Pets That Melt Hearts – And Heal Them Too
You either love pets or you don’t—but in most public spaces, only the first opinion is acceptable. Merely suggesting that not everyone feels overwhelming affection for pets can cause social discomfort. Cats, for instance, must be referred to exclusively with affectionate nicknames, never with even a hint (not even in parentheses) that they might also be a nuisance. And as for dog lovers who believe their furry companions are better than humans, it’s probably best not to ask them to explain that worldview. Our love for animals is boundless—our patience for dissenting views, less so.
This deep affection is especially evident in Switzerland, the land of the Confoederatio Helvetica. We are a nation of animal lovers. Roughly two million cats and more than half a million dogs call Switzerland home. Nearly every second household includes an animal companion, and not all of them bark or meow. Rabbits, guinea pigs, birds, fish, and reptiles are also popular members of the household. So there’s little need to remind Swiss residents about National Pet Day. Those who care already know. The rest? They’d rather not hear it.
Even more unnecessary is a reminder of an obscure holiday that means almost nothing here: National Cheese Fondue Day, celebrated in the United States on April 11. That’s the time of year when our fondue pots are stashed in the cellar, patiently waiting for winter. Allegedly, the holiday was created by The Melting Pot, a fondue restaurant chain based in sunny Tampa, Florida, where April temperatures hover between 66 and 84 degrees Fahrenheit.
The chain launched its first location in April 1975 and now boasts nearly 100 restaurants, proudly calling itself “the world’s premier fondue restaurant” and “the original fondue restaurant.” Bold claims—especially in a country where truth often stretches like melted cheese. But we Swiss know better. So do the French. Both nations claim to have invented this sociable, culinary tradition. And honestly, both deserve some credit—so long as it involves an alpine hut and cheese melted over fire, not under a tropical sun.
On a more serious note, April 11 also marks International Parkinson’s Day, a day that brings attention to a neurological disease affecting some 10 million people worldwide, including over 15,000 in Switzerland. Parkinson’s is one of the most common neurodegenerative disorders, and so far, remains incurable. Symptoms include muscle stiffness, slowed movement, and uncontrollable tremors.
Various therapies and medications help manage the disease, and some of the most effective treatments involve animals. Interactions with pets have been shown to significantly improve motor skills and emotional well-being in people with Parkinson’s. For cat lovers and dog enthusiasts, that comes as no surprise. They simply smile, scratch their furry friend behind the ears, and nod knowingly.
