By Russell R. Barksdale, Jr.
Have we ever taken a step back to consider why millions of people are unapologetic, borderline fanatical pet lovers? Maybe it’s the wagging tails, the purring snores, or the way they look at us as if we’re the most important person alive. But deep down, I think pets fill a very real need. They address loneliness and social isolation. They add structure to our lives and provide a kind of unconditional love that not even the most well-meaning family or friend can consistently deliver.
Let’s face it: you can’t come home after a terrible day, snap at your spouse, and expect them to still be thrilled to see you. Your dog, however, will greet you with a full-body wag, as if you’ve just returned from being away for a week. Cats, of course, will pretend they don’t care, but then they’ll sleep on your head at night—love, on their terms.
And it’s not just about cuddles. Research continues to show that owning a pet is good for your health. Studies have linked pet ownership to lower blood pressure, reduced cholesterol, and decreased levels of stress hormones. The American Heart Association has gone so far as to suggest that having a pet may actually reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Translation: Fluffy might literally extend your life and wellbeing, one snuggle at a time.
We’re reminded of the mythical story of Romulus and Remus, who were raised by a she-wolf. It’s a mediaeval myth and urban legend that Rome was founded by human twins suckled by a wolf.
Beyond the myth, healthcare providers have taken notice to the connection. Pet therapy, once a novelty, is now a widely accepted practice in healthcare facilities, and even schools. Therapy dogs stroll down inpatient corridors offering comfort and distraction, lowering anxiety and even boosting immune response. There’s a reason a golden retriever in a therapy vest can soften the most hardened, high stress, medical setting. Unlike some relatives who “mean well,” therapy animals don’t offer unsolicited medical advice or argue about deductibles. They just show up, smile (or pant), and make people feel better.
And maybe the biggest surprise in all this? Employees today are increasingly asking for pet insurance as part of their benefits’ package—sometimes before they ask for improvements to their own health coverage. Think about that. We’re living in an era when people would rather ensure their Labradoodle has access to high cost, top-notch veterinary care than negotiate their own co-pay. Some companies have caught on, offering “pawternity leave” for new pet parents and touting pet-friendly perks as a way to recruit and retain talent. After all, if health is wealth, then having a pet might be the ultimate 401(k).
But here’s the insight worth pawsing on: pets don’t just make us healthier; they make us human.
In a world full of Zoom calls, endless emails, and algorithms that seem designed to test our patience, pets anchor us to the here and now. They bring structure to a random, ever-changing world. They remind us to go outside, to throw a ball and play, to laugh at their quirks, to nap unapologetically in the sun. They demand that we love them in the moment—and that might be the healthiest prescription of all.
So yes, pets may occasionally chew the couch, hack up a furball, or leave muddy paw prints. But in exchange, they offer loyalty without judgment, presence without distraction, and companionship without conditions. When you add up the evidence, it’s hard not to wonder: where a void exists, maybe our pets are the idealistic family member and friend.
After all, how many relatives have been scientifically proven to lower your blood pressure just by sitting next to you? Purrfect.
Russell R. Barksdale, Jr., PHD, MPA/MHA, FACHE is President and CEO Waveny LifeCare Network.
