ARTICLE: http://www.deltasociety.org/AnimalsHealthFamiliesAmerican.htm
What are some of the reasons why people don’t keep pets?
Economic constraints, inadequate housing, lack of time and health are some of the major reasons for not keeping a pet. Many people are discouraged from having a pet due to these kinds of circumstances.
Also, individuals who were brought up with pets in the household are more likely to have pets as adults than those who did not have pets as children.
Social change has impacted pet keeping. Less than one hundred years ago most people lived their lives in fairly small groups, encompassing many generations of kin. The advances of the last century have substantially increased human mobility. This monumental change has caused disruption and disintegration in the traditional family system. This change has increased the search for alternative sources of emotional support. So therefore, if a group of people are not disjointed, they would not be as prone to seek out different forms of companionship.
What are some positive aspects to viewing pets as family members?
Dr. Myrna Milani says, “People who relate to their pets as family members pay more attention to them. Rather than keeping Rex chained to a doghouse in the backyard, the Johnsons share their home with him. Because of this, they immediately notice when he throws up, doesn't eat his dinner, or even just acts a little out of sorts. "What's the matter with Rex?" asks 7-year-old Billy. "He doesn't want to play hide-and-seek with me today." His mother agrees that something definitely must be bothering the dog because he loves the game as much as his human playmate, and she makes an appointment for a veterinary exam. Owners who don't share such intimate relationships with their pets can easily miss these sometimes subtle early signs of problems.”
Pets can also benefit from our bond. It is widely known that animals can be very therapeutic and beneficial to humans. However, animals also benefit from our relationship in a very similar way.
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