I’ve always known that having a pet at home brings joy and laughter. Pets cheer you up when you’re down. They welcome you with wagging tails and a welcome purr when you come home after a long and stressful day.  After my pet dog died 23 years ago, I haven’t had the time to have another pet, although in recent years I’ve toyed with the idea of keeping a pet dog in our condo home as I love dogs.  However, I know that it’s not going to be easy as it’s against our condo house rules to have large and noisy pets, our space is extremely limited and I do not have the time to add another ‘baby’ to my already stressful and hectic life.

During the past one year of MCO (Movement Control Order) due to the Covid-19 pandemic, life for me has been nothing short of depressing and at times feeling helpless contributed by a myriad of factors. I’ve prayed for some joy and laughter back into our lives. One day, a mother cat gave birth to a litter of 6 kittens at the doorstep of my husband’s office.  When I saw the kittens for the first time, my heart melted, especially at the sight of a tri-colored coat kitten.   I’ve never been a cat lover, yet I don’t despise them.   When my husband (who’s also not a cat lover) suggested adopting one of the stray kittens, I was strongly against his idea. I told him that it would never work due to the reasons stated above.  However, as fate would have it, Haru (the tri-colored coat kitten) ended up in our homes when she was 6 weeks old.  None of us in the family had any experience in handling cats or was prepared to care for one.  My two younger daughters were delighted as it has always been their wishes to have a pet at home.  We googled for help on how to care for a baby kitten and asked friends for advice.  Haru is now almost 3 months and she has brought a lot of joy and laughter into our homes.

I think God answered my prayers of wanting joy and laughter and He sent a kitten into our lives ?.

There are many health benefits of owning a pet.  Studies have shown that the bond between people and their pets can increase fitness, lower stress, and bring happiness to their owners. Some of the health benefits of having a pet include:

1. Decreased blood pressure
2. Decreased cholesterol levels
3. Decreased triglyceride levels
4. Decreased feelings of loneliness
5. Reduced stress levels and depression
6. Increased opportunities for exercise and outdoor activities
7. Increased opportunities for socialization
8. Better bonding within siblings and between parents and children
9. Improved behavior in children
10. Increased responsibility in children
11. Help children with their emotional and social skills.
12. Source of comfort and support (in the case of therapy dogs and guide dogs)
    and much more.

Nothing compares to the joy of coming home to a loyal companion. The unconditional love of a pet can do more than keep you company. The advantages that pets bring to your life are just another reason to love them as much as you already do!