By Kyra-lin Hom

Dogs are amazing creatures. They are the only species that instinctively scan human faces for emotions, using the same left-bias eye movement that we do. They intuitively understanding pointing, something that not even chimps grasp without training. Evidence suggests that their wide range of vocalizations evolved to communicate with humans. And even as newborn pups, they look to us for guidance and protection, behavior distinct from any other animal.

But dogs aren't the only loving pets out there. I may be a dog person, but I've met some wonderful cats, snakes with favorite people, remarkable horses, and even had the horrifying experience of encountering a 'domesticated' tarantula that preferred to spend the day perched on its owner's shoulder. And of course there are also birds, frogs, turtles, guinea pigs, lizards – the array of pets we tend is astonishing.

This animal-human relationship goes back thousands of years. Back before we had leashes or collars or fences. There are a lot of people who expound against exotic pets, including some pets listed above, but the argument isn't (or at least it shouldn't be) that we can't engage with foreign species. It is instead that most of us don't have the knowledge, the resources or the inclination to really safely cater to the healthful needs of these more wild creatures. Honestly, I'd make the same criticism about some dog and cat owners (and about some human bosses and parents as well but that's whole other issue).

The point is that humans are not required or even designed to live in isolation from nature. The more we do isolate ourselves, however, the less likely we are to care about it. Several studies internationally have found that the more our exposure to animals comes from false media representations (e.g. cartoons, overly-idealized characterizations, etc.) the less likely we are to actually view them as wild animals in need of our consideration and conservation efforts.

Similarly One Green Planet points out that there are two very distinct ways to own a pet. One is with the view that this animal is an individual, a living breathing creature with experiences and a will of its own. The other is with the mindset that your pet is property or even an accessory, something to be owned and controlled at your convenience. One is obviously better than the other. Interestingly enough, the extreme anthropomorphization of our pets can actually slide into the latter. It's all about acknowledging that our pets are actually animals and not our toys.

Those people who do learn to cultivate healthy relationships with pets glean great personal benefits as well as a more holistic worldview, especially children. According to The Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne (among many others), children that have healthy relationships with their pets have higher self-esteem, better social skills and are more likely to be physically active. Pets are now being used in child psychological therapy to help troubled kids and autistic children open up and develop empathy. Dogs are being introduced to prisons for the same reason.

More tangibly and in part because of the oxytocin (the 'love hormone') produced during healthful interactions between people and their pets, pet owners are less stressed, have less cardiovascular problems, are more likely to bounce back from physical and mental trauma, and generally live longer than people without.

I obviously love animals. I grew up with them in the home and in the classroom. I can't have one in my apartment now and am counting the days until I can move and get a dog. Yes, pets are a big responsibility and a lot of work, but the benefits are huge. They are good for our health, good for our children's development and rekindle that missing connection between us and the natural world, encouraging us to better understand and care more about this planet on which we all depend.