OkcPets Magazine November 2022

30 OKC Pets • November / December 2022 warnings. Even now, when we speak of that day, we both become a bundle of nerves and tears. Much like the movie “It’s a Wonderful Life,” the world might have been a very different place without us in it. I am grateful for the many life lessons I learned that day on the pond and the dogs in my life that loved me enough to save my life. Humans and Animals Connect Why do dogs love, comfort, and even save people? Is there truly a human-animal bond? Dogs have been recognized in histo- ry as having an honored position alongside their human companions. In fact, recent studies have defined animals as beneficial to humans emotionally and psychologi- cally. E. O. Wilson’s biophilia hypothesis stated that humans have an emotional connection or fascination with other forms of life and nature, a sense of phylogenic relationship with all life on earth. The human-animal bond represents a mutu- ally beneficial and dynamic relationship between humans and animals. Research suggests that strong bonds with pets might promote resilience in the face of adversity. Love comes in many forms, including the connection between humans and ani- mals. “The human-animal bond” is a term used widely to describe the strong empathy that exists between animals and people. People need empathy and compassion to develop and sustain that fellowship. Love and strong social bonds tend to buffer in the experience of adversity. The human-pet dynamics often satisfies needs in both animals and humans for companionship, emotional support, love, and nurturing. The American Veterinary Medical Asso- ciation (AVMA) officially recognized the importance of this bond for their clients and community health and acknowledged that it has been in existence for thousands of years. The AVMA believes this part- nership is important in medicine because it serves society and fulfills human and animal needs. A bond can be described as a close relationship or connection that is established between two living organisms, which is characterized by a strong attach- ment, involves emotions, and is often mutually cooperative. Our society has been plagued with constant negativity and a lack of empathy and compassion and has been called a throwaway society. We live in a fragmented and disconnected culture. Politics are ugly, technology is stressful, religion is strug- gling, and the economy is often unfortu- nate. Many people want a quick fix to their problems or they just throw the problems away. By investing time with your children, families, and pets, you too can experience this vital relationship. This might sound anthropomorphic, but it is beneficial to talk to your pets. Stroke them, share your heart, your feelings. Have you ever cried with your dog? If not, try it! It often decreases anxiety, fear, and worry and will help wipe away your sadness. Toss in a treat or two and tell your dogs how much you love them. Maybe you need to start your relation- ship over with your dog. Dogs are very forgiving. They love us unconditionally and provide support, especially in a stress- ful situation. It is not complicated. Teach your children to follow your lead, helping future generations to be compassionate and responsible pet owners. Dogs Make Life Better There are many ways that dogs might save a life. Dogs can be trained to use their superb olfactory senses to detect bombs, ovarian cancer, drugs, fires, and many oth- er dangers. Studies have shown that people who experience loneliness and are part- nered with dogs will begin to take walks, engage in conversation with new people, and increase their exercise. They make new friends and desire to leave the shut-in life. Veterans with PTSD have decreased their symptoms when they have therapy or ser- vice dogs. There are many ways dogs make our lives better. Dogs can bring out our best qualities. Before leaving for college, I dated a guy I believed to be wonderful. But he arrived at my house and was greeted by my 17-year old Setter, Spot. He shoved Spot and told me I needed to do “something with my old dog.” I remember the tears welling up in my eyes and the knot in my throat, strangling my breath. I will never forget his cold, vicious words. I became filled with grit and gumption, firmly asking him to leave as I helped Spot over the threshold into my house. We never spoke again. I did not throw away my old Spot for the guy. I protected Spot as he had protected me. Animals often mirror and reveal us. I loved and nurtured my relationship with Spot, and we were bonded. He was family. Happy Tails, Karen Three Oaks Animal Behavior Counseling Man-made features start to emerge from snow and ice at the Dugan pond. The sun casts shadows at the Dugan pond.