10 ReasonsYou Need a Pet

If you have been thinking about

getting a pet, perhaps you need a

little encouragement, or maybe

you need some ammunition …

… when trying to convince family

members that having an animal in

the home can be beneficial.

Here's a list of ten reasons why

having a pet can be great and

why you need one today.

COMPANIONSHIP

If you live alone, or if your spouse

or significant other travels

frequently, having a pet at

home can provide a welcome

companion for you.

Whether it's a dog to greet you at

the door, a cat to curl up next to

you or a bird to sing to you while

you fix supper …

… having a healthy fun animal at

your home can make you feel less

lonely. This is especially true if you

have recently lost a partner.

EXERCISE

Having a dog or a horse can provide

you with a reason to exercise that

you didn't have before.

It can also help you build muscles

and get your heart pumping

without that feeling you get

when you drag yourself to the

gym for a workout.

To maximize this benefit of

having a pet, be sure to get

one that needs regular

amounts of exercise, like a

poodle or a pony …

… but not so much that you

can't handle it, as might

happen with a border collie

or Thoroughbred stallion.

OTHER HEALTH BONUSES

In addition to getting you

out to exercise every day,

pets can bring other

health benefits too.

Studies show that just petting a

dog or cat for a few minutes

can improve relaxation and

lower blood pressure.

DISCIPLINE

Even having a pet that doesn't

need exercise can help you

improve your discipline.

If you know you need to be

home every night to feed your

pet or let it out, you will be more

likely to stick to a routine.

The more your pet is dependent on you, the more self-discipline

you'll have to muster.

A dog that needs walking every morning, for example, could be

a great way to help you get on a healthier morning schedule if

you have a tendency to lie in bed too long.

PROTECTION

You don't have to have an enormous

dog to get the protection of a pet.

Even the sound of a small, yappy dog

sounding the alarm of a potential intruder

is enough to scare away most burglars.

Pets have also been instrumental in

alerting their owners to smoke and fire in

the home.

If the only time you can walk

or jog is after dark, having a

dog to go with you will make

your jaunts significantly safer.

SOCIAL LIFE

If you tend to be shy or are

new to your area, having a

pet can be a great way to

start the conversation and

meet new people.

Whether at a puppy class or at

the dog park, you'll meet many

new folks, most of whom have a

lot in common with you because

of your dedication to your

animals.

Even if you are housebound,

joining an online pet forum can

be a way to connect with the

outside world.

ACTIVITIES

Are you looking for something new

to do with your free time? A pet

can offer a wealth of opportunities

to try different activities.

Of course, there are many dog

ventures like fly ball, agility and

hospital therapy, but there are also

cat and bird shows and even clubs

for pet hamsters and snails.

NEW PLACES

Having a dog is one of the best ways getting familiar with

new places.

Just walking around your neighborhood, you're sure to find

hidden parks and cool architecture.

If you want to travel further afield, hiking with your dog can be

a great way to experience the wilderness or your state parks.

There are nature camps as well, for people who want to

vacation with their pets.

KIDS

Getting a pet for the kids is

a good way to teach them

about biology, compassion

and responsibility.

Just don't expect them to

do the work of adults, and

make sure you can handle

the duties that come with

your pet …

…in case your kids get

caught up with school

work or take off to camp

for the summer.

ENTERTAINMENT

If you read the book "Marley

and Me," you know how

entertaining pets can be.

You'll have stories for a

lifetime when you bring an

animal into your life.

Even a tank of beautiful tropical

fish can hypnotize you and

create a stunning focal point for

your living room.

If you're not sure about getting a

pet, try starting with an easy keeper,

like a turtle or a mellow cat, and

work your way up to animals that

require more care and attention.

You may find you like having a pet

so much your home becomes the

neighborhood hangout!

Are you thinking about getting a

beautiful portrait of your pet?

An artist by profession, Miri's

paintings make a lasting

keepsake of your furry or

feathered friend.

For more info, please visit

Custom Pet Portraits by Miri at

www.petportraitsbymiri.com