Pets for Companionship

by Liberty D. Riley, Reach Therapist Intern

There may be times in our lives when we are either too busy to have an intimate relationship or we just don’t want one. Perhaps our last relationship ended terribly and we’re still reeling from the pain, or maybe we are at a point in our lives when we are busy proving to the world (and ourselves) that we have things under control. We’re doing it. We’re independent. We don’t need anyone… until the time comes when proving to ourselves just how self-sufficient we are actually becomes a little lonely.

How do we deal with those evenings when our friends are busy, on vacation, or just not able to hang out and chat?  What can help this temporary feeling of loneliness? For some of us, our pets are the cure for those now and again blues.

Coming home from a long day at school or work can be made so much better when you have a loving pet waiting for you at the door. (Even cats get excited their owner is home – though they may not always act like it.) Pets are said to add years to our lives, as well as happiness to our hearts.  Their unconditional love reminds us that we are lovable and capable of loving, and as they help us remember our ability to love, their constant needing to be cleaned up after can help us stay grounded and remember that we actually do have a responsibility to another living being.

Pets are a commitment. The decision to get a pet is the decision to commit your life to this animal for however long he (or she) lives. It is making sure he stays healthy, gets his shots, is groomed, and well taken care of. More than anything, it is making sure he is loved and happy. If you can make a commitment to love another being for its entire lifetime, you are committing to something that can be time-consuming, exhausting, and so very rewarding.

Whether you get a puppy in its teething and potty-training stage (pure frustration), or get a kitten who enjoys climbing up drapes and clawing every piece of furniture you own (ugh), being a pet owner is not always easy and it is certainly not always cheap. However, the companionship you get from a dog or a cat is almost always amazing. If you don’t have the time or patience for a “baby,” consider adopting an older pet. Although they may come with their own issues, they are often easier (and less expensive to adopt!) than very young animals.

How does one become a successful pet parent? There are no set rules, but here are a few quick tips on better pet parenting.

1. Feed the little guy. Make sure your pet is always fed nutritious food and has fresh water available at all times.

2. Keep her healthy. Make sure she stays clean, gets her shots, is groomed, and has her yearly exams every single year. Have your vet on speed dial. Be very aware of how your pet acts normally, and take her to the vet if she doesn't seem to be acting like herself.

3. Play. Animals have energy and they need to release it! The best way for this to occur is for you to make time to play with your pet, take him for walk, go to the dog park, get a box and throw paper balls into it - cats love that and it’s cheap!

4. Love, love, love them. Whether your pet is young or old, the one thing they need more than anything (other than food and water), is love. You are their world; they love you and just want that love given back to them.

Pets can be work, but the love they give and the companionship they offer just might be what you need.

If you want to work on becoming more independent, or if you’re reeling from the pain of a break-up, or even the loss of a pet, the therapist interns at Pfeiffer Institute Reach are available to help you be the best you, just call us for an appointment at (919) 941-2900.