Why do humans have companion animals?
You might wonder about this when the cat is snoring in the middle of the night, poops on the balcony and walks across your head when you’re asleep.
Then of course there’s the demand for food at 5.00am, wrecking the sofa with their claws and refusal to move out of the chair they’ve designated as their’s, and their’s only.
Dogs of course have a mud bath in the park before coming indoors and rolling over your nice new carpet. That’s before they jump all over the guests, bark at seemingly nothing and pass wind when a new friend comes around.
The truth is we as humans are pack animals and we adopt animals as part of our pack. We anthropomorphise them, give them cute names and consider them family.
We justify the cost
Yes, the bills for animal care mount up. It starts with inoculation, spaying, vet’s bills, pet food and goes on to cute outfits, walkers, sitters and the must-have far too large cat tree.
Pocket-size pedigree pouches of the rich get diamond collars. That neighborhood terror mongrel dog of yours costs you the repairs to neighbours’ plant pots and fences they destroyed.
When we become deeply attached to an animal we justify all those costs in the name of family. Your family – namely Pussy the cat, Rover the dog and Dobin the horse.
If we are short on money we travel to find charitable help or may borrow to fund their care.
Our relationship with our animals
A relationship with an animal is quite base. We are fond of and love them and expect them to be our friends and love us. Except for cats of course, who make it quite clear to us that we are just here to provide service.
Over the years they embed themselves in our psyche and lifestyle. Events of course must be planned around them including dates, holidays, dinner parties and even marriages.
Even when we move home, we have to consider whether Puss, Rover or Dobin would like the new place.
When they die, we suffer considerable grief just as we would when one of our human family members dies. It can go on for months or years and we keep their photograph on the wall alongside the one of the grandchildren.
Animals’ effect on our mental health
Companionship that has no political strings attached, apart from negotiating for more biscuits, is incredibly attractive to us emotionally.
We can get a lot of love from them, without too much hassle. We learn their expressions, moods and when they are happy.
Mammals become like surrogate children to us. We can unconsciously hear their heart beats, know their cry, and feel all warm and fuzzy when they want our attention.
They can be great companions and often become our best friends, keeping us company. Sometimes even more than our spouses.
Margary to her husband, “Don’t make the face dear; the cat doesn’t like it.”
Spending time with companion animals also has a huge physical effect on our bodies and minds. It can lower our stress response, heart rate and blood pressure, reduce anxiety, alleviate depression, and reduce loneliness.
Researchers Kogan (2021) and colleagues found in an online anonymous survey of 5061 people, that during the COVID crisis, respondents’ pets gave them a sense of purpose and meaning.
Having a companion animal certainly brings you back into the present moment and can fill you with joy.
If you do decide to get a companion animal, please go to the homeless animal shelters to find one who needs a home and family. Make sure they don’t have to spend days on their own because they may be pack animals too.
Dr Tracie O’Keefe DCH, BHSc, ND is an individual, couples and family therapist who helps people overcome grief after the death of a pet. You can consult in the office or by Zoom from anywhere in the world.
Call our central booking for your FREE telephone consultation with Dr Tracie O’Keefe DCH. Phone 0403 398 808.
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