Second Chance: Why We Love Pets

18 Dec Second Chance: Why We Love Pets

Boris

Recently, here at the Second Chance Shelter, a nice couple was checking out the other adoptable cats. And we, well, we were all were preening and purring and secretly crossing our toes hoping to be The Chosen One. I heard the less enthusiastic half of the couple ask the other, “So why is it that you feel you need a cat?”  I was appalled by the query, but it helped me to realize that not everyone gets it. So I had to ask myself, “Why do humans love pets?”

The  question is compelling, so I did a bit of research. Turns out there are many theories out there from oxytocin elicitation response to humans’ natural pack mentality to crediting the human-animal connection with the successful evolution of humanity. But the plain and simple answer which most agree upon and few can discount is simply that pets make people happy. And now for the addendum: because it is easier to make a pet happy than a human.

In other words, the affection that pets reflect back to their people, part of the profound and nurturing relationship loop, is easier to elicit from pets than from other family members. Loving a pet  is less complicated and purer than other kinds of love. That fact alone can be deeply fulfilling in today’s chaotic world.

Although the instinct to make others happy (see “pack mentality” above) has been altogether extinguished or buried in some people, the desire to please others is as hard-wired as using tools or walking on two legs. So the symbiotic relationship with animals, who overflow with joy by simply being fed or pet, is a no-brainer.

What’s more, your pet’s happiness isn’t complicated the way human happiness is, with its associated worries about future troubles, longevity, or what might have to be offered in exchange for the happiness being received. There’s no concern that showing happiness too openly or without restraint might make the happiness go away. Which is why humans are warned against appearing too enthusiastic in the earliest stages of a romance. Pet games and communication are pretty straightforward: You throw the toy and I will chase it, or: You pet me and I will purr, or my favorite: I want to be fed and you are sleeping so I will pounce on you.

Harrington

I also believe there is something deeply fulfilling for humans about knowing that in this sometimes unkind world you’ve managed to create a pocket of perfect security and bliss for at least one small creature on this earth.

So now that you understand that your connection to animals is logical and, better yet, instinctual and necessary for your happiness and survival, come on down to the shelter to meet me and my friends. My name is Boris. I am a handsome Russion Blue adult cat who most unfortunately  just experienced the loss of a family member and am now homeless again. I am good natured, playful and adventurous and will trigger so much oxytocin in your body that you can’t help but live a long, fulfilled life.

And for an extra dose of the crazy stuff ( I am referring to oxytocin),you should meet Harrington.

Harrington, our cute little Chihuahua boy, arrived at Second Chance with a fractured femur. The poor guy had been running about with that injury for some time, but it didn’t impact his bubbly attitude one bit. After orthopedic surgery and a six-week stint in foster care and rehabilitation, he is back at the shelter and ready to meet a new family…

Could it be yours?

Editor’s note: It’s no secret. The Telluride region is dog heaven. Well, pet heaven. Unless you are one of our furry friends who gets caught in the maw of neglect and abuse. Then heaven is on hold until Second Chance Humane Society comes to the rescue. Second Chance is the region’s nonprofit dedicated to saving animals’ lives and promoting responsible pet parenting and human-animal bond. In her weekly blog, executive director Kelly Goodin profiles at least one, generally two of the many animals now living at the no-kill shelter, Angel Ridge Shelter, a dog and a cat, hoping to find them loving permanent homes. The column is sponsored by Ted Hoff of Cottonwood Ranch & Kennel, who from time to time exercises his skills as a dog whisperer, partnering with Kelly and her staff to help train a particularly challenging animal.

By the by, there is no better place to park your pup than Cottonwood whenever you head out of town (for locals) or are heading to town and staying somewhere that does not allow pets. Consider joining Ted’s Very Important Dog (VID) Club for added benies. (Details on Ted’s website.)

Second Chance Humane Society Animal Resource Center and Thrift Shop are both located in Ridgway, but service San Miguel, Ouray & Montrose Counties. Call the SCHS Helpline at 626-2273 to report a lost pet, learn about adopting a homeless pet, or about the SCHS Spay/Neuter, Volunteer, Feral Cat, or other Programs. View the shelter pets and services online:www.adoptmountainpets.org