Pet Power
Sudha Vijay on the positives of bringing a pet into your life

The unconditional love that pets bring into people's lives is phenomenal. This love can change lives. In today's world where no one seems to have the time for anyone else, having a pet can make all the difference in the world. Be it a pet dog, cat, bird or fish, a pet fills a place in our hearts and lives like nothing else can.
In my childhood I remember getting a few guppy fishes from a friend in a little bottle. My dad bought me a small fish tank and we kept it near the window. Soon we added more colorful fishes to the tank. Just sitting there and watching those fishes swim was instantly relaxing. My dad who has hypertension seemed so relaxed and at peace when he watched the fish swim. He seemed to forget all about the stresses of his hectic pharmaceutical business. Years later I read about fish tanks in dental surgeries to provide a relaxing atmosphere and distraction from the fear that accompanies a visit to the dentist.
Be it fishies swimming in a small tank, the warm melting eyes of a dog, the feel of a cat rubbing against your legs or a little bird sitting on your finger, pets fill that important gap in many of our lives.
The human-animal bond has been shared since time immemorial. Man has always had a place for an animal companion at his hearth right from the cave ages. Native North Americans shared a close bond with animals. Ancient Egyptians revered cats, worshipped them as gods and mummified them when they died. History tells us of warriors and kings who had unique relationship with their horses. Alexander the Great and his horse Bucephalas shared one of the most famous relationships in history.
What is it that makes our pets so special to us? They fit into our lives with ease.
Pets often reach out in a way we humans find difficult. We can communicate easily and whole-heartedly with them. They are non-judgmental, good listeners and always have time for you. To some, a pet is often the sole confidant.
Pets make good companions, playmates and teachers. Children benefit greatly from having a suitable pet. Having a pet improves self-esteem. Children learn responsibility and nurturing qualities early on. Pets add a lot fun and joy to life. My little nephew brings home pets from school like hermit crabs or little birds for a short stay. Even these short-term visitors encourage so much activity at home, hours of endless fun and learning of new and interesting facts.
Pet ownership involves responsibility and commitment. Getting a pet is a big decision, one that must be thought out carefully. Many people get a pet out of impulse and later have an unwanted housemate on their hands. To avoid this, do all your groundwork, know what you are looking for in a pet, see if it is suitable for your household and lifestyle, know the costs involved in maintaining one and be prepared for a long term commitment and relationship.
Owning a pet has many good things going for it. Pet companionship has the ability to reduce blood pressure. Just the act of stroking a pet can relax a person and lower stress levels. Studies have shown higher survival rates among pet owners recovering from heart attacks. People with pets tend to be more energetic and lead a more active and healthy life than their counterparts. There is always something to do when you have a pet. An activity such as walking a dog is exercise for both the dog and the owner. A pet is a constant source of stimulation. Even a small budgerigar can enthrall you with its smart antics. Arthritis sufferers who feel disinclined to move are often motivated into activity by their animal companions.
Loneliness is a major factor in many societies. It leads to depression and other illness. Pet companionship alleviates this in a big way. Having a pet leads to more chances of interaction between people. Communicating becomes easier when a pet is the centre of a conversation. People generally warm up to you if you talk to them about their pets.
Research has shown that pet companionship can provide good support to people recovering from breast cancer, for people with AIDS and children with autism.
Apart from guide dogs for the visually impaired, service animals are specially trained to work with people with seizure disorders, poor balance, hearing deficit and other disabilities. Service dogs help people with special needs like the wheelchair bound, greatly improving lifestyle and providing independence and valuable companionship.
Some nursing homes, hospitals or long term care facilities have therapy pets and their handlers visit them. These visits provide a welcome diversion, bring love and cheer into the lives of people and help in healing. For many it brings back happy memories, removes loneliness and encourages communication.

Thinking of a pet? Animal pounds or shelters are a good place to start. They have many lovely animals waiting for a good home. You could adopt a pet, sponsor one or be a foster carer till a good home is found. To know more, visit your local pound or shelter, veterinary clinic or the RSPCA.

Adopt a pet today and forge a bond of a lifetime.