The Furry Child
Early in our married life, we had a dog, a cat, a parakeet, 2 rabbits, and 13 tanks full of tropical fish - all at the same time. This acquisition of pets is fairly typical of newlyweds.Some folks describe this stage as testing out being parents. It gives a couple some insight into how they will each deal with responsibility, illness, sharing, and jealousy.
Through the years, after we had kids, our family also assimilated more cats, dogs, hamsters, gerbils, a snake, chickens, rabbits, turtles, ant farms, an iguana, mice, an assortment of lizards, and another parakeet. When our kids launched out on their own, they left behind their critters. There was no empty nest at our house!
Positive Role of Pets
Pets can help reduce stress between married partners and they can help nurture social interaction with others. Here are more ways that pets can have a positive impact on your marriage:- Pets provide physical touch.
- Pets are attentive.
- Critters can comfort and ease loss or disappointment.
- Pets are perceived as being totally supportive and accepting and not judgmental.
- Having a pet around can trigger positive memories.
- Spending time with a pet can lower your blood pressure.
- Pets help people relax.
- When a married couple is going through a difficult or critical time, a pet can help reduce the stress in the family.
- The companionship and affection from a pet creates a calming effect in a marriage.
- The presence of pets in a marriage increase the fun in the home especially when the pets do the cute or funny things that pets so often do.
- Pets can lessen the tension between family members.
- Many psychologists believe that talking to pets is a healthy form of communication.
- Pets can counter depression and loneliness.
- Pets promote physical activity because they require walks and exercise.
How Pets Can Create Conflict in Your Marriage
The Bottom Line of Pet Ownership
Poll: Has Pet Ownership Created Problems in Your Marriage?
More Information about Studies by the State University of New York at Buffalo:
Karen Allen: "Are Pets a Healthy Pleasure? The Influence of Pets on Blood Pressure." PsychCentral.com. December 2003.John O'Neil. "A Best Friend in Times of Stress." NYTimes.com. 10/1/2002.
Lois Baker. "Pet-owning couples closer, study says." Buffalo.edu. 4/2/1998.
PT Staff. "Take Two Collies and Call Me in the Morning." PsychologyToday.com. 7/1/1996.
