July 31, 2024
August 26 is National Dog Day, but with the scores of people across the United States and the world in puppy (and kitty) love, every day seems to be a celebration of our furry friends.
Pets by the Numbers
- 66% (nearly 87 million) of American households own a pet.
- 65.1 million households in the U.S. own a dog; 46.5 million own one or more cat.
- Millennials are the largest group of pet owners (33%); 24% of Baby Boomers (ages 60-78) own pets.
- Americans spend an average of $741 per year on their pets.
The Age-Old Link Between Humans and Animals
While it’s not uncommon these days to pack a pooch in a purse or cram a (probably cranky) cat in a wearable contraption, the first tentative steps humans and animals made toward one another in the wild evolved from mutually beneficial working relationships over 15,000 years ago.
Feral cats killed disease-ridden rodents and other pests, while dogs warned against predators and aided with hunting, tracking and herding. In return, humans provided animals with food, shelter and warmth.
It’s less clear how turtles, fish, hamsters, lizards, snakes, birds, ferrets, etc. also became part of the pet culture, but plenty of other hairy, feathered, shelled and scaled creatures also share their homes with humans.
Why the Mutual Love?
According to Psychology Today, “Our pets’ main existence is geared toward connecting with us, reading our mental states and feelings, being available for us, loving us unconditionally, and showing up emotionally for us.”
Whether we’re away for five minutes or five weeks, a dog will greet and treat us like we’re the most important thing on earth – because to them, we are.
Though generally more independent, cats are affectionate too, rubbing against our legs, nuzzling our faces, curling up in our laps and purring contentedly when we’re near.
In the eyes of their human beholders, dogs and cats are adorable, soft, loving, pleasing, accommodating, nurturing (research confirms that pets can perceive our emotions) and just about everything you’d want in a best friend. What’s not to love?
In return, we give our fur babies love, attention, food, shelter, exercise, entertainment and joy. Indeed, pets can feel happiness.
5 Great Reasons for Seniors to Own a Pet
- Comfort, Companionship and Socialization. Many older adults, especially those who live alone and/or have lost loved ones, can feel lonely and isolated. A pet provides constant comfort and companionship in the home. Outside on walks, romps in the park or in a pet-friendly community such as Lathrop, a dog is a common talking point, introducing people to other pet owners, sparking conversations and healthy social connections.
- Physical Health Benefits. Taking a dog for regular walks, tossing a ball, playing fetch, engaging playful cats with their toys or a string of yarn all provide good exercise and overall enjoyment for both pets and their owners. What’s more, owning a dog has been shown by Harvard Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to decrease the risk of cardiovascular disease, high cholesterol, triglycerides and blood pressure as well as stress and obesity.
- Purpose and Cognitive Acuity. Caring for another living creature, knowing you are completely responsible for its wellbeing, provides purpose, self-esteem and meaning to life. What’s more, regular pet care requires attention to detail, careful measurement and administration of food, water, medicine, routine vet checks…all things that help us stay focused, sharp and on a rhythmic schedule. For those with memory issues, therapy animals have been shown to evoke smiles, positive memories and verbalization. Even for people who are non-verbal, “conversations” with animals can be experienced through touch.
- Emotional Wellbeing. As noted above, the unconditional love and acceptance a pet offers are matched by few humans. Cozying up to a pet whose world revolves around you alleviates depression, boosts self-worth and gives us a reason to get out in the world with new people and experiences. Owning a pet also increases feel-good hormones in the brain such as dopamine and serotonin. Even watching the millions of dog and cat videos available online relieves stress and anxiety.
- Safety, Security and Support. According to some reports, regardless of size, a barking dog is enough to deter most would-be intruders, an invaluable asset to vulnerable homeowners. Working dogs assist police and military personnel, sniffing out drugs, bombs and defending against dangerous circumstances. For those with disabilities or illnesses, service animals are lifesavers, guiding steps, assisting with activities of daily living and even sensing oncoming medical events. Certified emotional support animals help ease PTSD and anxiety.
Pets Are Family at Lathrop
At Lathrop, we understand the invaluable benefits pets bring to our lives. We are proud to be a community that warmly welcomes your four-legged friends into our family! So much so, in May of 2021, the self-initiating Lathrop Residents Association and other key individuals joined forces to build a fenced in dog run on our Easthampton campus for small and large dogs to run safely off leash with the greatest pleasure for pet and person!
Don’t “paws” another minute – come visit Lathrop today!