Got Stress? Your Dog Can Help!
So I was driving to a Starbucks stressing over my next blog. The thoughts were rolling through my head - what can I write about, and how can I make it interesting. Then, it hit me – I should share the stress with my readers. Not literally, but in a good and informative way.
I recall some time ago reading a very interesting article about how our dogs and cats can help all sorts of health related issues, stress being one. So, I started searching the web to find the article that had stuck in my memory banks. It didn’t take long before I found it. Elizabeth Scott M. S. wrote an article “How owning a dog or cat can reduce stress”
In her article, Elizabeth describes many healthful benefits to having a dog or a cat. Specifically, with regards to stress, she says “While we all know the power of talking about your problems with a good friend who’s also a good listener, recent research shows that spending time with a pet may be even better!”
Now, I don’t know about most of you all out there, but I can definitely vouche for that. The best part of my my dog, Jasmine, listening to me is that she listens with the same intensity, the same demeanor, and the same love no matter what I am saying. And when I am finished telling her my long sad stressful story, she just wags delightfully. Then she gives a ittle yip, and looks at me with that “OK, now it is time to play squeaky-toy” expression on her face.
I have had a dog since I was in the 4th grade, and have always recognized the benefits of that unabashed love, that special attention that can only come from a four legged friend. It is good that in this time of research on lipstick causing cancer and other wonderful health discoveries, we finally see the subtle but dependable and unglamourous benefits of having a dog or cat. Like Elizabeth says, “pets don’t judge us; they just love us.” Wow, what a concept.
What have you noticed in your life? Do you share your daily stresses and dramas with your pet? We’d love to get your opinion.
May all your Waggin’ be Delightful, and less stressful.
