 A long-time friend wrote yesterday to say a beloved family dog, Bear, had died. Bear had been with Chris and Lorie for a decade, and was a member of the family as much as a pet.
Most people are easily able to empathize when things like this happen, because many of us have also experienced the grief that results from the loss of a special animal and we identify with the love and companionship shared between humans and their animal friends. Those who have never experienced first-hand the many benefits of the human-animal bond can consult a wide array of research that effectively makes the point. Here are only a few examples: Cardiovascular studies show that pet owners have lower blood pressure and lower triglyceride levels. Clinical studies indicate that abused children who had a strong human-animal bond with a pet in childhood show more resilience in adulthood. In fact, when explaining their ability to cope with the emotional results of their abuse, they often name their childhood pet as their most important source of support during the critical period. Studies of animal-assisted therapy (which, incidentally, dates back at least to the 18th century) have proven repeatedly that companion animals are extremely therapeutic, and that even the presence of a non-companion animal calms stress and decreases recovery time in patients of all ages.
There is clearly something special about the positive bond that can be forged between people and their pets, and everyone involved is elevated by the relationship. The animal is elevated because it receives physical benefits from its human companion that it couldn't provide for itself, and because it gives back in the amazing ways we've already talked about. The human is elevated by the opportunity to unselfishly care for a less self-sufficient living thing, and by the increase in personal well-being.  Now, I hate to bring the level of this conversation down, but it's time to compare the positive and elevating bond that forms between humans and their animal pets to a very different relationship recently reported by BBC News.
In case you didn't click on the link, let me summarize: A young couple in England was recently refused passage on a public bus because the 25-year-old male was leading his 19-year-old girlfriend by a dog leash, as is apparently the couple's habit. The indignant young man, a Mr. Graves, indicated that although he is used to strange looks and comments, he never expected such treatment from the public transportation system. The couple agreed that the leash was "a sign of trust." According to the young lady, a Miss Maltby, previous attempts to employ her idea of being led by the collar prompted earlier boyfriends to brand her a "weirdo." Mr. Graves proudly describes his pet/partner as very "animal like" and he does everything for her in view of the fact that, in his words, "You wouldn't expect your cat or dog to do the washing up or cleaning round the house." The obvious question for this couple is, "Who exactly is elevated by this relationship?" But on video, the apparently nonplussed BBC interviewer could only think to say, "I've never met a man who has a pet girl before." One can only wonder whether having a real dog might help this couple learn how elevating and fulfilling an actual human-animal bond can be. | 
