The Simple Benefits of Pets, Part II
Yesterday, I wrote about how pets can help us learn to be selfless. Today, I’m going to hit on ways two and three that dogs–or any pets–can improve our lives (even while mercilessly complicating things).
#2: Dogs require you to be social.
Want to curl up with a book all night and get lost in your own thoughts? Too bad; Fido wants to play, and he won’t take no for an answer. Dogs understand that touch and play are essentials, and they force you to get in on the game.
And you know what? Even though I’m initially annoyed when Roo tells me it’s time to take a play break, I always feel refreshed and rejuvenated afterward. Forced social interaction–even when it’s wordless in nature–can be just what you need to keep your sanity and gain a new perspective on your schedule.
#3: A warm, fuzzy creature can contribute to a frugal life.
Many people write or talk about the costs of pet ownership, and they’re completely right. Foods, toys, vet visits and time are all drains on your money and energy. However, it’s vital to understand that pets can also lower some of your bills. Cold evening? Curl up next to Lassie instead of cranking the thermostat up. Bored? Play hide and seek with Rex instead of hitting the mall.
No money for a gym membership? Take Bingo for a walk each day and get in shape. Feeling stressed? Play with your pup before you call the shrink or shell out for a new homeopathic remedy. The true monetary costs of dogs tend to balance out in the long run, especially when the health benefits are taken into consideration.
What are your experiences with these? I loved yesterday’s stories of world-watching rats and spaghetti-stealing pooches, so keep ‘em coming!
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This post has 18 comments
August 26th, 2008
I love dogs. I especially love terriers. If I lived in the countryside in a big house with a few terriers, I think I could be very happy.
August 26th, 2008
Is that the famous Roo, Sara?!
I understand that walking the dog is a great way to meet new people.
I’ve also heard tales of single people ‘borrowing’ a friend’s dog so that they might bump into other surrogate owners doing the same… that really is having a dog as a talking point!
August 26th, 2008
LOL, definitely stoned here! I’m sure that’s not the look you get when it’s time to go out though. My beagle was an ‘outside’ dog (three seasons anyways) and he had the roam of the neighborhood so we didn’t have to walk him. The neighbors knew him and he knew where to get scraps when he didn’t like what we were feeding him. This was all before there was a leash law and noise ordinance. There were times though when we had to bring him in because of his howling. He always managed to keep you busy one way or another!
August 26th, 2008
My dog has been instrumental in keeping me from having a psychotic break due to the combined toll of wedding and work stressors. Gretchen knows when I have had a bad day, and on such days she’ll just curl up at my feet and snuggle, instead of being her usual, rambunctious self.
And I totally agree that dogs require you to be social. G lets us know when its time for a trip to the dog park or a swim. I have made a couple really good friends (and my fiancé got a lead on a job) due to G’s social activities.
August 26th, 2008
Dogs can make people happy which makes them healthier.
So maybe this is conducive to having less sick days which equates to greater productivity. Not to mention, the possibility of decreasing the potential for hospital bills.
So, if you take that into consideration – maybe they are not so expensive after all. However, the above is highly debatable as you can still be healthy otherwise etc. But it’s a cool side to look at it from.
I personally do not own a pet, but I do appreciate the concept of it.
August 26th, 2008
Bah… all you dog people…
Cat’s are way better for you… They make great lap warmers, they give you a healthy home free of pests and bugs. Keeps pesky friends who have allergies away.
“They can disappear for hours, having their own little adventures, and then pop up again just when you least expect it. It’s like running into a long-lost friend on the street, but in your house!”
Just think about how great it is to run into a long-lost friend! This independence lets you save money/sanity of friends by not needing to be watched over… go off for the weekend and only have to worry about leaving enough food and water out!
“they have the common courtesy to do their business in the litter box”
You don’t have to worry about trying to talk to someone in the park you’re really attracted to only to have your companion stink up the conversation… And if you hit it off you can go right to the coffee shop with out a care!
And talk about protective…
;D
August 26th, 2008
I have to agree with you on the benefits of pets. I love my dog, but we don’t spend as much time together as we should. Today, though, I got up and took her for a long, well-deserved walk. She loved it! More importantly, I got outside, away from the computer, and actually met a few new people along the way. It was a great start to what looks to be a very productive Tuesday!
August 26th, 2008
Both Poppy and Jack (dog and cat) get under the duvet with me at night and both cuddle up around my legs. Who needs a man when you have pets? LOL
August 26th, 2008
The benefits of having pets is invaluable. Like you stated in part 2 of your article, there are costs involved. But everything has a cost! Ever since I rescued my pets a couple years back, the quality of my life has improved dramatically. When I find myself in any concern about what I don’t have or contemplating my future, my pets help me tap back into the joys of living in the present moment. And the fact that I now go places like the ocean or the park to allow my dog to run around freely, brings me to meditate and find my inner-child which tends to get lost in all the confusions of the world.
August 26th, 2008
I’ve often read about the health benefits of having a dog. I don’t have one but I always pet dogs that I see on my daily walk to and from the gym. They’re always very appreciative
August 26th, 2008
Ahhh, yes . . . I love dogs. They help us to keep things down to earth and simple. Dogs and I seem to really get each other. I wrote briefly here about the joyful, healing power of my friend’s dog: http://www.diamondcutlife.org/the-archetypal-lover/
August 26th, 2008
Michael: Sounds blissful!
Scott: Yep, that’s Roo. (In this pic, he looks more like his alter ego, Roocifur…) I have yet to meet anyone when walking him, but I pretty much stick to our neighborhood.
Mark: I love beagles! There used to be one around here who would wander like yours (usually right into our garage, without fail!).
Heidi: A job lead? Now that’s taking it to a whole new level! I hope you’re okay with the wedding stress. It will all be worth it in the end.
Bamboo Forest: You’re onto something here! Think my workplace will subsidize my dog food bill?
Hyrcan: Yeah, I’m definitely attracting a disproportionate number of dog lovers due to my totally canine-biased writing. I can’t argue that they can really stink up a joint. You got me there!
Eric: It’s always nicer once you’re out there, right? Hope your day when as well as your morning!
Sharon: Now that’s what I’m talking about!
Tekboy: “When I find myself in any concern about what I don’t have or contemplating my future, my pets help me tap back into the joys of living in the present moment.” Beautifully stated.
Marelisa: I’ve become a deranged dog nut. I’d probably try to pet a rabid Rottie if given half a chance. Thanks for showing some puppy love!
Alison: Down to earth and simple. Exactly!
August 28th, 2008
My dogs (and cat) are the CORE of my life….their needs are paramount in our day’s activities..Their desire to love and please..well that says it all!!
August 28th, 2008
Valerie: Sounds like you’ve developed a wonderful give-and-take relationship where all creatures benefit. Lucky pets!
August 30th, 2008
Pets can also be very expensive!
See The Cost Of Unconditional Love.
August 30th, 2008
MITBeta: Wow, your article was eye-opening! (And your Great Danes are so beautiful!) I’m sure I’ll eat my words later, but Roo’s been pretty reasonable. He was even cheap to adopt, since someone had donated money towards his fee and the shelter had completed two eye operations for free.
I mentioned in your comments that I imagine the costs of dogs are inverse bell-shaped: high initially with start-up costs, tapering off for the middle years, and then rising again with increased vet bills as they age.
August 31st, 2008
Pets are awesome and can really give you a sense of balance. I grew up with dogs, fish and other types of pets and now I live in a condo (city living!), I really miss pets and their calming effect. I recently wrote a post on the pet time share concept. Could be something for people like me, but personally I don’t think I would enjoy renting a pet.
September 1st, 2008
Andy: Your post was interesting. I definitely worry about the rental car effect transferring over to pets, where folks are harder on rental cars since they don’t have to deal with long-term consequences. I also can’t picture myself renting a pet–the sadness of giving it back would be too much!
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