Animals may strengthen our immune system more than we realize.

Pet Parent Pleasantries Kim,

Did you know pigs can learn to play simple video games using a joystick, have long memories, and actually prefer to keep their living areas clean?

Or that chickens can perform basic math, recognize patterns, and show levels of self-control that sometimes exceed toddlers?

Cows develop strong friendships and can remember both other cows and humans for years. Fish can problem-solve, communicate, and even recognize themselves.

The animal world is far more intelligent and complex than many people realize.

We thought our cat was impressive when he figured out how to retrieve treats from a puzzle toy and perform tricks!

Most people expect dogs to follow commands, but animals across the spectrum show surprising levels of intelligence, emotion, and connection.

Anyone who has pets knows there is something special about the bond between animals and humans.

Glen and I experienced this firsthand.

Early in our marriage we adopted three cats and loved them dearly. Over the years we eventually had to say goodbye to each one, and it was heartbreaking. After that, we said our hearts simply couldn’t handle another loss.

But life had other plans...

One year Glen developed a strong reaction to nutritional yeast, something he loved and we used frequently in cooking. After one meal heavy in nutritional yeast, he woke up with severe redness, swelling and eczema around his eye.

We had no choice but to limit it.

Then one day our friend Tracey—who was fostering kittens—showed up at our door with one that looked exactly like a cat we used to have.

Of course we couldn’t let him be lonely… so eventually he and two of his sisters joined our home.

Our little trio became known as the Wolfpack.

Something unexpected happened soon after.

Glen discovered that his reaction to nutritional yeast had completely disappeared.

No redness. No swelling. No eczema.

Naturally, we tested this theory repeatedly. He ate nutritional yeast again and again—and nothing happened.

So what changed?

The Human–Animal Health Connection

One possibility is that the addition of animals introduced new microbes into our home environment.

Our immune systems are designed to interact with the natural world. When we are exposed to a wider variety of harmless microbes—often through animals, soil, and nature—the immune system can become better regulated.

Some researchers call this idea the “hygiene hypothesis.” When our environments become overly sterile, the immune system may become more reactive and prone to inflammation or allergies.

Animals can help restore some of that natural balance.

But the benefits go beyond microbes.

Pets also tend to:

• Reduce stress and anxiety
  • Encourage physical movement through play and care
  • Provide companionship and emotional comfort
  • Increase laughter and joy in everyday life

Anyone who has watched a cat sprint through the house during zoomies knows how entertaining that can be.

The connection between humans and animals extends even further when we consider the broader ecosystem.

Scientists often refer to this relationship as “One Health,” recognizing that the health of humans, animals, and the environment are closely linked.

When ecosystems are damaged through deforestation, habitat loss, or pollution, the ripple effects eventually reach both wildlife and human communities.

Likewise, when we support healthier ecosystems—through sustainable agriculture, biodiversity, and responsible stewardship—we help protect both animal and human health.

In many ways, we are all part of the same living system.

When the earth becomes inflamed, the creatures who live on it—animals and humans alike—feel the effects.

A Simple Way to Help Both Animals and the Planet

One meaningful step many people can take is to increase plant-forward meals.

Research from the Stanford Woods Institute for the Environment suggests that shifting toward more plant-based foods could reduce food-related emissions significantly while conserving water and farmland resources.

Even small changes—like adding a meatless meal once or twice a week—can make a difference for both environmental health and personal well-being.

If you have a pet, enjoy every moment with it. Snuggles and play time, laughing and loving. If you do not have or cannot have a pet, perhaps you can love on a friends pet or at least feed your local birds, squirrels, deer... whoever happens to live in your neighborhood. You can name them too. We have a whole host of names for all the wildlife we come across which is just half the fun.

What’s Next

Getting Grounded in the Garden

Connection

Inflammation is real and not felt only by humans, but also by animals and our Earth. If you would like to make a difference in your life and the world’s please reach out and schedule a Find Your Energy Discovery Session. And if you have some more questions or want to catch up and see what lifestyle medicine coaching is about, please schedule a virtual coffee chat if you are at a distance or a local coffee chat if you’re here in the low country.

Quotes of Week

“One touch of nature makes the whole world kin.” – William Shakespeare

“God spoke, “Let us make human beings in our image, make them reflecting our nature so they can be responsible for the fish in the sea, the birds in the air, the cattle, and, yes, Earth itself, and every animal that moves on the face of the Earth.” Genesis 1:26 MSG

May you be blessed by being a blessing,

Kim

Hope and Healing Lifestyle Coach

Website: hopeandhealinglifestyle.com

Email: kim@hopeandhealinglifestyle.com