Good morning, everyone and happy Friday! Today I wanted to talk about the invaluable bond between animals and humans: how they love us and challenge us. I was talking with my mom the other day about these new Ai pets that were created as a companion and entertainment for kids. I know I might sound like an old fart when I say that technology is being used more and more to replace everyday activities that used to come natural to us, but with Ai sweeping the nation, it’s beginning to replace the very thing that makes us human: The ability to love and be loved.
AI, Chat GPT, and all forms of technology are taking over and replacing a connection and bond between humans and other living things.
It’s robbing us of those valuable lessons that come from caring and loving something that isn’t perfect. Caring for a living breathing animal teaches us that loving something can be challenging; it takes effort and patience to care for something other than ourselves. Ai pets are advertised as smart companions for kids and adults, which often includes cameras, surveillance and monitoring, not to mention depriving us from the innate and organic bond that happens between humans and other living things. A robot can’t replace the unconditional love, inconsistency and unpredictability that happens with things that aren’t programmed to be perfect. It teaches us a valuable lesson: that loving and caring for something is challenging and takes effort, but that’s what makes it so deeply rewarding.
The bond between humans and animals can be extremely beneficial and deeply meaningful for both our pets and us. Our pets give us emotional support, reduce stress, anxiety, depression and loneliness, while also encouraging physical activity, and a sense of purpose. They teach humans to care for something other than themselves. To the outside world, it might appear that our pets give us nothing significant in return for our labor, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. While it’s true that animals often require a lot of work, extra money, time, and if you own a cat… a lot of mischievous mind games! To our selfish, greedy, transactional brains this might seem like a losing game, but our pets give us so much more than we could ever ask for. They give us unconditional love, companionship, validation and a sense of being needed and wanted. They touch our souls by showing us a form of simple, yet expansive love; and the only time they break our hearts is when their short lives on this earth end.
Animals teach us a valuable lesson: to be selfless caregivers. While humans often put on a brave face and wear a mask around other people, animals see us as we truly are; often witnessing our highest and lowest points. We can be our true selves with our animals: we can cry with them and share our deepest thoughts and feelings without judgement. Animals also teach us to slow down and live simply. They don’t stress about things like taxes and politics, endless lists of things to get done, or pleasing people that don’t deserve our attention; instead, they live in the moment and find joy in the simplicity of life. They not only serve as a comfort and companion to us but also help keep our minds and bodies healthy by reducing stress and keeping us active.
How does your pet help you? Share your story!
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