THE BOND THAT BINDS
Brought To You By:
Upchurch Animal Clinic
They're not just pets. They're
part of our lives. They enhance
our day, bring happiness and
peace to a busy and stressful
time, and love you as much tomorrow
as they do today. Have
you ever really considered the
cause and effect your relationship
with your pet has on you?
Whether it is a dog, cat, horse,
cow, goat, ferret, bird, etc., this
close relationship is more impacting
than you realize.
Let’s talk about the human
animal bond. We devote
our time, money and hearts to
our pets, whatever the type of
animal. Why is this important
to us? Is it behavioral, physiological,
funtional, or something
else? Well there are very good
reasons, very real answers, and
you just may be amazed how
beneficial this relationship can
be. As veterinarians and animal
technicians, we educate and encourage
our clients to build a
lasting and supportive relationship
between themselves and
their pets, because, as advocates
for their animals, we can foresee
the benefits the owners get with
a supportive and symbiotic relationship
with their pet.
The human-animal bond
is defined as a ‘mutually beneficial
and dynamic relationship
between people and animals
that is influenced by behaviors
that are essential to the health
and well-being of both.’ OK, it
helps both human and the pet.
How does it help the bi-pedal
kind (humans)? Well we have
limited space for the article, so
lets narrow down to just a few
reasons, but understandthere
are many more.
Heart healthy. Exercise,
whether via walking, playing,
working while hunting, etc.,
28 Healthy Living | Spring Issue | 2018