Pets: Our best support and warmest companions

Pets — they brighten up everyday life, make walks in the park and strolls along the beach more enjoyable, say a thousand words without speaking, their presence lends a comforting effect when we aren't having the best of days and most importantly; they love unconditionally.

Animals have been an important source of emotional support to on-screen characters on CBC's drama and comedy series such as the majestic horses on Heartland, the adorable pups at Ted's clinic in Schitt's Creek and the lounging cats at Shannon's home in Kim's Convenience.

To help understand this beautiful bond between pets and humans, psychologist Dr. Joti Samra — clinic founder of Dr. Joti Samra, R.Psych & Associates in B.C. and CEO and founder of MyWorkplaceHealth.com — shares her thoughts on how pets enhance our well-being. "Multiple studies have shown that pets can provide calming support, companionship, and a sense of purpose to people," shares Dr. Samra.

Friends for life

Pets serve as an antidote against loneliness. "For those that are feeling isolated or alone, single, elderly — irrespective of age groups and demographics; if loneliness or being alone is something that is impacting someone, then the presence of a pet in their environment is very good for their mental health."

In CBC's comedy series Schitt's Creek, as Alexis (Annie Murphy) and Ted (Dustin Milligan) are working their way through the hardships of a long-distance relationship; Alexis gets herself a pet turtle and names him Ted to cope with her beau's physical absence.  

Pets have evolved to be in tune with human behaviour and emotions. For example, dogs understand many of the words we speak on a daily basis, but they are also able to interpret our tone of voice, body language and gestures. It's heartwarming to see Ted, who plays the character of a veterinarian in Schitt's Creek, have a pep (pup) talk with the dogs in his clinic. 

Horses are at the centre of the CBC drama series Heartland, in which Amy (Amber Marshall) along with her veterinarian husband Ty (Graham Wardle) rescue and heal injured horses on a ranch in Alberta's Rocky Mountains. Each character on the show shares a special bond with their own horse — be it Amy and Spartan, Georgie and Phoenix, Grandpa Jack and Buddy.

Here's a video in which Amber Marshall talks about the special connection that her character Amy has with her horse Spartan.

A happy and healthy lifestyle

There always seems to be a sense of unconditional love and acceptance that can come from a pet which has a positive impact on our psychological health. Petting or playing with an animal enhances the production of endorphins that promote a feeling of relaxation. Dr. Samra shares, "The little comforts of your pet kitten or dog wanting to hop on your lap to cuddle are really good and can have a really comforting impact."

Pets can promote a more structured lifestyle and motivate us to get more exercise. Even if you are feeling stressed or worried or are just not in the mood to step out of your pyjamas; a constant look from your dog nudges you to get out the door for your daily stroll. 

An irreplaceable bond

Sometimes we tend to feel that our pets seem to understand us better as compared to the people we are surrounded by. Proximity breeds familiarity and likeness and so the shared experiences that we have with our pets further develops an irreplaceable bond. "If you have gone through things together; life and crisis or COVID-19, relationships, death — these shared experiences could certainly lead to a sense of companionship," adds Dr. Samra.

In Workin' Moms, Kate Foster shares a family-like bond with her dog Ollie. She further shares her thoughts on making a choice between her dog and her newborn's safety in this video.

They may be dogs, cats, hamsters, fish, mice, guinea pigs, horses or cute llamas — regardless of which, pets serve as a constant source of comfort, friends that will stick around through our tears and laughter, passing friendships and heartbreaks, weird hair phases and flighting interests. Keep your friends close but your pets closer.