Caring for animals

Article by : SpunOut.ie

• Teach responsibility. Looking after animals is not easy but it’s worth it because you learn all about those important virtues of patience and unconditional love when you have to get up at 6 a.m. to let your dog out or when your favourite top gets clawed to bits by an over-enthusiastic kitten!
• Reduce stress levels. Petting an animal can reduce anxiety, blood pressure and heart rate. Studies have shown that interacting with animals can reduce the risk of heart disease and improve recovery rates in patients who have had a heart attack or heart surgery. Pets can provide social support and people with good support networks are better able to cope with stress and tend to have fewer health problems, because stress reduces our immune system’s ability to prevent disease. (And of course talking to a non-judgmental dog is pretty much guaranteed to make you feel better!)
• Encourage exercise. Dogs need 25 minutes exercise twice a day and dog owners tend to be more physically active, have lower blood pressure and lower cholesterol than non-pet owners. Volunteers at animal sanctuaries get to burn calories by walking and playing with dogs, and even if you want to stay on the couch your dog will let you know when it’s time for ‘walkies.’
• Help with depression. Caring for an animal can reduce loneliness, help build self-esteem and increase mental alertness. Animals can help us to connect with others; volunteering at a sanctuary is a great way to meet new people and owning a dog can make you more approachable. People are more likely to stop to talk to someone out walking their dog, it’s the same with babies; people just love something cute and cuddly!

Animal sanctuaries and welfare groups around the country always need volunteers and there are loads of ways to help; organising fundraising events, sponsoring animals, spending some time walking dogs, playing with cats or even fostering puppies, kittens and other vulnerable animals. Cleaning out kennels may not be the most glamorous way to spend a Saturday afternoon but every little bit of help can make a massive difference to the level of care that animals in sanctuaries receive. Sanctuary animals never lack love and attention but many facilities badly need support to maintain their services. Contact your local animal sanctuary or welfare group to find out more about volunteer opportunities and about all the ways that animals can have a positive impact on your life.

 

By: Lorraine O’Hanlon

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