Beyond Monetary Gains: How Pets Bring Us True “Well-th”

Beyond Monetary Gains: How Pets Bring Us True “Well-th”

By Alicia Sher, CFP®

It all started with a simple photo: one of our team members’ dogs, affectionately dubbed our office mascot. We shared it with a wink and a wag — and the response from our clients was overwhelming. Messages poured in and suddenly our furry friend had become a symbol of something deeper.

It sparked a realization: Pets resonate so deeply because they offer unconditional love — and zero market volatility!

At Bluerock we spend our days helping clients grow and protect their wealth. But we also believe in nurturing something just as valuable: “Well-th” — a holistic sense of well-being that doesn’t show up in your portfolio. And pets, it turns out, are masters of this kind of enrichment.

Pets offer unconditional love, loyalty, and presence. They reduce stress and anxiety through calming companionship, provide comfort during life’s ups and downs, and encourage mindfulness and living in the movement. Whether it’s a dog’s joyful greeting or a cat’s quiet purring, these small interactions create emotional dividends that compound over time.

Owning a pet comes with health benefits offering physical “well-th”. Studies show that pet owners often enjoy lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, increased physical activity, and improved immune function and heart health. In short, pets keep us moving, laughing and living longer.

You can also expect your social “well-th” to grow by having a pet. Pets are natural connectors and strengthen family ties through shared care and routines, spark conversations and friendships in neighborhoods and parks, and teach children empathy, responsibility, and compassion. They remind us that wealth isn’t just what we own — it’s who we share life with.

Last, but not least, pets provide a sense of purpose.  Caring for a pet adds structure and meaning to daily life.  It’s a reminder that joy can be found in the simplest acts — feeding, walking, playing, or just sitting together in silence. This kind of purpose is a cornerstone of “well-th”— and it’s often what clients tell us they value most in retirement or during life transitions.

So yes, our office mascot may not manage portfolios or attend client meetings (though we suspect he’d be great at both). But he’s sparked a conversation we’re proud to continue: True wealth includes joy, connection, and well-being. And sometimes, it has four legs and a tail.

If you have a pet that brings you “well-th”, we’d love to hear about it. And if you’re thinking about how to align your financial plan with a life of deeper meaning, we’re here to help.

Alicia Sher, Partner and Wealth Manager

Hightower Advisors, LLC is an SEC registered investment adviser. Securities are offered through Hightower Securities, LLC member FINRA and SIPC. Hightower Advisors, LLC or any of its affiliates do not provide tax or legal advice. This material is not intended or written to provide and should not be relied upon or used as a substitute for tax or legal advice. Information contained herein does not consider an individual’s or entity’s specific circumstances or applicable governing law, which may vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction and be subject to change. Clients are urged to consult their tax or legal advisor for related questions.