Blog #4

For my inquiry question, I am researching bonds with pets. My second round of research is on what kinds of bonds we have/make with pets. I think this question can stretch into many answers. For example, my brother first got his gecko merely because he had a huge interest in reptiles. For me, I first got my gecko because I found her cute. And so I can have a friend. I know some other people who get pets because they are not interested in having kids or cannot, so they replace children with pets. I think everyone has a “different bond” or a different relationship with pets. Or many parents who oppose having pets in the house, but end up loving them the most like my mom.

The Relationship Between People and Animals
One of the deepest emotional ties that humans may have with another living thing is the link that exists between humans and animals. But why is there such a deep link between owners and their pets? Experts claim there are several explanations.
Benefits to Human Health
One benefit of having pets is that they offer us unconditional affection and friendship, which is becoming more and more rare in today’s society. They can even improve our mental and emotional well-being and help us reduce stress and worry.
Researchers from the Universities of Miami and Saint Louis conducted studies to assess the benefits of owning a pet (McConnell, Brown, Shoda, Stayton, and Martin 2011). Their three investigations revealed that having a pet can improve one’s mental and physical wellbeing. The findings of their initial study showed that those with pets were generally happier than people without pets.
For example, studies show that having a pet is positively associated with an increased sense of self-worth, better physical health, less stress, and reduced fear compared to those who do not own a pet. In two further studies, samples from both lab and outdoor settings indicated enhanced human health connected with pet ownership, further supporting the benefits of having a furry friend. (1)

The phrase “human-animal interaction” is used to describe a wide range of interactions and behaviours between humans and animals. These exchanges can take many different forms and be beneficial, detrimental, or neutral for both parties. They may take place in social, communal, or solitary settings. In human-animal interactions, the veterinarian’s job is to reduce bad interactions and encourage favourable ones. The human-animal link is a dynamic and mutually beneficial relationship that is shaped by actions deemed necessary for the health and well-being of both humans and animals. Both people and animals benefit from this link in terms of their social, emotional, and physical well-being. Specifically, the veterinarian’s job in the human-animal interaction is to enhance the potential of this bond between humans and animals by promoting the health and wellbeing of both. (2)

More individuals than ever before in our culture rely on their pets. In addition to those who suffer from diabetes, epilepsy, high blood pressure, anxiety, autism, addiction, deafness, or hearing impairments, dogs can assist those who are blind or visually challenged. K9 units support law enforcement in a variety of ways. In each of these situations, the dogs frequently develop into a loyal and reliable friend. Strong bonds arise between pet owners who do not also experience severe medical or psychological problems, as evidenced by the aforementioned university research (McConnell, et al, 2011). Although there are other pet-human ties as well, people most frequently form bonds with dogs and cats. Research by McConnell et al. and others has repeatedly demonstrated the psychological and physical benefits that dogs may provide to their owners. dogs can also serve as a vital support system or, at the least, be an integral part of daily life. There are numerous ways that pets can enhance their owners’ well-being. When it comes to social connection, humans and their dogs frequently understand one another under trying circumstances. whether a dog or cat senses its owner’s sadness or anger, it might also sense whether the pet is hungry or suffering. Pets grow to be an important and consistent aspect of daily life. The pet always stays at home with its owner, even when they are not actively involved. Pets provide comfort, companionship, unconditional affection, amusement, and a stress-relieving environment, among other benefits. (3)

In the beginning: The relationship that existed between pets and their owners was not always the same as that which exists between people. The human-animal interaction originated as a working relationship and has been evolving for over 15,000 years, according to the life science corporation Bayer. It could have been while hunting, farming, or carrying out other daily duties that animals offered humans protection and assistance. Dogs would herd and track. Cats typically lived outside where they would hunt and kill rats that could contaminate food or other things or spread sickness. People were helped by animals during the battle. Animals that have served in the military in the past include mascots, carrier pigeons, sentry dogs, and cavalry horses, according to the United States Army Medical Department Journal (AMDJ). AMDJ claims that in addition to providing security, these creatures could also give their human counterparts a sense of pride and alleviate stress. (4)

“The human/companion animal bond,” or PET-LOVE, is a fulfilling relationship for both parties. Scientific research in the last few years has not just clarified the potential applications for it. For example, pet therapy is being utilized to motivate the disabled, rejuvenate the aged, and cure mental illness. It is logical to assume that having a pet may enhance our emotional and physical well-being in light of recent research. It appears that, at least occasionally, man’s best buddy could also be his greatest source of medical care. It has been discovered that having a pet lowers blood pressure, eases stress, gives people a playmate, encourages exercise, and fosters feelings of closeness, continuity, security, and overall wellbeing. Utilized in conjunction with all the different and random animals that are typically considered pets, as well as physiological or psychological benefits. A person’s life can be expanded by animals, especially if they have lost close human partners and feel abandoned by society. Having to take care of an animal helps many people feel valued, needed, and useful again. A pet can act as a confidant when a person needs emotional support. Since pets aren’t bound by any rules, they can be a great source of support during difficult times. They won’t question you; they will accept you for who you are. Whatever happens, they will always be there for you. The most common kind of pets are dogs or cats, but some people, like Winston Churchill, have a special preference: pigs. According to a quotation from the British prime minister, pigs treat humans equally, while dogs and cats look down on us. (5)

Ressources:
1: https://www.pethonesty.com/blogs/blog/why-the-bond-between-pets-and-their-owners-is-stronger-than-ever#:~:text=The%20human%2Danimal%20bond%20is%20strong%20and%20powerful%2C%20offering%20both,are%20truly%20our%20best%20friends!
2: https://www.avma.org/one-health/human-animal-bond#:~:text=The%20human%2Danimal%20bond%20is,health%20of%20people%20and%20animals.
3: https://www.theravive.com/today/post/the-extraordinary-bond-between-people-and-pets-0001853.aspx
4: https://cvm.msu.edu/news/perspectives-magazine/perspectives-fall-2018/the-human-animal-bond-throughout-time
5: https://thefilipinovet.com/article/petherapy-the-bond-between-humans-and-pets#:~:text=PET-LOVE,%20or%20%22the,elderly%20and%20motivate%20the%20handicapped.

Thank you for reading.