I’ve always preferred animals to people. My childhood heroes were James Herriot, the country vet who wrote All Creatures Great and Small, and Doctor Dolittle, the man who could talk to animals. If there had been a college degree in animal communication, I would’ve enrolled in a heartbeat.
Looking back, I think my deep connection with animals came from being bullied and not feeling safe to express myself. I didn’t have the words for what I was going through, but it didn’t matter to my dog—he loved me unconditionally. Growing up, my dog was my best friend, and the neighborhood dogs were a close second. With them, I never had to pretend or worry about being judged or misunderstood.
Animals offer something that’s hard to find in people: pure, unrestricted acceptance. They don’t care how you look, how much money you make, or whether you’re having a bad hair day. They’re just happy to be with you.
Admittedly, I haven’t always been much of a cat person. The whole litter box thing stinks (pun intended;) and I once lived with a cat who turned my brand-new leather couch into a shredded mess in under 72 hours. Still, I could not resist adopting my current feline after she literally jumped in my arms. She has been a total angel and loving companion who I would not trade for a mansion in Malibu. That’s the beauty of pets: whether it’s dogs, cats, rabbits, birds, guinea pigs, or fish, they each have the power to comfort, to connect, and to help us through the most difficult of times.
Studies show that pet ownership can reduce stress, lower blood pressure, increase physical activity, and even improve heart health. Pets provide structure to our days and a sense of purpose. They help ease feelings of loneliness and depression, especially for those living alone or going through hard times. There’s something remarkably grounding about being responsible for another life—a creature that depends on you, and in return, gives love without conditions.
Research on happiness consistently shows that meaning, connection, and lived experiences matter far more than material things. As behavioral scientist Michael Norton said, “Spending on doing rather than having” leads to deeper, lasting joy.
That’s where pets come in. They’re not just companions—they’re an experience of connection. They ground us in the present, remind us to play, and offer comfort without words. Whether it’s a wagging tail, a soft purr, or the way they flop beside you when you’re having a hard day, pets gently pull us back to what matters: love, presence, and the small moments that make life feel a little lighter.
If you’re feeling isolated, anxious, or stuck in the grind of life, consider getting a pet. They won’t solve all your problems (and they might even create new ones), but they will bring light into your home, structure into your day, and love into your heart. And that is definitely a recipe for happiness.
Written by Candace Schoner. Candace is a writer, blogger, mental health advocate and mom of two fur babies.