Friday Health & Wellness: The Benefits of Having a Pet

We have always had pets.

Dogs and cats.

When I was a child, I had a parakeet and a gerbil.

Animals were just… part of life.

As my life grew — my family, my children — pets stayed with us.

And now, in this season of life, we have two cats.

They both come to visit me in my tower. Mustang and Lamborghini 😻

Mustang — also known as Musty, also known as Bubba — is my tower partner. He has his favorite spots: his perch, my bed, my chair. And today, while I worked, he curled up under my desk and slept. No words. Just presence.

Before this era, we had two other cats — Shadow and Missy — who have since passed on. They were part of some of the most tender moments of my life.

They laid on me when I was recovering from knee replacement surgery.

And when my daddy was dying, both cats slept on his bed until the very end.

There is something deeply calming about having animals around.

And science actually backs that up.

Mental & Emotional Benefits

Spending time with pets has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety. Interacting with them lowers cortisol (the stress hormone) and increases “feel-good” hormones like oxytocin, serotonin, and dopamine — creating a natural calming effect.

Pets also offer companionship without judgment. Their presence can ease loneliness and isolation, especially for those living alone or navigating later seasons of life.

Caring for an animal gives many people a sense of purpose. That responsibility — feeding, tending, checking in — can improve mood, boost self-esteem, and bring quiet fulfillment.

Pets also help create structure and routine. Even cats, in their own way, expect consistency. That rhythm can be grounding and emotionally stabilizing.

And then there’s mindfulness. Animals live fully in the moment. Sitting with them, watching them rest, breathe, or play gently pulls us out of our racing thoughts and back into now.

Physical Health Benefits

Pet ownership has also been linked to better heart health. Studies suggest lower blood pressure, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels among pet owners.

Dog owners, in particular, tend to be more physically active — daily walks, movement, and fresh air benefit both human and animal alike.

Some research even suggests that adults over 65 who have pets make fewer visits to the doctor, possibly due to increased activity, routine, and emotional support.

For children, early exposure to pets may help reduce the risk of developing allergies or asthma later in life.

Social & Developmental Benefits

Pets can also open doors socially. Walking a dog or talking about pets often sparks conversation and connection, helping people build relationships naturally.

For children, caring for a pet teaches responsibility, compassion, and empathy. Pets offer unconditional companionship and can help children build confidence while navigating emotions.

A Gentle Reminder

While the benefits of pet ownership are many, it’s important to choose a pet that fits your lifestyle and capacity. Caring for an animal is a commitment — and when the match is right, the rewards are profound.

For me, pets have been companions in joy, comfort in pain, and quiet witnesses to some of the most sacred moments of my life.

Sometimes healing doesn’t come in words or medicine.

Sometimes it curls up beside you — or under your desk — and simply stays.