Until one has loved an animal, a part of one’s soul remains un-awakened. – Anatole France
Animals are the only living creatures in the world who do not ask for any favour in return for the love that they shower. With zero criticism, zero hate, zero jealousy and zero castigation, they have been human’s friends from eons. Unconditional love, affection, respect and kindness are the basic features of an animal.
“So how are they doctors?
Do they carry a stethoscope with them? OR
Are they currently being taught in a medical college?”
No! It’s none of them! They are superheroes without any degrees.
An 87-year-old man in Boynton Beach, Florida., probably owed his life to his dog, Buddy. When the elderly man tripped and couldn't get up, the 12-year-old Buddy took matters in his own paws! Sensing danger, Buddy broke through a screen door, ran to a neighbor’s house, alerted them of the problem and led them over to the injured man, who was then saved. (Source: https://www.wthr.com/article/news/trending-viral/dog-saves-elderly-florida-mans-life/531-2cc2dfa9-0a80-4035-8f52-7afc0d8203b7)
Stories of animals’ bravery and cuteness are all around but the ones that are lesser known are the stories of their intellectual relation with their caretakers and how that relationship has helped them. One such story is from Mumbai, where the pet helped the owner get out of depression and anxiety. Nowadays dogs and cats are often adopted by NGOs running old-age homes. Being homeless at an old age has already brought them with different heartbreaking phases, and these pets give them love and enlighten a hope in them.
Pet owners do know the power of pets to spread happiness. But scientific research has proven that our pets can also make us healthier. At an old age home, animals have a great impact on the aged people and on their health. According to a study by NPR Media Organization in 1980, heart patients who owned pets lived longer than those who didn't. Another study found that petting one's own dog could reduce blood pressure. Most of the people above the age of 60 suffer with HYPERTENSION or HYPOTENSION (Low blood pressure) and dogs play an important role in their life.
People in retirement homes suffer from various emotional issues, and here pets have a healing effect on those suffering from depression and loneliness. Animals can also act as therapists themselves or facilitate therapy. Older people have often said, how incredibly barren and lonely their lives are. A pet’s companionship and unconditional love helps them get over all trauma.
Thus, living closely with animals builds trust between them and their owner and this may bring wonders to their lives. Their presence alone is enough to calm you down, to give you warmth, to let you feel loved and soothed.
Author: Karan Acharya
Karan Acharya is a high school student, and he is involved in social work and animal welfare programs. His hobby is to write blogs and poetry on social issues in his free time. He says that he writes from his heart and expresses what he feels.
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