For the last few months I have been thinking seriously about getting a dog. I say
I have been thinking about it because Robert has flatly refused to entertain the thought. But I keep reading about all the emotional benefits of pet ownership and I can't help but think it would be a good thing for our family. Here are my favorite facts about owning a dog.
Physical benefits of dog companionship
Increase longevity after heart attacks. Dog ownership increases the odds for survival in persons who have had a heart attack from 1 in 15 to 1 in 87.
Lower cholesterol and triglycerides. People with pets have been found to have lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels when compared to people who did not have pets, even when matched for weight, diet, and smoking habits.
Decrease blood pressure and reduce stress. Studies of people undergoing stress tests or physical examinations have demonstrated that the presence of a dog lowered their heart rate and blood pressure during testing.
Emotional benefits of dog companionship
Be less anxious and feel more safe. Pet owners tend to feel less afraid of being a victim of crime when walking with a dog or having a dog in the home.
Relax and reduce everyday stress. Pets can help us relax and focus our attention away from our problems and worries.
Have physical contact. This ability to have something to touch and pet is very important. More and more studies show how important touch is to our physical and emotional health.
Lift our mood. Pets decrease our feelings of loneliness and isolation by providing companionship to all generations.
Feel less lonely. Pets can help ease the sense of loneliness or isolation we feel.
Have something to care for. Everyone needs to feel needed and have something to care for. Many elderly citizens or people living alone will tell you their pet gives them a reason for living.
Keep active. Having a pet can help us remain more active. We may not only get more exercise from walking a dog, but we also increase our activity through feeding, grooming, and otherwise caring for our pet.
Have consistency. Pets provide some consistency to our lives. Caring for a pet can significantly affect our routine and gives us something to do and look forward to each day.
Social benefits of dogs
Create a sense of closeness and well-being. Families surveyed before and after they acquired a pet reported feeling happier after adding a pet to the family.
Promote interaction. Residents in long-term care facilities were more likely to attend activity sessions when an animal was going to be present.
So... we have a friend who is moving back to the States but can't take his dog. He is looking for a nice home for her... can you see where I am going with this?
What is your take on dogs? Do you have one? What are the reasons you do or do not own a dog? Is it really worth the time, money, effort it takes to keep a dog healthy and happy? Come on now, I really need your help as I gather my last bit of "pro-dog" information for Robert!
It is almost midnight and I am racing around like a mad woman trying to pack for our trip tomorrow! We are going to Sardegna for the week and we are SO excited! This is a long awaited trip for all of us and we are squeezing it in the absolute last week of summer! Anyway, I just wanted to let you know we will be gone for awhile.
Look for pictures (I finally gave up hope that I would find my old camera and bought a new one) and great stories (Spencer and Ross will be with us and they are always good for a few laughs) when we return!
