Why Animals are Important

(Picture of my faithful loyal companion…who happens to be stealing somebody’s socks)

 

First of all, I love animals.

Not everybody feels the connection I do. I can respect that. I can’t understand it, but I can accept it and accept the fact that you can still be a good person even if you don’t love animals.

But here are some of the benefit of learning to interact with animals:

• There’s the potential for so much love. You love them. They love you. Life can be so rich.
• You learn empathy. Put yourself in your pet’s shoes. See life the way they see it.
• You learn non-verbal communication, across different species. 
• You practice looking out for the smaller and weaker. This translates to looking out for other people someday, too
• You practice moving with both caution and confidence when handling animals who have the potential to be dangerous.
• You develop responsibility, faithfulness, fulfillment of duties for those animals that rely on you.
• You develop a selflessness that willing cares for someone else — even if the task is gross or inconvenient.
• Some animals may give you the chance to do physical activities — running with your dog, riding a horse, carrying a hay bale, swimming with dolphins.
• Animals help give you a healthy exposure to germs and microbes that enhance your immune system. They often also increase your exposure to fresh air and sunshine.
• You learn random facts about them…which makes you smarter.
• Animals make you smile more.
• And some animals perform duties that benefit you: guarding your house, killing pests, offering transportation, providing food, etc.

With all these benefits, what’s not to love about including animals in your child’s life?

What benefits have you seen in your own experience?