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14 Jul 2012, 11.43AM

1 comments & replies |by Psychologist (Master) | Air, Sea and Land, My Habitat

When I became a pet owner, it took me a few months to become comfortable with them. Pets are all very persistent at getting owners' attention everyday and showing their kind gesture whether we deserve it or not. Some of my younger friends who are pet owners shared with me that they were quite contented with the pets they adopted (though they did not go into details - not because they were "testing out" what parenthood would really means but their endurance in caring for their pets). However pets are never substitutes for human beings and though dogs are known to be man's best friends....it was never my reason for my dog to guard my home. My wife and I are very fond of all our three pets though they are different in sizes and characters, they are nonetheless our adorable furry darlings (it's more of an endearing term for pet owners if you know what I mean).

Of course there are some connections between caring for a pet and caring for a child. I know how much time, work and money it take to raise a child - it can be very rewarding or stressful when he/she experience the school life. As a senior citizen I treasure the time I have now with my pets. They do not cause me personal headaches or unnecessary worries. My chihuahua and Persian got along pretty well like little children and occasionally they have their little squabbles over petty things though my Siberian acts like a trained police dog. Most of the time my three pets do not pressure us to go outdoor though they go for their evening walks. We do not worry about tv bad influences on them as they cannot comprehend human affairs. Whenever one of us is unwell or feeling blue, our human mood will never spoil our pets' day. They will still desire to come near us always. Pets have limited lifespan than we humans but I don't have to worry about their growing up pangs like some adolescents wanting to experiment on unsafe sex, drugs or gangsterism. They hold special place in our hearts till the day they pass on to the other side.

Researchers have found that a domestic pet at home can decrease the chance for depression and increase better socialization. The importance of pet companionship creates a bond of responsibility between the pet and its owner especially for older people. Pets do listen to us without making judgments and provide touching and snuggling when needed. Having a pet provides more comfort and social support especially when we are aging graciously with limited opportunity for social interactions. People who have pets at home actually reduce their stress and anxiety levels and they can manage their life better and smile more. I start my day as early as 4.45am and thrice a week I go for my morning or evening walk with my dogs. All dogs need to walk, exercise and be well-fed and have quality time with us. A well-groomed pet is like an obedient child and will not pose to be a nuisance. Fellow researchers discovered that pet owners enjoy the benefits of an enhanced immune system, and lower blood pressure. A study was carried out by a State University of New York in Baffalo on highly stressed older workers who faced demanding pressures at work. The people who decided to own pets are found be cheerful and have lower blood pressure than their counterparts who did not have a pet. Pet owners know what their pets are thinking, love to play and definitely take delight to snuggle when we are with them. If you have a chance of owning a pet, I am confident that you will enjoy the reality that comes with good knowledge and caring ownership.

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19 Jul 2012, 10.03AM

It certainly is very challenging and a privilege to be a pet owner. I have an Alsatian abt 3 years old and it is a big responsibility to care for a fully grown pet I chose. Domestic animals will always depend on us for food and shelter and our time after work. If you are intending to own a dog, you must be thinking it over and over again and the commitment that a dog entails and in days when they are unwell or you need to go overseas. If you already a dog owner, be considerate to your neighbors and fulfill your responsibilities as an owner. Each pet has its own characteristics that bind them to us in close bonding. I like your sharing here.

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