Four-Legged Friends: How Animals Affect our Mental Health"

William Marks | Writer

Writer Will Marks' four-legged friend. Photo by Marks.

Animals play a significant role in the lives of many people. Some people have service animals or animals with jobs like K-9 units in police forces.However, most people keep them as beloved pets in their homes. I have a deep love for animals and have a few at home. I believe our pets provide us with more support than we often realize.

According to some studies conducted in recent years, dogs are very helpful for mental health, being able to help us deal with things like anxiety and stress. This is why LCCC occasionally brings dogs to campus, particularly during exam seasons. Their presence can also help reduce loneliness, as dogs provide companionship to people everywhere.

It’s not just dogs either, cats can also have similar effects, although they may not be as physically active as dogs. I think that having animals is very beneficial and can even make a person more responsible as they have an animal to take care of.  Taking care of a pet teaches us about routine and commitment, as we need to feed, groom, and spend time with them. This responsibility can help us develop important life skills and create a strong bond with our pets.  

Animals play a big role in our lives, giving us love and support. Dogs and cats help us feel less lonely and can make stressful times easier. Their companionship truly makes a difference in our everyday lives.Overall, our pets improve our lives in many ways, making us happier and more caring people.