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Recently I bought a rat and my roommate bought a hamster. We had just moved out of the dorms at ASU and were excited that our apartment allowed small pets. Also, I just wanted something to keep me company when my roommate was away and I hadn't had my own pet in a long time.
Although it was expensive to get all the equipment and necessities for the rat, it was worth it. Once she becomes less shy and more comfortable, I believe my rat will become the best pet (besides a cat or dog). And really, after all the initial expenses, she won't be that hard to keep up.
I already feel happier knowing that I'm a little less alone in the world. And it always feels good to pet something furry. Even WebMd agrees that pets have many health benefits:
1) Kids growing up with furry animals will be less prone to allergies and asthma.
2) They are great conversation starters and can possibly lead to dates (this is, of course, subjective).
3) Alzheimer's patients have fewer anxiety outbursts with pet companionship, and the elderly (and people of any age), in general can benefit from exercise and companionship with a pet around.
4) Playing with or petting a pet can relieve stress and possibly some depression.
5) People with AIDS can benefit from having less depression if they have a pet.
6) Having a pet can reduce your blood pressure in stressful situations.
7) After having a heart attack, those who have a pet may survive longer than those without one.
Here is the article from WebMD:
http://www.webmd.com/hypertension-high-blood-pressure/features/health-benefits-of-pets
Add a Comment2 Comments
We had a pet rat who lived just past his 3 years expected lifetime. He was such a joy, loved to sit on my shoulder, unafraid of our cat and seemed to enjoy the Lego village I built for him to explore.
My family has almost always had at least one cat or dog, and, even though I'm allergic to him, our daughter's cat lives with my son's dog at my house. They're entertaining, to say the least.
Several of the retirement and assisted living facilities around our area bring in small animals from the shelters or private homes to spend time with the residents. They bring some joy into the lives of otherwise confined people, as just petting an animal is soothing to our psyche.
Animals are amazingly adept at "controlling" human behavior, LOL!
July 2, 2009 - 6:36pmThis Comment
So true, animals are wonderful! Our children's hospital takes dogs into the wards of sick children to help with their healing. They say the power of touching and petting a dog lifts the spirits of ill children and helps with their treatment.
With my own children I see the way they cuddle and pat our cat if something has upset them and know it helps them de-stress.
Good luck with your new rat friend Rheyanne!
July 2, 2009 - 1:42pmThis Comment