If there's one thing that the internet excels at, it's collecting adorable cat photos and YouTube clips of puppies doing tricks. It seems to be almost impossible to go through the day without seeing photographic evidence of just how wonderful pets can be - but just in case you're still not convinced, here are some great ways in which owning pets make our human lives better
Stress Busters
If you have a soft pet such as cat or dog, then petting their fur isn't just a great way to help them relax - it can help you relax too! The perfect example of an activity which benefits everyone involved, petting an animal can help reduce your blood pressure and release a calming hormone. Watching fish swimming in an aquarium has a similar effect, and several studies have shown that this activity can reduce blood pressure, sometimes significantly - so fish can also make for a great stress busting pet.
Social Creatures
Some pets can help you to expand your social circle - you can connect with other people who love the same animals, sharing tips and knowledge about caring for them and maybe finding that you have other interests in common too. Dogs are fantastic for people looking to socialise more with their neighbours, as people will often approach to pet the animal when you're taking it for a walk and this can be a fantastic conversation starter. Of course, pets don't just help you socialise with other humans... playing with your pet or curling up with them in front of the TV can often feel like a social activity in itself, helping to lift your spirits on a grey day.
Getting Active
This mostly applies to dogs, since other pets are less likely to drag you along for the ride when they need exercise, but it goes without saying that if it's time for your dog to go for a brisk walk then it's time for you to go for one too. The health benefits of regular exercise can't be underestimated, so if you're going for regular strolls with your pet then getting fit is going to be just another thing you need to thank them for!
So there you have it - pets are good for a lot more than You've Been Framed clips... in fact, they help to make us healthier and happier. And it can't be denied that most of them manage to look unreasonably cute while they're doing it!