Ask the Life Coach

Dear Possible Pet Mom,

Congratulations on not taking the decision about pet ownership lightly. My adult daughter, Katie, fosters rabbits - eighty-five in the last four years, to be exact. Most of these adorable bunnies have been taken to the animal rescue shelter where she volunteers or simply abandoned to the outside, even though they are domesticated rabbits. Many people didn’t take the time to think through their choices.

Now, back to you and your big decision. Although I haven’t owned a pet for several years, my family always had pets (partially spurred on by daughter Katie, mentioned above). We had dogs, cats, gerbils, fish, mice, and chicks - Katie hatched twelve eggs in an incubator on our kitchen island - and probably others I can’t remember. Not all at the same time, thank goodness.

Now that my children are grown, I have mixed feelings about pet ownership. Pets can be expensive, time-consuming, and limit your ability to be away from home. On the other hand, studies show that pets can significantly improve both physical and mental health. These four points were taken from an article on the Christian Health website that attests to that fact.

     1. They boost happy hormones. For most people, being near an animal prompts their body to release serotonin, prolactin, and oxytocin, hormones that help you relax and alleviate stress. The release of these happy hormones may reduce feelings of depression and sadness and boost mental wellness.

     2. They relieve anxiety. Animals help many people feel at ease. Those living with anxiety or dealing with agitation caused by dementia or other illnesses can benefit from animal therapy to calm their nerves and promote relaxation.

     3. They provide companionship and purpose. A common symptom of depression is a loss of purpose or feelings of hopelessness. Animals offer companionship and comfort, which reduces loneliness and provides a sense of purpose, especially if you are caring for the animal.

     4. They encourage you to stay active. Whether you are caring for a pet or volunteering for an animal sanctuary, being around animals often requires you to be outside in the fresh air and encourages exercise.

Of course, most people who love their pets don’t consider these factoids. They simply say, “He’s a part of our family.”

Roger Caras, American naturalist, animal welfare activist, wildlife photographer and writer wrote, “Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole.”

Since you and your husband had pets as children, I’d suggest you reminisce about your experiences. Remembering the past may help you make a decision for the future.

One last thing, if you decide on a pet, consider adopting from a shelter. There are so many wonderful pets available - dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, birds, and reptiles. You name it, many shelters have it.

You’re being so thoughtful about the process that I’m sure you’ll make the right decision for your little family.