Why Are Pets So Great at Opening Our Hearts?

What is it about a dog, cat, parrot, or other pet that enables it to gently nudge (or, in the case of Golden Retrievers, gallop) their way into our lives and hearts? Certainly, there's the "cute factor." But only some of the pets that folks adopt or purchase are adorable puppies, kittens, or geeky, dependant parrots. The desire to love, nurture, rescue... that's a strong desire for many people. Yet, even these people who are thinking of what they can give to the animal, are surprised to find it's the pet that ends up bringing so much to their lives.

We might forget who our best friend was in third grade, but we remember our childhood pet. How they listened, how they smelled, their funny antics. It is this acceptance by animals that allows them to help those of us whose hearts might be a bit closed, "a few sizes too small," as Dr. Seuss might say.

Animals are unique to humans in their ability (gentle or tenacious depending on the species) to make progress into the heart of a person who, for whatever reason, is limping along in life with the door to their heart firmly bolted. The very fact that this closing of the heart is often the result of our experiences with another human being enables the dependant, forgiving, and dependable animal to encourage us to keep on.

Like many kids, I was bullied as a child, by a family of tough children who roamed the neighborhood free of parental guidance. These were the kind of kids who could sense insecurity a mile away, and knew just where to strike. (We're all familiar with them, as they grow up to be adults who send us to bookstores to purchase books on dealing with difficult people.) How great it was to come home from school to my miniature dachshund, Joey, who thought I was wonderful. He couldn't wait to see me; he was always there. After Joey, there was a toy poodle, Suzette. She was the girlfriend always ready to put up with my experiments in dog grooming. I felt prettier just holding her.

Our dogs were a source of happiness and security when life seemed mean. Think back to your first pet. What was it? How did you feel when you spent time with it? What did you tell your pet that you never told anyone else?