A little love and care can help a dog build a strong bond with you. Dogs do not compare people. They don't care who provides them with additional food, a better home, additional comfort. They can show love and affection without asking for anything back. Sometimes this connection can be significant for some people. A recent study from Spain has shown how important pets can be for people going through difficult times.
What happened in Spain?
Researchers from the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), working with the FAADA Foundation, studied 100 vulnerable people in Spain.
They talked to the participants about their social support. They inquired about whom they could go to for help, comfort, or advice.
The participants also talked about their closest dog or cat. They were asked how much they considered their pet a part of their family.
The researchers then compared the support people received from their pets with the support they received from other people.
What was the purpose of the study?
The researchers wanted to find out how these people were supported.
They studied human and animal relationships. They were interested in knowing how pets were important to them when compared to other sources of support.
And also wanted to know what kind of assistance dogs and cats can offer.
What Did They Find?
The results were interesting. Many participants saw their dogs or cats as family members.
Pets were an important source of emotional comfort. They also provided opportunities for people to have physical contact and care.
For some participants, their pet was their only source of companionship and emotional comfort.
However, pets were not able to offer all the types of support. There was still a need for advice, practical assistance and social support.
Why is this bond important?
A pet can't fix all of the problems. But it can make a person feel not so lonely.
A dog doesn't pass judgment on a person based on their finances or status. It can be near them, provide comfort, be a part of their daily routine.
For someone with very little social support, that bond can be very important.
The Takeaway
No dog or cat can ever replace a person. However, they can play a significant role in a person's support network.
Sometimes, a pet is not just an animal in the house. It can be a source of comfort when someone needs it most.
