Love-Your-Pet Day
20.2.2023
From the perspective of Gut Aiderbichl
(written by Gisela Pschenitschnig)
The 20th of February is a day when pet owners can once again show their pet more clearly how much they appreciate, respect and love it and that they are happy that it is part of the family.
In Europe, more than 30 million pets live with their owners. In Germany, for example, an animal lives in every third household. The most popular pet is the cat, followed by the dog as man's most loyal companion, then small animals such as the hamster, guinea pig or rabbit. Fish and birds are followed by mice, rats, chinchillas, degus and ferrets. Worldwide, the dog is in first place as a pet.
Why a pet?
Cats, dogs or rabbits are a life and family companion for many people. Pets make people happy, they take away the feeling of loneliness, they are comforters and always there when you need them.
Above all, dogs are sympathy carriers and contact promoters. It's possible to meet someone while walking with the dog and coming "somehow" into the conversation.
Animals are also a miracle cure without side effects for stress-ridden people. Petting, cuddling, watching animals... all this lowers blood pressure and helps to displace stress from one's thoughts for a certain time.
Animals are flatterers of souls, best friends and also employers
More than 200,000 jobs are created by Cat & Co.: veterinarians, veterinary clinics, food manufacturers, pet accessory stores, pet insurance companies, pet boarding facilities, funeral homes, pet groomers, etc. - they all serve animals and earn money doing so.
The financial expenses for pets are different. Annually, a dog owner pays an average of 200€ in veterinary costs. People who keep a dog are also willing to bear these costs. Man and dog have always had a special relationship: the dog is able to communicate with his master or mistress. He feels the human emotions and gives feedback. He gives us affection and demands a lot of attention and time in return. For a dog there is no weather - he wants to be in nature.
Cats are naturally able to communicate with humans too. They feel and also love cuddling with their owners. Many people give everythiing for their cats - precisely because things go well for them.
Which pet is the right one?
There is no recipe for this. If you like to spend time in nature, a dog is probably the right companion. Older people may prefer a cat.
Numerous once beloved and then relinquished pets find their forever home at Gut Aiderbichl. Many animals that were important to the family have to be relinquished for a variety of financial or human reasons. This principle must be applied: before acquiring an animal, it must be unconditionally questioned whether the living situation allows space and time for a pet.
Animals are fellow creatures. They trust man, are his best friend and companion and may expect respect and love until the end of their lives. - Sincerely, Yours Gisela
