Pets and Attachment
Have you heard the saying a man’s best friend is his dog? Guess what a human’s ability to attach to their pet increases oxytocin in the brain. Just like when you look into the eyes of someone you love, looking into the eyes of your pet offers comfort and safety.
As a young girl, I was drawn to the dog in my neighborhood. A dog named Bear would run with me in the woods. I recall at the time feeling lonely but when he was there, I felt connected and wanted. We would spend summer hiking up and down the hill of the hollow I lived in. This was a chaotic and difficult time for my parents. When Bear was there, I was able to disconnect from their adulting issues. Bear and I wrestled and played for hours. Bear met an attachment need in my life. He comforted me when I was sad or scared. One day I woke up and called for him like I always did, he didn’t come. The next couple of days I got worried and anxious. Then I realized he was gone. I grieved Bear for years. Never underestimate the bond of your pet. To this day, I count him as my best friend.
Later as a girl I met a dog named Princess. She was huge fluffy and white. belonged to my mom’s friend Carol. I visited her frequently and felt an immediate friendship with her too.
God uses animals to sooth our limbic system when our attachment bonds are not accessible in life. Sometimes parents have too much going on adulting and the child will benefit from the animal’s availability.
A pet loves you regardless of your body type, political views, or personality flaws. They always greet you with, “Hello great to see you, I missed you.” They wag, they hug, and they move in close and validate you. What a beautiful creature for our comfort on earth. Owning and caring for a pet evokes joy and gratitude.
Studies show that dog owners live longer and have a reduced risk of heart problems. Hopefully you can have the blessing of being seen heard and cared for by a pet.
https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIRCOUTCOMES.118.005342 (Source:
Dog ownership associated with longer life, especially among heart attack and stroke survivors, Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes Journal Report, October 2019
Your counselor,
Linda Goad LPC, NCC, ALPS, Certified Emotionally Focused Therapist
