Two years ago, Nugget became a member of the Arbo family, and despite the well-known high energy levels of Australian shepherds, he has figured out how to relax and enjoy downtime at home.
Jen Arbo, mother to nine-year-old Kale and also owner of a cat and four chickens, mentions, “There’s a wonderfully relaxed, easygoing dynamic between them, and I believe Nugget has become integral to Kale’s understanding of our family.”
Alongside the responsibilities Kale has embraced in caring for his pet, such as feeding and teaching commands, as well as coping with the passing of their previous dog, growing up with animals imparts many enduring advantages both for children and the family unit itself.
Integrating Pets into the Family
Dr. Christina Brown, a social-personality scientist at Arcadia University, has conducted research on the advantages that pets bring to human health and overall well-being.
Brown explains that pets go beyond just companionship; they can offer social support comparable to that received from close friends or family members. Owners often regard their pets as true family members. Research indicates that the closer an owner feels to their pet, the greater the benefits they derive from having an animal in their lives.
“Psychological studies suggest that having various forms of social support enhances our well-being,” Brown notes. “In times of loneliness or rejection, simply thinking about our pets can uplift our spirits.”
Moreover, Brown emphasizes that pets enrich a household more than they detract from it. “The key point is that pets don’t detract from human relationships. They fundamentally provide an additional source of support that is linked to improved well-being,” she elaborates.
The Role of Pets in Healthy Child Development
Having pets in the home can play a significant role in early childhood development. Research indicates that children living with pets may exhibit improved impulse control and experience reduced levels of stress, anxiety, and depression. Additionally, pets may help diminish the risk of allergies.
According to Brown, instilling the responsibility of caring for a pet in children can produce lasting benefits, promoting well-being for both child and animal alike.
Moreover, mental health is often linked to physical health, and growing up with pets can positively influence both. Particularly with dogs, walking them serves as a motivator for children to engage in outdoor activity and exercise. “For mental well-being,” Brown remarks, “numerous studies have highlighted the significant advantages of physical activity.”
Fostering Strong Social Connections
Nugget is not the first canine companion the Arbos have had. Some years ago, Kale experienced the loss of their 16-year-old Shiba Inu, Mooki, who faced numerous health challenges including blindness, deafness, and a debilitating stroke. Jen and her husband decided to involve Kale in the process of saying goodbye to Mooki, imparting valuable lessons about euthanasia and responsible pet ownership.
When it came time to welcome a new dog, Kale had to adapt to the needs of a more active pet. “It was a significant shift for him to understand that Nugget required a different type of attention,” Jen shares. Today, it’s common to find Kale chatting with Nugget about his favorite video games or narrating the cat’s antics, with Nugget happily engaged. “Nugget isn’t the type to ask him to be quiet,” Jen adds.
Brown states that conversing with pets is beneficial, as it acknowledges the animal’s individuality and autonomy. “There might be a tendency for some to feel awkward or silly talking to their pets, yet that humanlike connection is what ultimately enhances the benefits we receive from them,” asserts Brown.
Emphasizing Responsible Pet Ownership
Brown is a strong advocate for animal rights and believes it’s essential to discuss the reciprocal responsibilities in pet ownership. “While pets can greatly enrich our lives, it’s crucial we offer them the care they deserve,” she emphasizes.
“Owning a pet entails commitments and responsibilities, meaning we must provide proper care and training. This is likely the first lesson learned by both kids and their parents,” she adds.
