7 Reasons Why We're Thankful for Our Pets

We're connected with our pets, of course, but they also make it easier to connect with other people, too. Dog people are more likely to chat up someone at the dog park or while out on a walk... especially if they see a dog they'd like to say hello to. Pet people have their pets in common as a topic of conversation (and who doesn't like to spend a few moments bragging chatting about their pets?). Pets make it easier for others to approach us as well, to ask about our pets and strike up a conversation.

They love us even when we don't look or feel our best... when we're tired or cranky... when we screw up at the office, at school, or at home... they still love us and will gladly dispense affection.

Exercise is good for the mind, the soul, and the body.... and a pet who enjoys activity is great motivation to join right in! Plus pets have been shown to have a therapeutic effect on people - they can help to lower stress levels, alleviate loneliness or depression, and even decrease blood pressure (here's one study that gets into the details for those who are interested).

Their silly antics can instantly raise our spirits, even when we're having a truly bad day. Whether they're playing, trying to communicate with us, feeling cranky, or just being their usual cute selves, our pets make us laugh - and laughter is good for the soul!

They play hard, nap hard, and whole-heartedly put their entire beings into enjoying whatever they happen to be doing at the time. Us humans tend to have a million things on our minds ... for example, even when walking the dog, we could be thinking about work, family, or chores ... while our dogs think about the sunshine, the grass beneath their paws, and the fresh air in their faces.

They appreciate simple pleasures. A good stretch, the feel of the warm sun, a roll in the grass, an awesome stick or a muddy puddle, splashing through a creek or playing in the snow... even the smallest things make our pets happy. What a great lesson about taking joy from the little things in life and appreciating what we have.

They good-naturedly:

• Provide companionship;
• Tolerate hugs & kisses;
• Greet us happily, whether we've been gone for 8 minutes or 8 hours;
• Amuse us with their antics;
• Give us a shoulder to cry on;
• Joyfully embrace each day and encourage us to do the same;
• Provide us with a soft, furry cuddle / snuggle companion;
• Brighten our days just by being themselves!