My little man, Chuey
Last night, I began writing this entry, with the goal in mind to keep it short and post it before going to bed. Well, I got tired (probably because I didn't keep it short - oh well), and that did not happen. Everything happens for a reason, though, right? Interestingly enough, I woke up to this article on Yahoo Shine: Cat Saves Owner's Life Hours After Adoption,
http://shine.yahoo.com/animal-nation/cat-saves-owners-life-hours-adoption-141500782.html. Amazing! My family, too, has it's own story of how our cat played an important role in possibly saving my husband's life four years ago. As I sit here, trying to finish this entry, I'm enjoying watching our two cats long for affection from my husband...one on the floor doing figure eights between his ankles, and the other standing on his lap, ever so gently pawing at his face, saying "hey, pet me". Pet's
are good for your heath!
...but, let's get back to the initial part of the post.
I will never forget the Friday I came home from work, in April 2007, to find that something was just not right with my beloved cat of 13 years, Stinky. Her gait was off...a little wobbly. So subtle, my husband didn't even notice at first, but I did...immediately. By Monday, things had worsened. Her "wobbles" were now definitely apparent, and this definitely warranted a trip to the vet. The Dr. gave her a shot of cortisone in her hind quarters, but I could tell he was really concerned. If there was going to be a change for the good, it would happen within 24 hours...it did not. Within a week, she was gone.
Stinky had developed feline cardiomyopathy, otherwise know as heart disease. Her condition caused blood clots to form in the arteries, cutting off the blood supply to her hind legs, eventually leaving no feeling in the limbs, and leaving poor Stinky unable to even stand. It was mind boggling how quickly it all happened. In thirteen years, Stinky had never had to go to the vet, other than for her kitten boosters...and now this. I was devastated, but little did I know, a little ray of sunshine was about to make most of the pain go away.
My husband, though hesitant, called me at work the day after Stinky had found peace, to tell me that he had just left the Humane Society. He knew I probably wasn't ready, but wanted to assure me that when I was, there was a precious little 6 month old kitten waiting for me. Nothing could replace Stinky, but something told me to go see that little kitten that day. I did, and that day was the beginning of a new friendship. I adopted Sandi, and Sandi found her forever home.
Sandi helped me get through the tremendous sadness I felt after the loss of my first pet. My husband always talks about how Sandi did not leave his side for three hours when he couldn't get up (only to find himself in the ICU later that day). She kept him in touch with reality that day. Sandi curls up next to me every night, and lets me pet her for hours...definitely gives me a calm feeling. Sandi's adopted brother, Chuey, plays fetch...fun! Chuey leaps up and latches onto my thigh the first time I walk past him every morning...cracks me up! Chuey and Sandi get compliments on how beautiful of cats they are...so proud! Need I say more? Pets are good for your health!
Owning a pet can have significant health benefits, both mentally and physically, according to a recent study published by the Cleveland Clinic, and posted by iVillage.com,
http://www.ivillage.com/pets-protect-heart/4-a-428958 . Pets can help lower blood pressure and serve a role of important companion in those who are single, widowed, or lonely. The large study proved that the benefits can also be long-term. Cuddling your cat...playing fetch with your dog...nuzzling your nose to your bunny's...pets make us feel good, and those "good" feelings radiate through our bodies. Think about it. Pet's give us unconditional love, and unconditional love is indefinite.
© 2012, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED - Reproduction of these images is prohibited without written consent from Karen Rodriguez Photography.
Along with our personal pets, animals also play an unquestionably important role in Animal Assisted Therapy and as Companion pets. I'll be doing a shoot in March of a companion dog in training...can't wait to capture those images and write that piece! According to Medical News Today, 2004,
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/releases/10303.php , studies have revealed that pet therapy has the following benefits: increase social interaction between patients in long-term and psychiatric care, provides for physical and recreational therapy for nursing home patients who are usually withdrawn, help with frustration in dementia patients, help combat loneliness and depression in HIV/AIDS patients...the benefits reach far and wide!
With so many health benefits, as well as all of the fantastically fun memories we make with out pets, it's no wonder that those who have pets are well rounded, happy people! I always encourage people to adopt their pets from their local shelters, but no matter where your pet comes from, you can rest assured that it will make that positive impact on your overall quality of life! So give that pet of yours an extra little squeeze today. Let them know you love them and appreciate all the good they do for you!
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