Many people can see the use of keeping cattle: they
serve as food for people. But what use are pets? The most common
reasons for keeping pets are:
company
socializing
they are beautiful, nice and interesting
status
something to do
Company
Many people have pets to substitute relationships with partners,
children or family members. Many elderly people for instance, like
having a dog instead of being all alone at home. This is usually
a lap dog, very affectionate and strokable.
The animal serves people's need to cherish, love and fight boredom.
But this is really a distressing reason for keeping a pet. The animal
is a replacement for normal human contact, something that apparently
is too much to summon in our individualistic society. Their pet
keeps them from pining. But of course, it has to be a type of dog
that suits them and that has been bred especially for their needs.
Socializing
Pets make socializing with others easier. People are more inclined
to start a conversation when they can focus their attention on the
animal in a moment of silence. Just like with any other hobby, it's
nice to talk to people that have the same hobby.
Beautiful, nice and interesting
People find animals attractive. No matter what kind of animal it
is, you can always find an interesting characteristic. Birds sing,
dogs and cats are playful and funny, and there are animals that
look uncommon.
Status
Pets give status. When an animal looks dangerous, for instance,
this reflects on its owner. Many people (sub) consciously pick animals
that best suit them and most reflect their status.
Something to do
Preventing boredom is another important reason to keep pets.
An animal needs attention. It can need a lot of attention, as dogs
do, but there are also animals that don't need as much attention,
such as fish or turtles. Besides, you can look at them. Animal-watching
is a nice way to spend your time, just like people-watching.
But do these arguments put forward by people balance against the
animal's arguments or the drawbacks
for humans?
This article is part of a series on pet adoption.
Below the table of contents of this series.
Below that even more articles about pets.
Preventing boredom is another important reason to keep pets.
An animal needs attention. It can need a lot of attention, as dogs
do, but there are also animals that don't need as much attention,
such as fish or turtles. Besides, you can look at them. Animal-watching
is a nice way to spend your time, just like people-watching.
But do these arguments put forward by people balance against the
animal's arguments or the