Why Pets Should Be Considered Family #WestandWillow

This post was created in partnership with West & Willow. I was not financially compensated for this post but did receive a sample for review purposes. As always, all opinions are entirely my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that support me!

These days, pets are a central part of the family. The majority of owners integrate their animal companions into their families by giving them names and showing them unconditional love. However, it wasn’t always like this.

A few centuries ago, even a few decades ago, pets weren’t necessarily considered part of the family. Dogs, for instance, didn’t even have a name and weren’t treated even remotely as family members.

Their sole purpose was to defend the human family from outside threats. The animal would remain outside and under the chain. They’d get a bowl of food, some water, and that’s it. Forget about doggy baths and frequent treats. Today, the mentality changed – and that’s a good thing!

Most people have at least one pet. Here are six major reasons why animals are definitely family members! Click To Tweet

Incorporating a pet into your family can have numerous advantages. Their companionship can benefit all members of the family, from the youngest one to the oldest. Playing catch, going for walks in the park, and even talking to them has therapeutic properties that are very helpful in today’s stressful society.

Having a dog drastically reduces stress in children and helps them develop emotionally. Having a pet animal as a member of the family is a great idea, and here’s why:

Pets are family because they will return your love ten-fold

When people get home from work after a hard shift, they’re happy to see their loved ones. Guess what? Your pet feels the same after not seeing you for a couple of hours.

That’s why dogs, for example, greet their owners emphatically – because they’re eager for their arrival.

The brain of common house pets is wired similarly to ours. They’ll experience a wide range of emotions, including the feeling of longing after someone.

To show your pet and anyone who enters your home how much you love them too, hang a custom modern pet portrait of them on your walls!

West & Willow

This pet portrait company cleverly transforms your pet’s photograph into a modern piece of art.

West & Willow makes the whole process super simple too.

First, choose how many animals you want to be in the artwork.

Then, pick one of the fabulous backgrounds to make your furry friend pop.

Next, select one of the three frame options.

Choose from sizes 8″x10″, 12″x16″, or 18″x24″.

Upload your favorite photo and leave any important notes for the designer (i.e. remove tag, etc.).

And, that’s it!

Before you know it, you’ll receive your gallery-worthy pet portrait at your doorstep.

All West & Willow hardwood frames have a nice weight to them and a prominent sawtooth hanger to make placement a breeze.

In addition, to making minimalistic pet portraits, West & Willow can also put your pet on phone cases or even a mug making them the perfect place to shop for any pet lovers in your life!

To help you out, use promo code PAWFRIENDS15 to save 15% off your entire order!

Furry companions are smart

Every year, biologists discover new intellectual capabilities in pets. They’re smarter than we think. Recent research in animal behavior found that animals aren’t less clever than humans; they just have a different form of intelligence.

Some parts of their mental capabilities coincide with ours. That’s why you can train an animal to do many things. However, if allergies keep your family from having a furry pet, a reptile like the bearded dragon is a great option. They can imitate other animals, and they can remember routines, which may be suitable for training them. They’re also easy to care for; a spacious tank, high-protein food, tank substrate, and a UVB bulb are the basics.

Let’s not forget that pets sometimes saved their owners from imminent threats directly or by calling 911. That’s why a pet can also be a trained guardian stationed at your house around the clock.

Pets are part of the family because they will protect their owners

Every house animal has wild instincts that kick in when its owner/friends are in danger. Even if we’re talking about a tiny hamster, it will still try to save you if given a chance. Sure, a small rodent won’t be able to do much to protect you, but the gesture is all that matters.

Keeping a pet is much more satisfying knowing that he’d risk his life to protect you and your loved ones. And the internet isn’t shy with proof of such feats.

Pets are important and grieve as humans do

Pets are very aware of the people and animals around them. They’re also very capable of remembering faces and scents. For them, you’re not just a food source; you’re a dear friend.

That’s why animals go through grieving processes after not seeing a friend for too long. The idea that your parrot will cry rivers of sorrow after you’re gone might make you shed a tear right now.

Nonetheless, it’s true. Animals do mourn after lost buddies.

Pets have your back

Animals experience a wide range of emotions. They can be jealous, but they can also be loyal – and they’ll show it. Pets have a wild instinct that makes them want to bond to a group.

They want a faithful relationship between pack members to feel safe. That’s why they’re the first ones to show loyalty. No matter if you’re right or wrong, they’ll still stick to your side.

Treating pets like family can help your health

When we form a bond with an animal, there are many benefits that we can experience emotionally. Many studies have revealed that interacting with an animal brings us joy from a hormonal perspective. For instance, hugging a cat releases essential substances in our brain that makes us feel better and live longer.

More precisely, dopamine and oxytocin are the main hormones that are triggered when playing with an animal. It’s like having a living anti-depressant running around your household. When you’re feeling down, grab the pet, squeeze it tight, and go about your day feeling better!

So, why should pets be considered family? Well, they behave like outright members of the family, so why not recognize their effort?

Do you think of your pets as family members?