Having recently become a volunteer at a local animal rescue center it has made me ponder on the importance of animals be they wild or domestic or pets. Being so close to wild animals such as hedgehogs and baby squirrels is a wonderful thing. To be allowed to help a wild animal is very humbling. Over the years as a Reiki healer I have treated a number of animals and it has always left me in wonder how they allow you to treat them and let you know when they have had enough.
I have a number of animals and there will be people who do not have an animal who may think I am a bit wacky saying that my dogs are my friends and support. No matter what kind of day I have they always have a warm welcome for me, been therefor me in the middle of the night when life is hard. When I needed to talk they listen and give me a cuddle when I need one.
hen people become over stressed or depressed they withdraw and don’t look to their support network for help. Having an animal to care for can help. Animals do not ask for much but they give so much back. Research has shown that owning a cat or dog can help to reduce blood pressure and reduce stress. With a dog you take them out for walks which can help to lift mood.
Laughter can also certainly help to reduce stress and this is often made so apparent to me with the pack of animals my husband and I own, who give us much cause for merriment. Weather it is the dogs playing the fool, the cats being aloof and not amused when they fall off the sofa, or the chickens giving the dogs a telling off they make us laugh and certainly help to make life more rich.
