the palm of his hand. I was about four years old. I was entranced. I effectively grew up with that cat. The cat would sooth me after I had a bad day at school by curling up on my lap, amuse me with her funny antics and sat on my desk to keep me company as I revised for my exams.
In addition we had tortoises, rabbits and fish. They each had their own characters, and it was an education in itself being around these pets and learning how to look after them.
After years of not having any pets, it reached a point when my children were asking to get a pet. With the busyness of modern life and the practicalities of work-life patterns, for a long time we couldn’t cope with more than a low maintenance pet and got a pair of gerbils. These were great wee characters and very entertaining, but my kids hankered after a dog. I have always thought of myself as a 'cat person', so resisted, but after lockdown our situation changed, and our lifestyle was such that we could now think about getting a dog. After much thought we went for it. Taking on a pet is a big commitment and needs careful consideration.
We have had a dog now for two years. He is a great addition to our family. He sooths us when we are having a hard day. He insists on taking us out for walks four times a day come rain or shine. He entertains us with his antics and the funny noises he makes, and the welcome he gives us on our return (even after only a short while), is off the scale! He gives us unconditional love.
The rhythm of the daily walks to local greenspaces has been one of my favourite aspects of having a dog. My favourite walk is the first one of the day. It sets me up for the day. It makes sure I am exposed to early light to reset my circadian clock to aid sleep at night and gets my step count off to a good start. The physical activity and taking in fresh air first thing helps me to focus better when I get back to work. The long lunchtime walk is also great at forcing me to stop work and take a proper break. It is amazing how more productive I am in the afternoons now I am getting an extended walk outside. We often bump into other dog walkers and stop and have a wee blether at some point. Passing the time of day and the human contact can really brighten your day, especially when working from home. My regular dose of nature connection in our local greenspace is the clincher for me though. A break from the screen and being amongst the calming colours and patterns of nature. Observing the seasons and the wildlife. Encounters with foxes, squirrels and birds. It is a tonic for the soul. Quite often after the lunch time walk, a problem I have been grappling with in the morning just seems easier to resolve after a walk in the park with the dog.
If your circumstances don’t make having a pet possible, but you like the idea of having one, there are ways of still reaping some of the benefits without having the same cost or commitment. Could you offer to help a friend or neighbour with looking after a pet when they are away, or offer to take their dog out for a walk on a regular basis? Could you volunteer to help out at a local animal rescue centre? All of these options can give you some of the wellbeing benefits without the same commitment or cost. Helping others and volunteering is also known to have its own wellbeing benefits.
Whether you have a pet, borrow a pet from time to time, or help out at an animal rescue centre, enjoy nurturing those animal relationships you have and you will get far more back than you give.
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‘Animals are such agreeable friends – they ask no questions; they pass no criticisms.’ – George Eliot
‘Pets are humanizing. They remind us we have an obligation and responsibility to preserve and nurture and care for all life.’ – James Cromwell
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