Through the ages people have kept numerous species of animals as pets, with pet species seeming to vary from one geographic location to another. Many cultures have chosen to be surrounded by everything from domesticated dogs and cats to exotic insects and reptiles making pet ownership an integral part of society. From the greatest fictional writings to the most memorable children’s books, authors have written about pets with a more than common occurrence. What explains the drive which is so ingrained in the human psyche to gravitate towards pet ownership? Studies suggest that owning a pet can have many beneficial effects on a person’s well-being and development from childhood through seniority because pets can provide companionship and promote …show more content…
By the mid 1990’s, no less than 56% of homes in the United States (estimated at over 53 million) had companion animals, with over half of those homes owning more than one animal (APPMA, 1994). Though the types of pets vary from one demographic to another, pets remain a constant factor in everyday modern society. According to Beck and Meyers (1996) studies show that young to middle-aged parents tend to incorporate dogs, cats, and other small mammals as companion animals for their children. Households with a more hectic lifestyle have shown to incorporate small freshwater fish, birds, or reptiles (which need a lesser degree of care and supervision) as …show more content…
The increase in physical activity due to pets has helped to reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases, increased survivability rates from heart attacks, and increased physical well-being in elderly assisted-care communities (McNicholas et al., 2005). These same studies also showed increased mental health and social interaction as a part of pet ownership. Pet owners were more likely to have longer conversations with other individuals during a normal walk with a pet than non-owners. Children were also found to be more open socially in an environment where pets were being interacted with in a park setting. Even the introduction of turtles and rabbits to children resulted in increased interactivity which positively teaches necessary social behaviors. According to Friedmann (1995):
A recent large scale epidemiological study has provided evidence that pet ownership may protect people from developing coronary heart disease or slow its progression. It addressed the differences between pet owners and non-owners on physiological variables associated with increased risk of developing coronary heart disease, confronting some of the same issues evaluated in the study of survival by patients with coronary heart
For the mass population of pet owners, pets are considered a treasure, so the conversation of how much is to be spend on them is a hot debut. I do agree with Burkhart Bilger's Argument that, “Our love affair with pets our pets has gotten out of control.” but I contend with the ideal that it is a widespread problem. I still insist that owners should show attention and love to their pet but so without the overspending in regards to your income. This topic is brought up in Bilgers’ article “The Last Meow” where he uses different facts, examples, and stories that back up my position.
Have you ever wondered how much it costs to have and maintain a pet? Burkhard Bilger, the author of “The Last Meow”, explains how Americans spend a lot of money on their pets and that people's “love affair” with their pets has gotten out of control. An observation I have made is that in many movies dogs are treated very well. When I was younger, I watched a movie called Bratz and one character would always have her dog inside a dog purse and they would even get manicures and pedicures together. The dog always had shiny clothes on and it was always very clean. Therefore, I agree with Bilger's argument that Americans “love affair” with their pets has gotten out of control.
...t of the family. While the pets have gained better treatment and consumer power, through their owners, this concept has left many animals that are used to make consumer products. These animals are removed from humans so bonds are not formed with them, leaving them open for overuse and exploitation. Ideas like these are spread through the consumer market in places like Petco, where the entire business is reliant on people continuing to feel their animals are part of the family which means the pet needs certain items. If that idea didn't exist I don't think there would be need for a Petco or other big box pet stores, because there wouldn't be the social construct of the pet family member to drive the business. The basis of all of this is that people make pets, without the ideas behind pets would pets exist in the modern for and have the consequences to other animals?
Gereal P. Mallon (1994) states there are numerous reports in literature that exemplify the value of human contact with animals. Studies have indicated animals such as dogs play an important role in not only socializing, but a significantly greater role in humanizing children. Dogs in particular due to their interactive and affectionate nature have become increasingly effective in adjunct therapy settings of children and youth. Piaget (1929) revealed in his research a stage in child development that it is inherently natural for a child to attribute human characteristics to an animal. Cartoons, fairytales, and mythology designed for children often depict animals as important roles of human interaction. Children are even found to project their inner feelings onto an animal, which they perceive as loving. These animals too do not talk back or argue which provides the continuous degree of nonjudgmental interaction essential to a child’s recovery process.
Seeing maimed animals are not pleasant images. Those images sometimes appear across computer and television screens. The advocacy groups who place these images in the public’s view are trying to jolt people into the realization that abuse exists. For every ten seconds that goes by an animal is getting abused (“Animal… Statistics”). One statistic states that “71% of pet-owning women entering women’s shelters reported that their batterer had injured, maimed, killed or threatened family pets for revenge or to psychologically control victims; 32% reported their children had hurt or killed animals” (“Animal… Violence”). Animal cruelty comes in several forms, some of which people do not know. There is animal experimenting, animal abuse, and mistreatment of animals. and through revealing the results from research, one discovers the horrific effects of animal abuse.
Do you know that if you buy a pet from a pet store, there will be some animals die in the shelters? Do you also know that every year there are thousands of sheltered animals are euthanized—mercy killing— because there is no space for them? Many people buy pets rather than adopt from shelters because they think they are healthy, purebred and well-behaved. But actually the sheltered animals may be healthier, happier and much cheaper. In the recent years, more and more people decide to adopt animals since there are numerous advantages such as changing a homeless animal’s whole life, reducing illegal trade and puppy farms and benefiting from long- term advice and support.
Yes, insurance for the furriest member of your family, never knew about it before well now you have.
As one gets older being responsible comes in handy when applying to jobs, when attending school, and when having kids. Owing a dog teaches you to be responsible. For kids its one of their first jobs they get. They are told to pick up poop, take the dog out for walks, feed the dog and play with the dog. They are taking care of another life and if they do not do those tasks then the dog does not live a happy life. It gives kids a longtime commitment and it teaches them how to be consistent. They no longer just think of themselves they start thinking of the dog’s needs and what’s best for their dog. For adults who are thinking of having kids in the future whether it’s being married or single a dog is a good wake up call as to how hard it is taking care of another life yet so rewarding. Taking care of oneself is one thing but being responsible for another life is a life changing experience. Dogs are not cheep they are expensive. Dogs need a lot of things for
They say that a dog is a man’s best fried, but they don’t tell you about the overall cost, responsibility, or convenience about adopting one. Dogs are supposed to bring so much joy to a household, but sometimes they can only fill a void for a short amount of time. When a dog owner buys a dog, do they actually research the things that they are about to get in to? When I bought my dog, Skye, I never really looked into is issues; I just looked at the benefits. I love Skye to death, and I guess I could say that she also loves me to death. Even though someone rescuing a dog may think they are doing something great; they are causing an issue on how they will forever live their life.
The abuse that animals endure at human hands is heartbreaking, sickening, and infuriating. Animals are just as delicate as humans, so why not abuse us too? Animal lives should be just important as ours. No animals should be killed or abused for testing, entertaining, clothing, or hoarding. Every year, millions of animals are being killed and torture for testing.
Most homeowners normally have pets at home. You will realize that these pets normally provide companionship to their owners. Some of the common pets that are kept by most homeowners include: dogs, cats and so on. Pets are wonderful creatures. They require to be trained from time to time. Most people usually prefer keeping a dog as a pet.
Over 71 million American households (62%) have a pet, and most people think of their pets as members of the family. Some research studies have found that people who have a pet have healthier hearts, stay home sick less often, make fewer visits to the doctor, get more exercise, and are less depressed. Pets may also have a significant impact on allergies, asthma, social support, and social interactions with other people (Casciotti) .
“A dog is a man’s best friend” goes much deeper than the phrase might initially imply. Recently many medical journals have begun to identify with the many and varied benefits of pet ownership. Men have always relied upon animals for work, transportation, and survival. As times have changed, man has begun to appreciate a different bond with animals. Gone are the days of animals running free outside around the homestead, for now animals are allowed inside and are considered by many to be an integral part of our daily lives! Medical studies have found that animals have a much greater intelligence level than originally thought. Through proper training and experience, animals are not only household pets, but also are becoming an accepted form of medical treatment.
Pets are all over the world, and a part of many people's everyday lives. After seeing my grandmas dog close to death about a week ago, it reminded me of how impacted I was when I lost a pet in the past. That’s when I realized that pets leave a very impactful mark on other people's lives. Then, I remembered not everyone has had pets in their lives due to various reasons like allergies and seeing them as dangerous. This led me to my research question; Should kids have pets in their lives? Weighing the options, I can see both sides to the question at hand. I was a child who grew up with pets by my side, but I also had been greatly harmed by one. When I was just a preschooler, I was critically bit by my own dog in the face, just inches away from a fatal vein in my neck. I still have the scar to this day, yet I still surround myself with animals everyday.
"What's wrong with Charlie?" Claire asked as she held out her tiny hands with a motionless gold fish in her palm. "I was just playing with Charlie yesterday, but today he won't play." Claire's parents failed to realize that when their child begged them to buy her a pet, that she knew nothing of how to take care of a simple gold fish. She didn't understand that fish are not pets to be held or caressed like you would a kitten. This situation occurs more often than most people think. Whether it is a result of an impulsive purchase, emotion, or even a stray animal that you came across, many people do not take into consideration what owning a pet may entail. There is a huge variety of species available, from tarantulas to genetically altered Munchkin cats, with many ways to obtain them. Although not everyone is able to handle a giant spider or endure changing kitty litter, you have to realize you are making a commitment to being responsible for another living being. Even with the wide ranging selection, it is crucial to know how to choose a pet that suits you.