Animals can have many purposes in life, whether that be a companion for life, a friend, or even a life saver. All animals can play a pivotal role in human lives and here’s how.
Companionship
One of the main reasons that animals are adopted are for companionship. This could be because you need a friend, or someone to make you feel safe.
Dogs and cats seem to be two of the most popular animals to adopt and make a part of your family. But all types of animals can have a positive impact of your home and family.
Adopting an animal can have physical and mental effects on your health.
The physical benefit of own an animal is exercise, for those animals that may need to be walked. But you can also play with many other animals whether that be rabbits, dogs, cats, lizards, etc. Playing with your pet will also create a bond that can potentially last for life
Getting to know your pet better and building a bond is an important part of owning an animal. Gaining your animals trust will allow you to attain a better relationship and a possible life-saving friend.
Once your pet is comfortable around you, you’ll notice reduced feelings of loneliness and depression, along with a rise in mood. By having an animal in your life that you can interact and live with will make you feel better and help you to have a positive outlook on life. Some animals are also known for their natural response to stress and illness. So sometimes having a pet can help you feel more relaxed and safer for those bad days.
A friend for life
Having an animal can help you in all parts of life. They can help you through tough times when it seems life no-one else is there for you. The loss of a job, partner, or family member can have a detrimental effect on you and your mental health. The presence of an animal can help reduce or relieve the feelings of loneliness, depression and in some cases, thoughts of self-harm and suicide.
Animals can sometimes offer relief and support that humans cannot. Some people find it easier and safer to be around animals, so having a friend there can help relieve all of the above issues, or at least reduce them. However, always remember if you are experiencing thoughts of self-harm or suicide, please contact a trusted person or a professional to seek help.
Life savers
Not only can animals be friends and companions, but they can also be trained to save lives. You’ve probably heard about them before. But we’re here to tell you a little more about them.
Dogs
Dogs are the main animal that have been introduced into the emergency services and everyday life. They are versatile and easy to train, with time and dedication. Dogs have been implemented into the police force, fire department, and even in medical fields.
Due to their advanced sense of hearing and smell dogs are able to identify and seek out hidden people and substances, making them excellent additions to the police force. Working as part of the police force has meant that lives and issues previously harder or impossible to solve, solvable.
Dogs can also play an important part in the fire department. Being able to sniff out certain substances and chemicals, they can help to identify and prevent fires. Due to their smaller stature, they can aid in finding people trapped in buildings or places that a fire may break out. Being able to crawl through small places and either drag or alert their team to the presence of a person in need has helped the fire department to save lives more efficiently and frequently.
Finally, dogs have been introduced into medical fields as an animal that can help the blind, deaf and, those in therapy. Being seen as a sense of calm and comfort to some people. Dogs and other animals can be part of a recovery process for those that have experienced traumatic events.
Dogs trained in this field are able to aid the blind and deaf by providing sight or hearing. Alerting of an intruder, guiding them around the streets or house, and alerting them of danger. Some other dogs are also able to detect things like low insulin and stress. Which allows them to alert their owner to eating/taking medication or provide support and relaxation.
Support Dogs Helpline
If you need support and would like to get in touch with Support Dogs
or you can call on 0114 261 7800 Monday to Friday 8.30am – 4.30pm
You can also find there contact details on our Contact page.
