The second I enter my house after a long day, my two golden retrievers come running after me. Their wagging tails, glowing golden fur, and happy faces crowd my vision and turn my mouth upwards in a smile, making me feel an unconditional sense of love replicable by no other.
Sadie, the oldest, has been with me for six years, while I just got Hazel this summer. Since they entered my life, I gravitate toward them, feeling a bond with them that provides me with a safe space to let out my emotions.
Loving my dogs feels much more effortless than loving humans; they never spark arguments at the dinner table, slam doors, or get into petty fights. Instead they just act as my nonjudgmental companions.
Pets should be seen as safe spaces, as friends to run to after a hard time, because if you are lucky enough to have a pet, that company can be very beneficial, and you should take advantage of it.
Fostering a relationship with your pet is so easy yet so imperative because they will never let you down. With humans, we often expect a “Happy Birthday,” “Thank You,” and gifts for special occasions, but with animals, there is no expectation for congratulations or kind remarks. This shields us from feeling that we are not being cared for, according to a 2012 article “Do We Love Animals More Than Humans” published by People for the Ethical Treatment
of Animals (PETA).
After long days or big fights with those I’m close with, it can feel like my dogs are the only ones who understand, running up the stairs after me, ready to snuggle by my side and comfort me until all of my wounds are healed. Even though they have the inability to speak, I know they are there for me.
Our pets don’t judge us; they don’t try to read into our emotions, try to talk back to us, or even try to ask ques-
tions when we really don’t feel like talking, they just stick by our sides and give us comfort when we need it, making the relationship we foster so beneficial.
Having a nonjudgmental companion, like a pet, causes lower levels of conflict and reaps benefits such as heightened social skills and emotional wellbeing, according to the 2017 study “Pets are a child’s best friend, not their siblings” published by the University of Cambridge. Not only do pets provide us with a safe space, but they also improve
the way we interact with others.
Pets calm us down and reduce anxiety, creating a relaxed environment that promotes wellbeing and mindful-
ness. Pets also encourage us to get more physical exercise by taking them for walks or running around and playing outside, according to a 2024 article “How Pets Impact Our Mental Health” published by Human Animal Bond
Research Institute (HABRI). This physical activity, even though it is relatively minimal, helps people get outside
and keeps them healthy.
As I’ve grown up, I have consistently leaned on my dogs to find an escape from conflict, or just to provide extra companionship. More recently, I have found myself searching for my dogs and clinging to them when I feel anxious or overwhelmed. Especially with the addition of another dog to my family this summer, I now have two caring companions that are always there for me, making me feel more comfortable, loved, and seen.
Pets are the one unique relationship that has no complications and is just pure love without any obstacles. If you are lucky enough to have a pet you should cherish that relationship and love your pet as much as they love you.
