As we watched the thousands of people enjoy the day with their pets at Million Paws Walk last weekend, it was hard to ignore how much they were a part of the family. To some, they may even love them more! We buy them toys and special treats, and no matter how mischievous they are, we can’t stay mad at those cute little faces.
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I, for one, am guilty of putting out a buffet of food choices for my cat until I figure out which one she wants. It’s also not uncommon for me to get an extra helping at my favourite fish and chips place, knowing that she’ll probably eat half of it.
There’s no denying that we have a special connection with our pets. In fact, a study was done that showed that dogs had hijacked the human oxytocin bonding pathway that is typically reserved for babies. When you stare at your dog, both your oxytocin levels go up, the same as when you pet them and play with them. It makes you both feel good and reinforces your bonding!
To get a little more insight into the love we share with our pets, we asked some RSPCA ACT staff for their moments when they knew they really loved their pet.
Here are our top 15 favourites!
“You know you love your pet when you…”
1. Spend more on your pet’s wardrobe and upkeep than your own!
2. End a relationship because your pet doesn’t like them.
3. Know these two words: Dog Stroller.
4. Look forward to your pet’s birthday more than your own.
5. Fill the entire storage of your phone with photos of your pet.
6. Bore your friends and families by talking about your pet. Again.
7. Cancel social plans to hang out with your pet.
8. Let them chew holes in your $30 sock because socks are their favourite toy.
9. Introduce them to a stranger before introducing yourself.
10. Spend more money on premium food for them than for yourself.
11. Have a matching bracelet with their collar.
12. Have one bed and the dog has three. They actually own your bed too.
13. Buy them a new car as they didn’t seem too comfortable in the smaller one.
14. Wait to take your toilet break as you don’t want to disturb them from your lap.
15. Go away for the weekend and dream about them!
The list really could be endless! The bond between people and their beloved pets is strong. We can all say hands on heart that we appreciate every little bit of unconditional love they give us. How lonely would life be without them?
If you are ready to have that kind of love in your life and become a besotted mess, visit www.adoptapet.com.au to see what animals are available for adoption now at the shelter.
- Tammy Ven Dange is the CEO of RSPCA ACT.
