Pets: Little Masters Of Emotional Support

Before we begin, we will tell you the curious story of the image that appears in this article. The oldest, the one with long hair, is James Bowen, a street musician; his life, like that of many others, was by no means easy: he left his home due to personal problems and heroin addiction. Little by little, he began living on the street, with his guitar, performing in the most popular areas of London, looking for some money to be able to eat while undergoing a detoxification process in a clinic. One day he appeared, the smallest in the photo and with red fur. His name was Bob … for reasons unknown to James, the cat Bob began to follow him everywhere, stubborn not to leave him alone: ​​one day he even got on a bus with him. 

They became friends. Bob gave him a noble and selfless affection, a look in which to reflect and find the strength to overcome his drug problem, to take responsibility for his new friend and live a good life together. The couple attracted so much attention that a reporter decided to talk about them. He wrote a very successful story called  “A street cat named Bob” and saved James from his misery, although he still continues to play with his red cat on a street in Covent Garden.

Selfless emotional support

According to some studies, living with an animal not only gives us a considerable emotional and social support, but also allows us to deal with some health problems in a much better way. Therapies for the elderly with dogs are common, because it stimulates their attention and envelops them with a positive affective charge, an emotional support that is often used in hospitals and retirement homes: it has been shown that animals can also prevent attacks epileptics and who, if trained well, are skilled in caring for people suffering from anxiety crises or post-traumatic stress.

The work of guide dogs is also very important, trained exclusively to help people with mental or physical handicaps. Pets help us feel more confident and motivated as in the case of James, who feeling responsible for someone who offered them so much love so sincere, was able to move forward in the detoxification process, earn money to feed him and to take him to the vet, to live well with that little creature who has always refused to leave him alone.

Pets at home: personal and educational support  

There are many centers where animals are used as a cure for different pathologies: dolphin therapy and hippotherapy clinics, places where people with problems can benefit from the interaction with these animals to acquire new methods of communication or expression, improve their personal skills etc. …

However, it is not necessary to live with a dolphin to feel better, the company of a dog or a cat is enough   to bring out feelings of socialization, altruism, acceptance, self-esteem etc.

Having a pet is ideal for the little ones, as it helps them to be responsible and to better direct their emotions as in the case of children with problems, who learn to be more expressive and communicate better with animals, because they transmit sweetness to them. , company and affection. The eyes of our pets will always be there, ready to soften us to receive a caress and welcome us at any time, day or night.

They are perfect for keeping the elderly company: the house becomes more cheerful and lively, they improve the feeling of well-being and force the owners to leave the house, to socialize; having the company of an animal is a really great way to relieve symptoms of depression, because they bring wonderful emotional balance to the elderly. Pets are those little friends who do not bear a grudge and who are always happy to be with us, they guarantee us a lot of happiness and disinterested emotional support, regardless of age or social belonging. Bob and his human friend James are a great example of this.