There is no doubt that dogs hold a very special place in our lives. Over the past year, life has been challenging for everyone. The companionship and support from our dogs has become even more important than ever. Personally, I have undergone much change and loss, and my dog has been beside me every step of the way. I hope to share my belief that every person could benefit from the unconditional love and support of a dog. With crowded shelters and over 5,000 dogs euthanized per day, sharing the benefits of dog ownership could not only save a dog’ life, but enrich a person’s life as well.
Owning a dog has given me an insight on what it must feel like to be a rock star. My dog makes me feel like one every time I walk in the door after a long day. Her unbridled joy and excitement just to see me can make me forget my troubles and be in the moment with my dog. A dog’s unconditional love is the very best medicine for the stress and anxiety of life. Their no-strings attached loyalty and companionship are always there for us, making our furry friends the best kind of therapists!
I recently moved into a new neighborhood and had yet to meet many of my neighbors. That all changed when I headed down to the local dog park and instantly connected with a large group of fellow dog owners. It turns out that owning a dog is a great way to meet your neighbors and make new friends. Dog owners are 60 percent more likely to meet their neighbors than non-pet owners and say that owning a dog is one of their top methods to meet new friends. Building strong social networks is great for overall well-being, and it turns out that our furry friends help us break the ice!
//https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/pdf/10.1161/CIR.0b013e31829201e1
If there is one thing my dog loves more than a walk, it is a really long walk! Those early morning wake up calls from my dog can be somewhat annoying, but they do come with some great health benefits. Dog owners get more exercise and spend close to 300 minutes each week walking, which is 200 hours more than their non-pet owning counterparts. Increased physical activity lowers stress and anxiety and helps control weight gain. Our dogs helps us lead a more active lifestyle, and we all know a sedentary life leads to obesity and health issues. Dogs make a great personal trainer!
It turns out that becoming a better person is as simple as owning a dog. In a study done by BarkBox in 2016, 83% of dog parents say their dog has made them “a better person” and that dogs have had an “overwhelmingly positive impact on a range of emotional, behavioral and even physical qualities in their people.” In addition, the study reported that more than half of pup parents say their dog has made them a more patient, responsible and affectionate person, and whopping 97 percent would be willing to do something to make their pet happier. Talk about being an unselfish and more loving person! Dogs help bring out the best in us!
//https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/made-each-other/201005/dog-good
Dog owners are not just imagining that strong bond they have with their dog. Studies have shown that a wonderful hormone called oxytocin, also known as the love hormone, flows between dog and owner while they are interacting. It is no wonder that we love our dogs so much and they love us. Oxytocin is the hormone responsible for the mother-child bond, and dog owners get to feel the love each time they interact with their pets. In this hectic world, it’s no small wonder that something as simple as gazing into a dog’s eyes can reduce stress and create a powerful sense of peace and well-being.
//https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/having-a-dog-can-help-your-heart--literally
We all know that walking with our dogs is a healthy habit, but several studies have shown that dog owners have lower blood pressure than those that do not own a dog. A study done by Harvard Health Publishing in September 2015 found that because pets “have a calming effect on them and because dog owners tend to get more exercise” pet ownership can be part of “an overall strategy to lower risk of heart disease.” In addition, the study found that touching and petting a dog reduces stress, has a calming effect and lowers blood pressure. Dog owners not only have bigger hearts, but they also have healthier hearts!
//https://www.tucsonaz.gov/files/hr/tpd/COPS_Problem_Specific_Guide_Burglary.pdf
A dog might be a man’s best friend, but that does not hold true when it comes to burglars. According to the US Department of Justice, burglarized homes were much less likely to have dogs than non-burglarized ones. In fact, in a 2017 study nearly 50 percent of the former burglars interviewed said they would pass on a house with a barking dog. They also indicated that, in addition to security cameras, a barking dog is top deal breaker when deciding to break into a home. What a great deal for dog owners, companionship, unconditional love and a 24-hour security service!
For the reasons listed above, dogs truly make a positive impact on the lives of their owners in ways that only a dog can. In a world where so many people suffer from loneliness and isolation, dogs can provide many wonderful benefits. Sadly, so many dogs are sitting in shelters waiting for loving homes and so many people are sitting home waiting for someone to love them. Dogs are willing and very able to fulfill this task. Perhaps if people are more aware of the many advantages of dog ownership, they would be more inclined to head to their local shelter and adopt a best friend.
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