Do you have a pet? It could be a dog, cat, lizard, or even a mouse. Thomas Jefferson had bears and hummingbirds as pets. Elvis had a pet turkey named Bowtie. We have raised animals to live within human society for years. It would be weird to not have pets. Not only do they live with us, but they can also work for us! Dogs often help people nowadays with taking care of them. Pigs are being used for therapy purposes. We have been using animals for thousands of years. Animals are important to us, more than we know.
We have evidence of humans owning and using animals for thousands of years. One thing we have evidence for would be their hunting purposes. James Serpell, a professor of animal welfare, spoke in his book 'A study of human-animal relationships' about this relationship. Greeks had used dogs for hunting and herding such as we do today.
Not only were dogs used for hunting but also worshipping. Our ancestors didn't have answers as we do for the way the world works. They took to animals to solve them. The Chinese looked to Lion dogs, Fu dogs, for protection from things out of their hands.
Even in the past, people saw the important purposes for animals. Plenty of people saw pets as an important symbol. Pets were seen as a sign of wealth and importance.
Besides helping us within the past they have also helped us mentally and physically.
They unknowingly can help by lowering blood pressure and cholesterol.There was a journal published talking all about the health benefits found in families with pets. The lowering of those within the body can stop or prevent heart attacks, strokes, and diabetic problems.
Pet also helps with starting and keeping positive relationships. They have been seen to help improve self-esteem, cognitive development, and helps improve social interaction.
And some pets simply need their owners to have a more active lifestyle. Dogs are a good example of that. Pet owners have also said they change their bad habits for their pets.
The third thing I'll bring up is that pets bring happiness.
Most people understand that a healthy lifestyle can bring a happier life. With pets improving health, they also improve happiness.
Strangely enough, people have stated they seem to dance and sing for their pets. They include them in holiday celebrations. Doing this seems to lead to a happier life.
There are also studies talking about pets at work. Pets seem to improve work-life and an increase in production.
To sum up, pets and animals overall, have been affecting us for a long time. And they are changing us in a very positive way! We have worked with animals for thousands of years, leading to the creation of today's pets. Pets have worked to make us more healthy, physically and mentally. Pets generally bring happiness wherever they go.
Even though pets do nothing but help us, people have been mistreating them. A million cases of animal abuse occur within the US alone. We have been cracking down on the cases but because of this, many pets are going without care. And because of these experiences, many pets can’t get the help they need to get adopted. Thankfully fostering has been on the rise and many pets are moving to good homes. Even if you aren't an animal person please find ways to help. Donating to shelters and fighting for animal rights are some of the best ways to help without taking in an animal.