| Inviting a pet to share your home is a huge | | | | is the way they keep us from feeling lonely or |
| decision. Sure, pets are cute and cuddly and fun | | | | unloved. Pets are the best source of unconditional |
| to play with but they are also a large | | | | love there is. |
| responsibility. | | | | Pets are a good idea for children as well. Taking |
| There is a whole creature that is dependent upon | | | | care of small pets is a great way to teach your |
| you for its care. | | | | kids about responsibility and caring for others. |
| In many cases, having a pet is not unlike having a | | | | They also are a fabulous way to keep your kids |
| child, the main difference is that eventually a child | | | | from miring themselves in front of the television |
| learns to talk and can tell you when something is | | | | set or a video game. |
| wrong. With pets, you have to guess as most of | | | | Having a pet to play with keeps them active the |
| them don't speak the same language we do. | | | | same way that it keeps you active! They are also |
| Studies done in the last few decades have shown | | | | good for teaching your kids how to be patient |
| that there are actually health benefits to having a | | | | with others and pay attention to the small details |
| pet, especially if you live alone. | | | | of behavior they see in others. |
| Having a pet can improve your mood. You have | | | | Before you get a pet, you should consider a few |
| to be very determined to stay mired in your bad | | | | things. The first, of course, is you: do you have |
| mood when you have a pet. | | | | the time and energy to get a pet? Pets take up a |
| There is just something spirit lifting about your cat | | | | lot of both! |
| curling up on your lap and purring or your dog | | | | If you do, then look at the amount of space you |
| putting his paws on your knees and looking at you | | | | have in your home. Bigger animals require room |
| from under those doggie eyebrows. | | | | to run and play, so a small apartment might not |
| Some research has shown that people with | | | | be the greatest place for, say, a St. Bernard. |
| serious illnesses are two thirds less likely to | | | | It could, however, be a perfect place for an |
| experience severe depression if they own or | | | | aquarium (fish need love too). You should also |
| have regular access to a pet. Pets have also been | | | | consider how much money you have pets cost |
| known to reduce a person's blood pressure. | | | | money. They have food and vet bills and toys. |
| Having a pet will encourage you to get your | | | | Pets are a wonderful addition to any household |
| exercise your pets need exercise and it is up to | | | | that can have them. |
| you to make sure they get it, whether it means | | | | The decision to get one, though, is often life |
| going for a walk with your dog or getting down | | | | altering so make sure you really think about it |
| on the floor and playing with your cat. | | | | before you take on the responsibility of one! |
| Perhaps the most notable benefit to having a pet | | | | |