Animals are sources of joy unlike anything else in the world. Whether you are playing with your pet or watching animals in the wild, the sense of joy and amazement that we get from our experiences with animals is totally unique. Everybody has their own favorite animal, but there is no creature on the planet that doesn’t deserve love and respect. Animals can have an amazing effect on our mood and sense of wellbeing which is why they make such wonderful companions and are used in therapy for people with a wide range of issues.
1. Dogs
Dogs have been man’s best friend for thousands of years due to their loyalty, friendliness, and eagerness to please. Having a dog can bring so much peace and joy into your life which is why they are the most popular pets of all and why they are also used as therapy and support animals. There are so many different dog breeds, each with their own unique personalities and character traits, so you will be sure to find a wonderful pet, no matter what kind of person you are.
2. Cats
Whilst the debate between dog lovers and cat lovers has been raging on for years, we love both of these furry friends. Cats are often considered to be more independent than dogs, and there are many memes about how your cat is secretly planning to kill you! But the truth is that cats are just as loving and affectionate as dogs and they are a perfect pet to play with and cuddle up to on a rainy day. Cats are very low maintenance pets and as long as you show them love they will return it in abundance.
3. Horses
Horses are incredibly majestic animals and just spending time with horses is a really magical experience. These days, more and more people are experiencing the joys of owning a horse and the wonderful benefits it brings to their lives. Horses are intelligent, regal animals and the bond that you make with a horse that trusts you is unlike any other you can have in your life. Horse riding is a very popular activity and provides great exercise for both you and your horse. Owning your own horse was once seen as being something which only the mega-rich could afford, but these days horses have become very affordable so this privilege is now possible for so many people.
4. Turtles
Turtles are fascinating animals and are seen by Buddhists as being one of the most spiritual animals in creation. Just watching aquatic turtles swim around their tank is incredibly meditative and is a really effective way to reduce stress and anxiety. Despite common misconceptions, turtles are actually very intelligent and your pet turtles will be able to recognize your face and voice and respond to you (especially when it is feeding time). Just remember that turtles can grow very large and live a long time, so make sure that you are willing to commit to them.
5. Fish
Just as with turtles, watching your fish swim around in their aquarium is very soothing and can help you to forget all the troubles in your life. There are so many different species of fish that mixing and matching them adds an amazing splash of color to the room where you keep their tank. Fish are often neglected by their owners who do not take their wellbeing into account, but they should be treated like any other pet so make sure you do your research about the food and the environment which they need.
6. Hamsters
Hamsters make a wonderful little pet and are so cute and friendly that they are perfect for animal lovers of all ages. Hamsters are very inexpensive to buy, and once you have set your hamster’s cage, they do not cost a lot to look after. The most important thing when it comes to raising a hamster is to ensure that they have lots of exercise opportunities. Invest in a cage which has lots of tunnels and a wheel so that your hamster can play, and also bring it out of its cage to play with you regularly.
Having animals in your life can bring so much joy and happiness. All animals are fascinating and can make wonderful friends and pets. Whether you love to play fetch with your puppy, ride a horse through the fields, or watch your goldfish swim around, there are so many benefits to being around animals. Spend some time with the animals on this list and see the happiness which they can bring to your life.
