Companion Animals and Their Companions: Sharing a Strategy for Survival

Abstract

It is well documented that people denied good human contact and interaction do not thrive well. One way people can be protected from the ravages of loneliness is animal companionship. Early laboratory observations of people with animals encouraged a period of research to identify, document, and assess the beneficial health implications of our relationship with companion animals. All indications are that companion animals play the role of a family member, often a member with the most desired attributes. Ordinary interactions with animals can reduce blood pressure and alter survival after a heart attack. Pets, for some, afford increased opportunities to meet people, whereas for others, pets permit them to be alone without being lonely. The relationship between people and companion animals explains why people prefer alternatives to animal use for medical research.

Understanding Our Kinship with Animals

“…Robinson (1995) highlights the association between people and animals and provides some insights into these relationships. In her article, as well as others including Beck (1999), the authors all seem to highlight the mutual benefit of the bond that promotes an increase in the well-being for both parties. He ends his essay by suggesting that our relationships with other species fulfill human needs that are beyond simple economic needs.…”

“…Although plagued with poor research and limited scientific evidence, AAI have grown, primarily on anecdotal outcomes. Beck (1999) noted that the term "bond" was borrowed from the terminology linked to the relationship cherished by parents and their children. For some, their clinical interests stem from their personal convictions and attractions to animals, while others have been driven because of their perceived perception that animals may provide a useful alternative for clinical application.…”

Expressions of speciesism: the effects of keeping companion animals on animal abuse, animal trafficking and species decline

“…These feelings are to be found in a spectrum ranging from strong affection and a feeling of proximity and familiarity [5,6], to alienation, objectification and outright speciesism [39,[41][42][43].…”

“…Such a perspective is anthropocentric in that it implies that other animals do not live lives independent of what humans ascribe them to be. Several studies have explored the value-to humans-of keeping companion animals and the role of these animals [2,5,6,40]. Studies have also established the positive therapeutic effect animals have on humans [e.g., 5,6,13].…”

“…Several studies have explored the value-to humans-of keeping companion animals and the role of these animals [2,5,6,40]. Studies have also established the positive therapeutic effect animals have on humans [e.g., 5,6,13]. The presence of animals can calm humans and lower their blood pressure when stressed [6: 104-124].…”