We often get calls to our office from prospective clients interested in meeting specific staff members featured on our website. Those receiving the most requests include Bobby, director of fun; Tug, VP of treat acquisitions; and Miss Lulu, our anxiety specialist. You guessed it; they fall under the professional category of Canis lupus, aka dog.

These three associates work diligently for their kibble. Tug works off-site, at our administrative offices providing stress release to those teams of humans. Lulu is in high demand with our younger clients, who find her calm presence reassuring. And clients can’t help but snuggle the adolescent Bobby, who simply wants to wiggle with happiness.

Why are these people (and most of us) drawn to animals? We evolved together and have had mutually beneficial relationships for tens of thousands of years. But pets are a lot of work! We must house them, feed them, take them for walks…the list goes on. Still, somehow they make us stop what we are doing, or scroll social media endlessly to watch their playful and precious antics.

Numerous studies have shown that having family pets can significantly contribute to the reduction of mental health issues. The presence of a furry companion in the household can offer companionship, reduce feelings of loneliness and provide a sense of routine and responsibility. Interacting with pets has been linked to lower levels of stress, anxiety and depression, as well as increased levels of oxytocin, the “feel-good” hormone. Pets can offer unconditional love and support, creating a comforting and calming presence in the home. In essence, welcoming a family pet into your life can be an asset in promoting overall mental well-being.

Pets also promote fitness. We get out of our chairs and away from our screens to play with them, walk them and throw the ball again and again (and again?). Cats purr in our laps, birds perch on our shoulders and talk with us, and fish can provide a calming presence. Equine therapy is also used widely for clinical practice.

Pet companionship can give people with depression and anxiety a reason to push past their diseases. The responsibility of a family pet can assist children in developing their sense of competence and healthy ego. Pets bring so much joy and reduce loneliness. During COVID, the shelters were emptied and for some people today, their pet is a primary companion.

When clients lose a pet unexpectedly, we explore the possibility of not “waiting to grieve,” but rather to rescue another animal to project their love and caring onto. Pets are often the best medicine we can prescribe to enhance emotional and mental
well-being.

Kelly Lewallen is CEO of Desert Marriage and Family Counseling and a member of Desert Doctors. She can be reached at (760) 777.7720. For more information visit www.desertmarriagefamily.com or www.DesertDoctors.org.