The Human-Animal Bond

By Susanne Pettit-Crossman

Since before humans measured time, there were animals in our lives. We’ve shared a journey with them, and somewhere along the way we forged an inseparable bond.

Animals have influenced our lives in more ways than we can count. It’s through the animals that we’ve learned to know and better understand ourselves... We’ve feared them, hunted them, tamed them, worshipped them and loved them. They have worked alongside us, inspired our art and literature and taught us new ways to make music. They’ve dictated our architecture, shaped our civilizations, influenced our language and given us a monetary system. We’ve even used their images to make a statement in the way we dress.

We’re better people when they’re around ... calmer, healthier, more sure of ourselves. People need animals!

This special, beneficial link between humans and animal has become known as the "human-animal bond," and over the past 10 years, studies into the therapeutic value of companion animals have mushroomed all over the world. Now there is affirmation of what every pet owner has subconsciously understood since the dog first joined the family of humans in their cave.

The human-animal bond is defined as a mutually beneficial association between people and animals, including physical, emotional, intellectual and philosophical aspects. And this beneficial relationship does not just exist for those of us who are sick, have disabilities, or are seniors, but for each and every other one of us. In fact, the importance of pets has grown and continues to grow as urbanized humankind becomes more alienated from nature. For many, our pets (along with our house plants!) remain our only contact with living nature.

One study by psychologist Aline Kidd found pet owners to be more responsible and dependable and less egotistical and self-centred than people who do not have pets. Pet owners have higher nurturance scores and are more self-sufficient, independent, optimistic, poised and productive. And are these not the very traits and qualities that the disability community is trying to promote and instill in its individual members as they cut through mainstream society? The question remains as to whether people with these characteristics are more likely to have a pet -- or whether a pet itself can foster these traits in almost anyone. This is just one of the many theories that are keeping countless researchers and the like busy. Animals can, however, take credit for their incredible contribution to human well-being.

I’LL SCRATCH YOUR BACK ... YOU SCRATCH MINE!
Parents who raise their children with animals usually produce kids who in turn will keep pets, and so on. It seems to be a socially, if not wholly genetically, transmitted lifestyle.

And within a family unit that includes a dog or cat in particular as a family pet, a lot of touching goes on. Of the five conventional senses we allow ourselves -- taste, touch, smell, sight and hearing -- it is touch, the tactile sense, which we employ the least. However, touch in response to our furry friends does get some overtime. We are inveterate "patters." We are always touching our dogs and cats -- scratching them, thumping them, mussing then smoothing out their coats. Children and adults alike unconsciously run their fingers through a pet’s fur and hug their pets.

To a very large extent, we reserve our sense of touch for those whom we love, those whom we really care about and need to link with. Isn’t it interesting that touching seems to be a very natural interaction in the human-animal arrangement? We were meant for each other, we found each other, and we locked step in our joint social evolution.

Many studies have revealed that this sense of touch, along with the other senses we use when communicating with our animal friends, improves both mental and physical health for us humans.

CREATURE COMFORTS
Petting a dog or cat lowers blood pressure, heart rate and anxiety levels, and consequently can reduce the risk of heart attack. People with coronary health problems tend to live longer if they have pets.

And the emotional support given by our pets goes beyond the tactile benefits. Our pets love us without reservation. They are always on our side. No criticism, no doubts. They share with us a silent communication along with our confidences. On the other hand, they engage in silly games and tap into our sense of humour and ability for laughter. Pets are considerably better than television when it comes to endless entertainment.

Those who own pets are also better at decoding human facial expressions and non-verbal communication. Children who own pets are better at social interaction and integration in school. And children with pets tend to be less aggressive and more sympathetic to other children. Dogs can even help people become better parents. How many of us know someone who bought a puppy before they decided to raise a family?

Pets can contribute to family cohesiveness. It seems families with pets are better problem-solvers and have more harmony and understanding among family members. Family pets can even ease bereavement when mourning the loss of a loved one. This is particularly true for a senior who has lost a spouse. The pet gives that individual a reason for living on, as well as remaining a comforting and constant friend.

These curative powers are not just limited to the cat and dog, either. Spending time in front of a fish tank, watching the fish swim through their water kingdom, is also good for calming nerves and lowering blood pressure. Being greeted by a chirping bird is another "creature comfort" to embrace. The list goes on!

In today’s alienated and somewhat sterile western society, where neighbours have stopped leaning over the fence -- let alone learning each other’s names -- a pet, particularly a dog, may be the ticket to friendship. Those who walk their dogs seem more approachable, safe and friendly. Conversation is easier.

And for someone with a disability, a service dog does far more than compensate for physical limitations. In fact, the dog can help the able-bodied population overcome their discomfort and feel more at ease with someone who has a disability.

As this series unfolds, we will look more closely at the human-animal bond as it relates specifically to the therapeutic application for people with disabilities. I’m sure it will become as apparent to you as it did to me that this bond is something far more profound than we ever imagined.

(Susanne Pettit-Crossman is a broadcast journalist/freelance writer and former host of CBC’s Disability Network. Susanne is a member of the Human Animal Bond Association of Canada (HABAC), and her commitment to animals, especially the collies that she breeds, trains and shows, stems from a lifelong conviction. Susanne has cystic fibrosis and diabetes and is currently waiting to undergo a second double-lung transplant.)