Our pets learn to understand what we say. At our house we have to spell the words ‘walk’ and ‘cookie’ so our dogs don’t get too rambunctious when we are about to take them for their walk or give them a doggie treat. Some breeds are said to understand up to 300 words. Birds are also very smart and can understand what is being said. Some bird species can even mimic human speech. Animals seem to have an uncanny sense of our moods based on subtle cues like body language, tone of voice and demeanor. They help us to keep our own behavior in check. We can observe the reactions of our pets when our voices are raised in excitement or anger. My dogs hide behind the couch during football and basketball season when we cheer and clap for our favorite teams. Pets are sensitive and help us to become more sensitive as well. Some dogs have been trained to sense shifts in diseases or the aura that precedes an epileptic seizure and can warn their person or guide them to safety. Such helper dogs are trained to also spot “freezing” in Parkinson patients and with a touch of their nose can miraculously unfreeze a foot or hand. Dogs have also been trained to detect low blood sugar in diabetic patients and give a signal to correct their blood sugar before a serious reaction can occur. Cats are ideal pets for older people because they are low maintenance. They don’t need formal exercise and they confine their bathroom routine to a single area. Some cats have been trained to actually use a toilet bowl, now that’s genius if you ask me. Cats offer protection against certain physical conditions. Having a cat or adopting one shortly after a child is born can reduce the risk of developing animal allergies, asthma, and possibly other illnesses as well. And everyone who has ever sat with a cat cuddled on their lap, knows how soothing the touch of a cat can be.
Pets are remarkable for their capacity to love us unconditionally. They bring us good cheer, humor and companionship on a daily basis. My dogs run out to greet me and do the happy dance everyday when I pull into the driveway. Pets improve every aspect of our lives, from their examples of love, optimism, compassion and goofiness, they are good for our health. Pets make us more human. I appreciate how reading all of the Las Vegas Pet Scene Magazines this past year has made me more aware of the wonderful benefits I enjoy from having pets.
All previous issues of the Las Vegas Pet Scene Magazine are available online:
www.LVPetScene.com
Pets & en Childr • They can be safe recipients of secrets and private thoughts. Children often talk to their pets, like they do their stuffed animals. • They provide lessons about life; reproduction, birth, illnesses, accidents, death, and bereavement. • They can help develop responsible behavior in the children who care for them. • They provide a connection to nature. • They can teach respect for all living things.
Las Vegas Pet Scene Magazine • July–August 2012
11