By Katie and East Norriton Bulldog Bulletin reporters | Pets can be fun to play with, and they can also be good for your health. The American Psychiatric Association (APA) says owning a pet helps you mentally and physically!
Doctors at the APA say that having pets can help reduce stress and help keep you focused. Studies have shown that the mere presence of animals can provide comfort, buffers against stress, enhanced work engagement, and improved life quality. Pets can also get you outside and moving.
Mr. Davis, a seventh-grade science and social studies teacher, agrees. “Dogs are great for your mental and physical health because they can help you stay motivated and go for walks,” he said. Mr. Davis has two dogs and he said they keep him active and cheer him up.
Mrs. Buffardi, a seventh-grade English teacher, has a dog and two cats. She said they definitely help her mental and physical health by keeping her happy, plus her dog keeps her physically active because she has to walk the pup.
“A pet can help calm people and comfort people,” said seventh-grade math teacher Mrs. Haggerty. She has one cat that helps keep her family happy.
“I think pets can be very good for your mental health,” said Discovery teacher Mrs. Strickland. “I have two pet rats in my classroom, some fish, and I bring my bearded dragon Zack in from home most days. I find that having contact with those pets can help calm students down who may be upset or they can make students feel happy.”
“Pets are good for your health because they just brighten your day,” said sixth-grade math teacher Mrs. Cairns. She has two dogs, both mini golden doodles. “When I have had a really long day, they greet me at the door with happiness, tails wagging, and their favorite toy.”
Mrs. Cairns has the buzz on a different kind of pet too—bees! “I was a beekeeper for about four summers, I have put it on hold for a bit because life has gotten so busy,” she said, adding that having bees was good for her health.
“It was so rewarding to get that sweet honey at
the end of the summer,” Mrs. Cairns said. “Local pollen is amazing for things like allergies and your physical health. I continue to buy local honey from another beekeeper in our area.”
Illustration by Natalia, East Norriton M.S., 2023–24.
