There’s something extraordinary about the way pets can be with us. We love them beyond measure, but why? What about these furry friends fills such a deep space in our hearts? While there are many reasons, one of the most significant is also the most subtle: our pets provide an unspoken companionship blissfully free of complicated communication. Unlike human relationships, which require constant navigation through thoughts, feelings, and boundaries, our relationships with pets are pure, uncomplicated, and beautifully simple.
For all the reasons I will discuss, I am very grateful for my dog, Rocky. A mix of 50% black lab, Mini-Shnauser, and Rat Terrier, he is an excellent companion and a great co-therapist in my office. All my counseling clients love him, too.
Below are the four reasons we love our furry friends so much.
One of the most comforting aspects of being with a pet is that we don’t have to explain ourselves. There’s no need to filter our emotions or process complex feelings to communicate with them. We don’t have to worry about misunderstandings or whether we’re coming across correctly. With pets, silence speaks volumes, and their response, often in the form of a gentle nuzzle or a wagging tail,........