After reading this heading, you will probably either expect a new and great discovery for a perfect and happy life, or simply think I’ve gone mad. But neither is what I want to share with you today. I want to remind you of one of the greatest gifts we have on this earth that we sometimes maybe don’t appreciate enough: the company of animals and their impact on us humans.

It is hard to find numbers of how many people are living together with an animal in this world. But, what is scientifically proven are the healthy impacts animals can have on us humans. Petting an animal releases endorphins in our body, and lowers our blood pressure. Our bodies calm down and can relax better. Animals can even reduce our feeling of loneliness and train our social skills. 

As I read article after article about the impact of animals on us humans, I could not help but think of homeless people I had seen on the streets accompanied by a dog. In times of great struggles, animals can become an anchor to hold on to, a source of warmth and real friendship. 

I also thought about our school dog in my old primary school, with whom we always played and had fun. On the other hand, he also taught me to accept when it was my friends turn to play with him, and I had to wait patiently for them to finish, so I could enjoy my time with him.

Then I remembered the riding stable where I used to ride, which also offered therapy riding to people with mental or physical disabilities. Here I had seen the impact of the horses on humans in its biggest extent. Loud and uncontrollable children suddenly turned quiet and attentive. Quiet and shy children started to exceed their own personal limits, discovering they can do way more than they had believed before.  

I’m convinced that I, too, would be a very different person if I hadn’t grown up surrounded by animals. When I was around eight years old, my grandfather gave me three rabbits. Caring for them – feeding, cleaning, petting – became part of my daily routine. Through them, I learned responsibility, structure, and what it means to look after another living being.

Of course, animals are not the cure for everything. They will not suddenly change the whole personality of a person. But with time and patience, they offer so much potential for growth. 

A study in the US taught teenagers with diabetes to connect the checking of their blood glucose with feeding and taking care of fish that were entrusted to them. The results showed that they were actually more disciplined in checking their blood sugar level than the teenagers that were not tracking their blood glucose with the help of the fish. 

And these are just a few of the ways where animals can actually have a major impact on our lives. There are animals brightening the days of people in hospitals, retirement homes or even hospices. 

The possibilities for including animals to improve the well-being of humans are vast. The connection to a living, breathing being and the gentle reminder to be more present, can benefit everyone.

Still, seeing animals only as a tool to make us feel better would be wrong. They depend on our care, and on us having their best interest at heart. A horse that is used in therapeutic riding deserves time to graze on the field and play with other horses. A school dog surrounded by noise all day needs time to run outside or relax in a calm surrounding. 

Finding this balance is the key to establishing the beautiful bond between humans and animals. It enables everyone involved to benefit the most from this relationship. Maybe animals can “cure” some of our problems, and maybe, we can even let their lives shine a little more too.

Lea Schwegmann

Sources:

Tiere helfen Menschen – VIER PFOTEN in der Schweiz – Stiftung für Tierschutz
Tierisch gesund | AOK Sachsen-Anhalt
The Power of Pets | NIH News in Health