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Domestication of wild animals began many years ago in various parts of the world. Archeologists have found detailed evidence of a sophisticated connection between man and animals in the pyramids of ancient Egypt, in burial sites in East Africa, in caves inhabited by pre-historic man in Europe and in secluded temples in the Far East.
Accelerated urbanization has distanced our contact with wild animals and has reinforced the domestication process and brought man closer to household pets which represent a rapidly disappearing world.
The contribution of household pets to modern society is both rich and diversified. Children as well as adults treat household pets as members of the family. They speak to their pets - a habit proven to have a soothing effect - they purchase presents for their pets, take them on vacation and even celebrate their birthdays.
Ties to pets begin almost immediately after birth. Babies are surrounded by toys in the images of animals such as bears, rabbits, dogs, cats, etc. The loving attachment to household pets can be seen in the same way that a soft and comforting toy animal helps children overcome emotionally difficult moments. The connection between man and his pets is characterized by devotion, love and joy and is expressed by animals by a quick wag of a dog's tail or a cat's licking and purring. For children, their relationship with a pet develops a sense of responsibility and helps them express a wide variety of emotions.
Pets are also used in therapeutic treatments. For example, a clinical psychologist specializing in the treatment of adolescents claims that the presence of a dog during consultation enhances a relaxed atmosphere and helps open the hearts of his young patients.
It is also clear that autistic children show improved communication ability after swimming with dolphins. Several studies present evidence that children and adults who grow up with pets live longer, more purposeful lives.
In Israel there are only an estimated 200,000 dogs and 100,000 cats that are cared for as house pets. This is a small number compared to the population.
