08/17/2018
Humans have a special connection with animals; there is no doubt about that. We form close bonds with animals, and especially our pets. We come to regard them as members of the family. When a pet dies, in many instances it can be just as painful and the loss can be just as tragic as when a close family member passes away.
But did you ever stop to think why? Why, what is it that makes us care for and love and keep pets? Why do animals fascinate us, and why do we prefer some animal species over others? And, in these hard economic times, why do we continue to foot the veterinary bills, food bills, and general up-keeping for our animal brethren?
It turns out that there are genuine, scientific explanations for behind the human-animal connection, and it starts by looking back at the history of humans and life on Earth in general. Together, humans have ‘grown up’ on our planet alongside the animal world. Animals are not only our landlords, having flourished on Earth millions of years before us; they are our biological grandfathers and cousins.
Keeping animals allows us to demonstrate our nurturing side, and they also allow us to extend our social skills and relationships—even if that ‘social’ side is with a pet that cannot talk back to us. Another theory behind our proclivity for animals is because their presence reminds us that our current area of habitation is ‘liveable’. Without even realising it, animals often tell us a little bit more about our past and who we are:
Together we are one large, extended family.
The story of the human-animal connection is a beautiful, intricate narrative; one that is represented in the infographic below. And it is a humbling tale of inner reflection, appreciation, and self-actualisation.
