For the Love of Pets

July 2024

“We may have pets, but when it comes to unconditional love, they are the masters.” — George Carlin

I can’t think of a time in my life when I didn’t have a pet. I’ve had cats for years, but both a cat and dog when I was young. My father didn’t like cats so “Dinky” (named because he was tiny when we got him then grew into a 16-pound bruiser) was an outside cat but so was the dog, Casper. Coveted inside visits meant someone was in a generous mood or Dad was out of town.

Why do we love our pets so? They can be rowdy and destructive, laborious, messy, inconvenient, and expensive. Simply put, ours is a pet-loving culture for a variety of reasons. I once read that our fascination with pets is not because they’re useful, nor even because they’re cute, or because they’ll make us live longer, although research might prove otherwise. Instead, pet-keeping is an intrinsic part of human nature and speaks to the connection of a love that feels unconditional.

Here’s one thing: pets are pure. They want love, attention, play, time outside, or food. You’re everything to them, and they’re fiercely, unwaveringly loyal. That is powerful. We have all heard or read the stories of a dog or cat that returns home from miles away or months later after being lost or taken. Hollywood has built a very successful movie industry based on the love and loyalty of pets.

Pets understand us non-verbally. They’re in sync with us emotionally and aren’t distracted by the words and other complexities or nuances in human relationships. I once had a cat that, no matter where she was in the house, would find me if I was distressed. Now I know cats get bad publicity but Lili, named after my sister, was loving and funny and quirky. And any dog owner will attest to an unwavering loyalty and sheer delight upon seeing its owner. Raise your hand if your big dog has knocked you over when you walk in the front door.

Brene’ Brown, among other emotion and relationship scientists, has made it absolutely clear: humans are much more emotional than we are cognitive, and pets get us and use this to connect deeply with us. I am always fascinated and encouraged by how pets help, heal, and love us. For busy families, lonely people, and those with mental health challenges, loving pets, like most dogs among others, may be a crucial missing puzzle piece. I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the non-dog and cat species, although it isn’t a connection I understand.  I suppose bearded dragons need love too, or a rodent, or another type of reptile. (Non-judgmental shudder here).

So, why do we love our pets? Why do we give them silly names or talk to them in baby voices and take them outside at 3 am when it’s 22 degrees and snowing? Why do we create social media pages for them or dress them in outfits bought at PetSmart?

Why? Because they love us in return. Simple, right?

If you have a pet, give them some extra love today or if you don’t, consider getting one if you’re able to do so. If you can, adopt from a shelter. Those babies are just the best. And, next time one of them tears up a shoe or pukes on the floor, remember this piece of writing and why we love them so.

Be Well …

Arkansas Hospice Employee Wellness Council (EWC) Keeping you Well – Mind, Body, & Spirit

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