EXPERT ADVICE

PETS - THE REAL SOCIAL ANIMALS

by Jack L. Stephens, DVM
President, Pets Best

In our fast-paced, urban existence where our relatives and friends no longer live near us, we have become increasingly socially isolated. Do we really know our neighbors these days? For the average community, social events are rare or nonexistent. Nowadays, the isolation and loneliness of the individual dwelling amongst millions is commonplace.

But who can resist greeting his or her neighbor when he or she is accompanied by a pet? Pets help lower the social barriers that create the isolation typical to the urban landscape. People will stop and greet you when you are with a pet, but walk the same sidewalk or park alone and you’re lucky if you receive even a nod. As an experiment, try walking the same route or visiting a park both with and without your pet and you will be amazed at how your interaction with your fellow man differs.

A while back, my wife and I met an older gentleman who had been living in our community for a couple of years. He lost his wife the year before and was now facing prostate surgery, which had him in a constant state of dread and fear. He had no family or friends living locally, and his doctor was concerned that his depression would negatively affect his upcoming surgery. After a brief discussion with him, we suggested that he get a dog, which he readily affirmed might be what he needed.

The transformation was magical. A couple of months later, he reported that the puppy had changed his life and attitude. He took the puppy on his usual evening walks around the neighborhood, and with each nightly walk he met new people who would greet his puppy and then strike up a conversation. He said, “Now I have several friends and we all walk together each evening!”

He also stated that not only had he lost his fear of the surgery, but that he had less post-operative pain. He amazed his doctor and the nursing staff with his rapid recovery – so much so that they released him from the hospital early because he wanted to get back home to his puppy! He went from depressed to happy – all because of a little puppy. And, to top it off, he threw his anti-depressant medication away!

Throughout my career I have heard it said that people become more isolated when they have a pet. The argument goes that because they have a pet they interact with other people less. While I might admit that they do not need the companionship of others as much when they have a strong bond with a pet, I do not agree with the conclusion that they necessarily become more isolated. On the contrary, they are likely to become more outgoing. I see people talking about their pets with the checkout clerk when buying pet food. I hear them laughing and discussing the antics of their pets with each other at parties. Sharing stories about their pets provides a conversational springboard that leads to further social interaction. Pets are a great way to “break the ice” and meet people. Consider this: wouldn’t you find it easier to initiate a conversation with a complete stranger if the starting point of the interaction involved talking about his or her pet? We generally seek a point of common interest when approaching others and pets are a great topic and practically an invitation to conversation.

So try my experiment and observe the difference in the way people deal with you when you’re with your pet and when you’re alone. You’ll see that your pet is responsible for smiles from strangers, unexpected friendly greetings, and other pleasant surprises. Pets are good for us!