why do people keep pets?

Answer 1

Because pets seem to fill a void in people's lives, and pets also become part of a family. I absolutely love to come home from work every day and see my 2 cats run right up to me and rub themselves all over me to let me know how much I was missed. Love that feeling.

Answer 2

There are lots of reasons why people keep pets. Animals can provide companionship with expecting you to fill in the silences with small talk when you feel you have nothing to say. For some people they fill in the space of children. They make good company for people who live alone. They have the capacity to give children (and adults) a sense of responsibility. For some people, having an animal gives them a reason to get up in a morning. Some animals provide entertainment in a soothing manner (watching a gerbil digging new tunnels, watching a goldfish swimming in an out of the ornamental shipwrech etc. Some animals are the only reason why some people go out at all. Some people probably might not bother to leave their house if it wasn't for their dog. Animals can give people confidence in themselves. Some people keep animals because it is the nearest they can get to nature. Some people can entertain themselves for hours on a computer, but others prefer the one-to-one of another living thing, something that is tangible, that has the capacity to appreciate your company without being judgamental. Pets can be the living alternative to a teddy bear- you can talk to them and tell them all your problems knowing full well that they aren't going to gossip about it to your next door neighbour, they aren't going to get miffed at you because you didn't have the report on the office desk in time.

I have lots of pets. I prefer animal company to human company because they do not care whether or not I am dressed in the latest fashion, they do not care that I am not middle class, they do not care that I am crap at small talk. They accept me for me, and they love me because I know how to use a tin-opener :p
Also keeping pets teaches you a lot about animals- my animals have taught me a lot about themsleves that has enabled me to share my experiences with other pet owners, and help answer their pet related questions on Yahoo! questions.

Answer 3

Pets provide companionship and unconditional love. It is rare I come across someone who totally hates animals but hey they exist. It has also been proven that pets like cats and dogs can make a person feel healthier it has been shown that they lower bloodpressure etc. To some they become as family members.

Answer 4

i personally don't agree with keeping pets just because you want one and i would never go out to buy one, the only time i think it's ok is when an animal needs a home so we gave a home to 2 beautiful rescue cats, they are not pets, they are part of our family.

Answer 5

I suppose having a pet helps you relax after working all day, a dog gets you out for exercise . Stroking a cat or dog has a soothing affect on a tense or nervous person .A child having a pet looking after them feeding, grooming etc, with parent supervision gives them responsibility for life.

Answer 6

Pets have a calming effect on peoples lives

Answer 7

To combat loneliness.

Or to give a sense of purpose. Someone can be too depressed to get out of bed in the morning, but if their dog needs to be walked and fed, it's a reason to stay alive.

Answer 8

There are a number of reasons. I can speak only for myself - having had several beloved canine companions over decades. They unselfishly give you their unconditional love, devotion, fierce loyalty and faithful companionship. They are great listeners, always aim to please, are 99% of the time, funny and comical. They will defend you with their lives and are blessed with the patience of Job.

Answer 9

We have 3 dogs and 2 cats,and we love them to bits, they are good company, and are there when everyone has gone to bed, they greet you when you come in from work.

Answer 10

For some they are sustitute children, for others a very good friend who never lets you down, who loves you and takes you out for long walks and sits patiently when you are broken-hearted.