Pets are surely the most enriching companions of all time. It is less about talking and participating in traditional discussions and command-action dialogues, but more about how you read body language. The chirp of joy, the energetic wag of a tail, the satiated purr of relaxation—all these can denote a friendship and make it fruitful and engaging for both sides.

For specially abled people, a pet can offer love that’s beyond discrimination and stereotypical thinking. For a pet, whether it’s a fish, dog, cat, lovebird or a hamster, an affectionate human is the best source of love. A person with disability will find solace in the innocent animal which only wishes for his human to be happy and playful.

Pets instinctively sense human emotions and are quick to cheer us up. They fill the days of a person, preventing him or her from over-thinking or stressing. Their activities can inspire their owners to remain equally active, which in turn stimulates their cells and regulates their blood pressure. Having a pet also teaches humans the ultimate responsibility of caring and nurturing—feeding, bathing, cleaning up after it, and (if they are outdoorsy pets) taking it for walks.

A pet also adapts quickly to a human’s routine and with proper training, can aid them. Classic example of this are dogs being used by blind people or people who struggle with spatial reasoning, with the pets aiding in direction and movement. The adaptability of the animals shows a human how normal their routines are. In conclusion, the bond between a pet and someone who has a disability, can go beyond a single straight line relationship of give-receive. It’s a combine-and-strengthen teaming-up. It will remain unbreakable because the companion’s faith in the human will remain indestructible.

-Anushka Saha
St. Joseph’s College (Autonomous)