Pets can provide companionship, ease loneliness, alleviate depression, and offer emotional support. They also help people exercise and reduce stress, which can lead to better health. Several studies show that pets lower blood pressure and improve moods. As a result, those who own pets are generally happier, healthier and feel more secure. Pets are great for kids, too, because they teach responsibility and compassion and can help them develop a positive self-image. They can even teach kids to get along with other people.
Before you decide to adopt a pet, research the type of animal that suits your lifestyle. Some species and breeds require more attention than others, such as providing fresh food and water or frequent outdoor walks. They may also have longer life expectancies than you might be accustomed to, with some animals living up to 100 years! Make sure you know what kind of commitment you’re making and that you can keep your pet in the long term, especially if your work or living arrangements change.
It’s best to adopt a pet from a shelter or rescue group, where you can meet the animal in person and ensure that it has been socialized with humans so it is comfortable around them. Some pets, particularly dogs, end up in shelters because their owners die or move away and cannot take them with them. Other pets, such as reptiles, might have outlived their original owners or become aggressive, and are euthanized.
If you choose to write about your pet, do some research to find out about its background, habits and unique personality traits. This will enable you to create a character that is endearing to your readers and that makes the story stand out from other pet stories.
Observe your pet’s behavior and make notes on the little things that you notice, such as the way it interacts with other animals or how it responds to different situations. Make a list of its strengths, weaknesses and peculiarities that will distinguish it from other pets.
Many pet owners consider their pets to be members of the family, and they often talk about them in the same way that they would about a member of the human family. Some people even use their pets as a therapy tool for mental health issues such as anxiety or depression. Stroking, hugging or otherwise interacting with a pet can relieve these symptoms by meeting the human need for touch. Even hardened criminals in prison have shown long-term improvements after interacting with their pets.
If you’re writing a personal experience piece, it should be focused on an event or experience that is truly exceptional or made a significant impact in your life and the lives of those close to you. Stories about pets that are simply entertaining, funny or cute won’t impress editors and might be rejected. It’s also important to follow an editor’s submission guidelines, which can vary from magazine to magazine. Failing to follow these guidelines will only hurt your chances of getting paid to write about your pet.