So you want to become a pet owner. The rewards almost always outweigh the amount of work and the risk that your new furry companion may ruin your favorite shoes, rug, or sofa. However, there are a few important factors to consider before committing your time, energy, and income to a new pet.
For starters, consider your personal energy level. If you suffer from a chronic illness, you may also experience debilitating fatigue at times. Would you be able to walk a rambunctious dog everyday? Or would a calm and cuddly feline companion be more suited to your unique needs? Also consider the potentially negative effects of pet dander and fur on your health. As long as you are able to keep your house and pets clean, pet dander probably won’t pose a significant threat to your health (unless you are asthma and allergy prone). If you do happen to be dander-sensitive, consider a cute turtle or even a beautiful array of tropical fish.
Every pet is different, and some require more maintenance and attention than others, but every pet is worth it in their own special way. If you find it difficult to meet your dog’s grooming needs, there are plenty of places to take them in for doggy beauty treatments fairly affordably. That said, it is still important to factor your pet’s potential grooming and veterinary needs into the monthly budget along with their food to determine whether or not you can really afford an animal.
Although experts can’t seem to agree on exactly why this phenomenon occurs, it has been proven that pet owners enjoy better overall health and longevity than their petless peers. I would like to think it has something to do with the power of unconditional love and companionship. Even when your health fails, your pet will remain a loyal companion by your side no matter what. They expect love and attention in return, but as long as you are able to adequately meet the basic needs of your pet (food, water, clean shelter, and some exercise) then getting a creature companion may be a feasible and wonderful option, and may even serve to improve your overall health. Or at the very least, improve your mood. Who wouldn’t love to see a wagging tail and happy grin every time they’re feeling blue and under the weather? As far as I’m concerned, there’s no better way to brighten a day.
This was a guest post!
Casey Jones attended sonogram technician school but will be returning to school in the near future to obtain a Christian counseling degree.
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