National Pet Day
Today, April 11, 2022, is National Pet Day, but for pet owners, it’s every day! (No matter how ornery they can be.)
“Pets are humanizing. They remind us we have an obligation and responsibility to preserve and nurture and care for all life.” James Cromwell
The official launch of Pet Day occurred in 2006 to mark the joy we get from our pets and emphasize the need for shelter animals to be adopted rather than “shopped” from breeders.
Pets have shared a home with humans for centuries. Mesopotamia wall paintings from 3500 BC show a man with a collared, leashed dog. In 900 BC, Phoenician traders brought domesticated cats to Europe. In the US, to further protect our companions, Henry Bergh founded the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals in 1866.
Americans have a variety of species as pets.
And believe it or not, there are 5000–7000 tigers kept as pets in the US (checking next door…).
According to the National Institute of Health, pet are fun, and they’re good for our mental and physical health. They lower our cortisol, cholesterol, and blood pressure levels. Our companions increase serotonin and dopamine levels, which calm and relax a pet owner and decrease depression.
Do something special for your pet today: give them a special treat or a new toy. Share time together: a run in the local dog park or lots of extra cuddles.
