Guest post by John Garland
Read this if: you feel something is missing in your life and you need a funny buddy that will bring color in your day.
From the moment wolves decided to join us around our campfires thousands of years ago, they have been studying us. Having evolved into canine pets, they have probably found the best way to get what they want from us. When they rush to meet us as we return home, when they sit close to us and gaze at us lovingly, we rarely wonder if they have ulterior motives. We do not ask if they are hoping for a tasty treat, a romp in the yard, or if they just enjoy being near us. We are content to soak up the affection and loyalty without question, because we deserve it, and because the rest of the world so seldom bestows it upon us.
Benefits of Loving a Dog
Perhaps you have seen the recent and ongoing studies of how dogs truly can help with diseases and illnesses in people simply by bonding to their owners. Those that do not own a dog may not quite understand, but if you are sitting on the fence about getting a dog,
you definitely should get a dog. Dogs help their owners with health ailments but they also help them mentally because of their constant companionship.
Some recent studies have confirmed that pet owners have lower blood pressure and tend to be healthier overall. Playing with them or just petting them helps to keep us calm and reduces stress. Dogs can get their human “couch potatoes” outdoors and moving around more often. The exercise of walking the dog is very beneficial, but other aspects of owning pets have been uncovered. Taking the dog to the dog park, the groomers, or even the vet helps us to interact with other people. Pet owners love to exchange stories and many friendships have come about from these chance meetings.
If you are single, it might never have occurred to you that dogs truly are magnets for dates. If you take your dog with you to the coffee shop and sit outside. How many people walk by and comment on how cute your dog is or give him a little scratch? The dog helps people that are normally shy and withdrawn to interact more with people. It’s a symbiotic relationship where you are much happier and of course the dog is as well since he or she gets to be with you.
Bye-Bye Depression
Petting your dog and playing with him or her can actually raise your serotonin levels (the feel good hormone) and gives people a better disposition overall. Lastly, owning a dog can help you live longer after suffering a heart attack, because owning a dog can reduce cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
Dog owners that are terminally ill are also less likely to become depressed, and a happier person is better equipped to face an illness when the going is really tough. Research has already shown that dogs bring happiness to ill patients in hospital or in nursing homes where working dogs are brought in to simply be a companion for an hour.
When we are lonely, dogs are wonderful company. When the world has mistreated us, or when we are sick or just down, dogs seem to understand. They will sit with us longer any friend, are non-judgmental and will not offer unwanted advice [haha I love this one. ed.]. They will lick our faces, look at us with what we believe is sympathy, dull the edges of our grief if it is not too severe, and invariably cheer us up by doing something to make us laugh. We believe they love us. Whether they have learned behavior that will ensure their welcome by our fire, or whether they actually feel the emotions we think they do, one thing is certain – we know how dogs can make our lives better. We know we love them.
Dog Breeds for Wellbeing
My advice for selecting a dog breed for your health is as follows: If you have kids, you can’t go wrong with the smart and protective Labrador retriever. If you’re a fitness buff, you’ll want to introduce yourself to some Rottweilers. If you want a dog that thrives on human companionship, then you’ll need to check out Pomeranians. No matter what kind of life you live, there is a dog breed out there that would make the perfect match, while making your life so much better! [or you could take in a couple street dogs like I did. Give a street dog a home! ed.]
About the Author: blogger for OMDS, the high end dog supplies store focused on providing high quality Oh my dog supplies beds and other sweet gear for your dog.
