ANIMALS ON THE SCENE

How pets can help with stress

After college, 23-yearold Clarence Zamora decided to pack up her bags, leave her parents’ house, city with her most loyal companion, her cat Jarvis.

Clarence had Jarvis as a gift from her godfather when he was just a three-month-old kitten. Since then, he had always been a part of her everyday life and journey, especially when her grandmother died three years ago. She went through a rough battle with depression, but with Jarvis’ clingy and her struggles became easier to handle.

According to the National Institute of Health-us National Library of Medicine, pets have a way of increasing Oxytocin (which reduces stress) and decreasing cortisol (which increases stress). Human Animal Bond Research Institute Executive Director Steven Feldman describes it as the ! "# battle such conditions and emotions such as depression, anxiety, and loneliness, all of which Clarence went through.

“I don’t really know how to describe it. Everything was just a lot more bearable when I had him a few months after she passed. His quiet companionship was a welcome "$

When she found a job in BGC as a Project Coordinator for Clarence did not hesitate and

brought Jarvis to the big city in the spaceship-designed backpack that he loves.

“I think my dynamics with Jarvis can be best compared to a Harry Potter reference: He’s like my patronus and % & & "shared Clarence. “It’s like having a furry child and I do often refer to him as my son, as Kate Mckinnon does with ' "

According to the young woman, Jarvis is an excellent cuddler. !* + bed. When I read or paint in my desk, he likes to sit on my lap "

Having an unfamiliar environment and a new job, Clarence is glad Jarvis is around to keep her company, who is a great reminder of hope, life and her home.