Human-animal bonding

Bonding with the best

The bond of faith and trust that is surprisingly stronger than that between two humans is the human-animal bonding.

Animals have made their presence and need felt time and again on human lives. Today, though one cannot call it fashion, there is a sense of pride and happiness among those who own pets.

As vet Dr SK Ray says, ‘‘Pets are quite a trend among younger generation,right from kids to college-goers,though old people also find in them a friend when alone.’’ Indeed, with parents busy with work and other issues,kids find the company of pets a relief.

More so because the pets, be it dogs, cats or even birds, respond equally. ‘‘I feel like a parent when it comes to my doggy,’’ says a teenaged Dipti, the proud owner of Britney, a pomeranian. Cats, dogs, birds or even fishes, all feel and understand human emotions and more.

‘‘It has been proved already that animals have a stronger connection with nature due to which they react before a person suffers an attack or before natural calamities like earthquakes. Physically challenged and blind people also find great mental benefits spending time with pets,’’ reminds Dr Ray.

Owning pets is beneficial to kids and teenagers who are rough in nature and undergo immense psychological change after handling pets. They become more kind and compassionate.

It has often been seen that adolescents often talk and confide their secrets to animals.Growing up with animals also helps understand nature, life processes and improves empathy and non verbal communication.