Furry or feathered, warm-blooded or cold-blooded, pets give us companionship, connection, and unconditional love. So feel free to pamper your friend with extra ear scratches, treats, or even a walk today. Meanwhile, here are some fun facts to entertain your human friends:
1. Dogs and cats are only the second and third most popular pet choice in America. The winner is fish, with more than 140 million populating tanks and aquariums nationwide.
2. Even though they’re most popular, fish are relative newcomers to the world of pets. The first evidence of a dog being man’s best friend dates back to 10,000 B.C., and Egyptians domesticated cats around 1600 B.C.
3. According to one researcher, your dog really is trying to tell you something with his long, soulful stares, namely “I love you!” In both humans and dogs, the eye staring releases oxytocin, the same “love” hormone that helps babies bond with parents. If that’s not enough to excuse the occasional chewed shoe, then what is?