By Ashton York

For many of our kin, pets are more than just animals — they are family. Especially after COVID-19 sent the world into isolation about four years ago, many people sought out the company of animals. Although many know the joy of owning a dog or cat, some may not realize how deep that connection actually goes.

A human-animal bond is a mutually beneficial relationship between people and animals in which both the human and the pet benefit mentally, physically and socially. 

Throughout history, animals have been incorporated into religious ceremonies and folklore tales. The human interest and love for animals trace back to around 100,000 years ago, according to The New York Times.

In Fayetteville, there are several opportunities for anyone to bond with animals, even for those who do not own a pet. Places such as the Good Dog Cafe and the Smitten Kitten NWA offer a chance to kick back with a coffee and watch animals play.

The Good Dog Cafe is open Thursday through Sunday and allows people to bring their dogs inside the building as long as they are well-behaved. There is a fenced play area with an obstacle course available for either a one-visit or subscription fee, according to the Experience Fayetteville website.

Tryphina Renz, owner and manager of Good Dog Cafe, said her family started the business nearly six years ago when they bought the property and renovated it themselves.

“My family and I used to spend a lot of time at our local dog park,” Renz said. “It’s terrific for the dogs, but we noticed that we were usually ready to leave before the dogs were just because there’s not anything to drink and there’s not a restroom nearby.”

This experience gave Renz’s family the idea to create something equally for humans as it is for pets. The cafe has a full menu for humans featuring breakfast, lunch, drinks and snacks, and customers are welcomed in even if they do not bring a dog.

The cafe regularly hosts events for specific types of dogs, such as Dog Pawties it has for different sizes and breeds. On Oct. 12, the cafe held a small dog party, where they only allowed small dog breeds and sold food and drinks from a limited menu.

The Smitten Kitten, on the other hand, is catered more toward cat people who wish to spend time with new animals. According to its website, people can pet, cuddle and adopt cats from local rescues and shelters at the cafe.

Smitten Kitten is a nonprofit that is open Wednesday through Sunday with varying times. Entry is $12 per person and allows unlimited time and coffee with entry. 

Justine Lentz, superintendent of Fayetteville Animal Services, said she has noticed an increase in cat adoptions since the pandemic began in 2020. She said she believes it is because of the accessibility of owning a cat.

“With the shortage of housing and landlords having tighter restrictions, (people) usually stay more open to cats than they do with dogs,” Lentz said. “It’s really hard for us to even keep them in here because they can adopt so fast, which is wonderful.”

Lentz said she wishes more people would check out local animal shelters. Fayetteville Animal Services not only offers adoption services but has animal control and veterinary services for animal shelters in Fayetteville.

“Even with our spay/neuter program, seeing people that want to make sure their pet’s health is taken care of even though they may not have the resources to have it done at a private vet, it’s always really good to hear that stuff,” Lentz said.

Human-animal bonds have been proven to reduce stress, anxiety and depression, ease loneliness and improve overall health, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness. 

According to University of California Health, 60% of dog owners meet the recommended weekly amount of exercise. Owning a pet gives one the responsibility needed to add structure to one’s daily routine, providing a sense of stability and purpose.

Chris Tanner, who has 20 years of experience in the Marines, personally knows the importance animals bring to their owners, as his dog Daisy helped him every day when he left the military.

“I had a lot of medical issues, including PTSD, and when I left, I was having probably about 30 to 50 anxiety attacks a day,” Tanner said. “I occasionally still get one, but it’s not to the severity it was, and there’s much fewer of them. I think just the comfort of having her with me was hugely beneficial.”

Even after Daisy passed away a couple years ago, Tanner said his current dog, Kepler, plays a huge role in his day-to-day life. He takes Kepler everywhere with him, whether to the store or on a daily walk. 

“Now that I’m divorced, the house is so quiet,” Tanner said,” but no matter when you come home, no matter what you’re doing, (dogs are) always happy to be there. They’re always happy to see you. They always want to be by you and that’s a big comfort.”

Tanner said Kepler brings the most comfort to his life by making him laugh and being protective. He said it feels like Kepler gives him a better sense of security because he knows he will get alerted if someone is at the door or in the house.

“It’s a feeling of acceptance,” Tanner said. “It’s a feeling that they’re there to protect you. It’s a feeling of loyalty.”