Dog ownership provides loyal companionship.For anyone who has never had a dog, it may be hard to understand what joy they bring into a person's life. For those of us who do have dogs, it's hard to imagine life without them. Their personalities, special needs, and undying love are just a few of the things they offer that make sharing your life with them so fulfilling. My life is filled with the love and companionship of three very special canine friends. Here are some of the ways they enrich my life.
Dogs Give You Unconditional Love
The love a dog shows for his human family is undying and unconditional. He doesn't care if you're jealous or vain, irresponsible or miserly. Even when your faults affect his life, he forgives you without judgment and loves you just the same.
Dogs Help Keep You Healthy
No matter how bad your day has been, coming home from work and being greeted by an excited, loving dog can help wash away all the stress of the day. The very act of petting a dog can even have a calming affect that has been shown to reduce the risks of diseases like high blood pressure and heart disease.
Dogs Keep You from Getting Lonely
My husband and I are empty-nesters and he travels a lot with his job. Having my pups around to fill the time and give me someone to cuddle with at night keeps me from getting lonely when he is away.
Dogs Give You Something to Care For
For children, having a dog to care for teaches them responsibility and respect for all living beings. For adults, especially those who may live alone, dogs provide something to care for. Having something that needs you helps bring meaning and joy into your life.
Dogs Help Keep You Active
Even if you're not the sort to go out jogging with your dog each morning, just walking them and playing with them can help keep you active and fit.
Dogs Help You Meet New Friends
When you walk your dog around the block, take him to the park to play, or even make a regular visit to the vet's office, you are likely to meet other pet owners who want to talk to you about your dog. I've met some very dear and lifelong friends through my dogs.
Dogs Increase Your Self-esteem
Keeping and caring for a dog can actually improve a person's self-esteem and feelings of self worth. When you know that you have something that depends on you for everything and loves you so unconditionally, it is bound to make you feel better about yourself.
Dogs Keep You Safe
Even my tiny Yorkie provides a certain element of safety and protection, for both my home and myself. Intruders don't want the complications of an aggressive dog, and behind a closed door it's hard to tell that my little guy only weighs five pounds.
Sources:
"Human-Animal Bond Facts," PawsitiveInterAction.com
