Are Pets More Trustworthy Than People?

A survey of Canadians has found that 53 percent of those who have pets find them more reliable than people. The study, conducted by Harris/Decima, a well-known public opinion research organization in Canada, also showed that 90 percent of those surveyed talk to their pets, and 33 percent have confided deep personal secrets to them.

“There are many reasons why people trust their pets, but what’s really important is that we learn from their behaviour. We can honour what they teach us by offering the same gifts to the people in our lives; namely, by being kinder as human beings towards one another,” said Shiri Joshua, a therapist who works with both animals and their owners. (Source: Montrealgazette.com)

Joshua also said that pets are very good listeners, in reference to the finding that 90 percent of respondents talk to their animals. One possible explanation for this finding is that, because of social isolation in the modern world, companion animals have become very important for some individuals in maintaining their sense of intimacy and connectedness.

For some people, the longest emotional relationship they have had is with a cat or dog. Animals can be a steady presence through a variety of stressful situations, including relocation, divorce, and dissolving friendships. They provide companionship even when you are sick, depressed, poor, or having emotional problems — situations that may cause difficulties in relationships with other people.

People who have experienced emotional turbulence in the past may feel more comfortable and safer being close to an animal. In fact, dogs have proven to have a calming effect on abused and neglected children, helping them to feel safe enough to speak about their painful personal experiences in court. Also, with a pet, people who experience extreme social isolation are able to have a relationship where they are taking care of another, and yet at the same time are taking care of themselves.

Pets bring us joy, reduce stress, and comfort us when we’re feeling low — all without saying a word. It’s no wonder we trust them with our hearts.

Image Credit: Mdk572

Read more: Cats, Do Good, Dogs, Family, Pets, research, trustworthy

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Sandi C.

12:25PM PDT on Apr 9, 2012

YOU CAN TELL THEM ANYTHING, & THEIR NOT GOING TO REPEAT IT!

send a green star

Teresa C.

6:09AM PST on Feb 23, 2012

Yes.

Joe R.

12:45PM PST on Feb 13, 2012

In full agreement.

Ana P M.

10:32AM PST on Jan 26, 2012

For sure, they love you and are there for you unconditionaly and they can keep secrets which humans can't....;D

Rosemary G.

10:30PM PDT on Aug 12, 2011

In my 65 years on this planet, I have never been disapointed nor disgusted by an animal.Only humans and their behaviour enrage me and make me love animals even more.

Jeramie D.

10:07AM PDT on Aug 4, 2011

Absolutely. I trust my 6 rescue dogs more than any human. I am divorced and my children grown, but my dogs give me the companionship I need. They never ask me to change the channel.

Shar W.

2:59PM PDT on Aug 3, 2011

My dogs have always been the best of my family members and friends!

Hug your dog today :-)

[BTW, Debbie, I think they meant to say 53% of the Canadians interviewed for the above mentioned survey.]

Past Member .

5:46AM PDT on Aug 3, 2011

Only 53 percent, try again.

Even when abused and misused, loyalties remain intact to the end.

What we have learned from their behavior patterns is how to love unconditionally ... or how to manipulate that love for evil.

Sheri S.

7:25PM PDT on Aug 2, 2011

I agree. Dogs, cats and horses and many animals are fun and I would trust them with my life. A friend of mine had a ferret and despite what people may think/say, they are fun. The things they get up to will make you laugh. The have no sense of being silly or ridiculous and don't know what it is to cringe if you think you have made a fool of yourself. They love you no matter what. Rely on them and you will seldom if ever be disappointed.

Nicole W.

10:18AM PDT on Aug 2, 2011

In a word, yes, yes animals are more trustworthy than people. Humans can act with malice and ignorance, animals do not.