Ellie our new pup is so soft, her coat feels like you are running your fingers under water. She’s so wiggly it’s like tustling with a 1 year old who wants to get down and walk all the time. Her nails are like scissors – check out my shredded duvet. She ‘digs’ into it to make her special space. She finds ‘anything’ that is a no no. From shoes, of course, to pen tops, from my thyroid meds to my daughter’s $1800 hearing aid (not covered by insurance). She adores her big brother, another Portugese Water Dog and follows him around like the idolizing younger sister that she is. But no matter ‘how’ naughty she is, I can’t get mad at her. Because, did you know that when you stroke a dog it releases the same chemicals that you release when you are in love? Don’t we all need a little love? Here are more facts you should know about pets…..
They Improve Your Mood: A recent study found that men with AIDS were less likely to suffer from depression if they owned a pet. (According to a study men with AIDS who did not own a pet were about three times more likely to report symptoms of depression than men who did not have AIDS. But men with AIDS who had pets were only about 50 percent more likely to report symptoms of depression, as compared to men in the study who did not have AIDS.)
They Control Blood Pressure Better Than Drugs: While ACE inhibiting drugs can generally reduce blood pressure, they aren’t as effective on controlling spikes in blood pressure due to stress and tension. However, a groups of hypertensive New York stockbrokers who got dogs or cats were found to have lower blood pressure and heart rates than those who didn’t get pets. When they heard of the results, most of those in the non-pet group went out and got pets!
They Stave Off Loneliness and Provide Unconditional Love:
Pets can be there for you in ways that people can’t. They can offer love and companionship, and can also enjoy comfortable silences, keep secrets and bring physical peace.
They Are Better At Reducing Stress Than People: Research shows that when conducting a task that’s stressful, people actually experienced less stress when their pets were with them than when a supportive friend or even their spouse was present! Sources: Evenson RJ, Simon RW. Clarifying the Relationship Between Parenthood and Depression. Journal of Health and Social Behavior. December 2005. Siegel JM, Angulo FJ, Detels R, Wesch J, Mullen A. AIDS diagnosis and depression in the Multicenter AIDS Cohort Study: the ameliorating impact of pet ownership. AIDS Care. April 1999.
Monty and Ellie. You don’t judge me, you just love me. What a lesson I can learn from you!
PS Pets are family. Comfort a friend who has lost a pet http://www.healingbaskets.com/pet-sympathy-gifts.htm