When we talk about shelter pets, we often talk about “rescuing” them or “saving” them. The focus is always on what we do for them.

But what do pets bring to our lives? Aren’t they sometimes rescuing us as well?

Research has shown that pets can provide health benefits for their owners. Petting the cat can lower blood pressure, walking the dog helps with overall fitness and animals reduce anxiety for some people.

Some animals can even warn of an oncoming medical condition like a seizure or diabetic episode. Of course, there are the working dogs and therapy animals trained for specific tasks or jobs to help people.

There’s more to it than that, though. Pets provide unconditional love. They don’t care what we wear or what kind of car we drive. They don’t want the latest toy or the bigger TV. They’re happy to see us even if we’ve only been gone for five minutes. They encourage us to be playful and compassionate.

We recently asked people to share updates of their adopted pets with us. We were touched by how many adopters talked about what their pet meant in their life. Here are just a few of the comments.

She was the missing piece to our little family that we didn’t know we were missing!

We can’t imagine life without her! She’s loving and playful, and always has a kiss waiting when we come home.

He’s 10 pounds of the purest love I know.

If I didn’t have her in my life, I’d be lost. She’s my best friend.

We couldn’t be luckier as a family to have her join our home. So much love, goofiness and joy she brings to our home.

I can’t imagine life without her! Such a huge part of our family!

She rescued me when I lost my kitty. She brings me so much joy and laughter every day! It has been a match made in heaven.

He came to us and made our family complete as we were blending our families into one.

They bring our hearts happiness every day. Thanks for bringing them into our lives!

Every day I feel like I got lucky with her. She’s a great best friend!

He is everything I could have hoped for and he has such a kind soul. I wouldn’t change him for the world!

Our mission is to rescue animals, but we like to think we’ve also helped to rescue a few people along the way as well.

Wishing you and all of your family a very Merry Christmas.

— Brown County Humane Society

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Through Dec. 31, $5 spay/neuter, first 50 dogs and first 50 cats, Brown County residents only.

Call 812-703-0797 for an appointment.

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