8 Reasons Why Adopting a Dog Can Heal a Broken Heart
By Megan Sullivan, BounceBack.com Editorial Staff
Heartbreak is an unfortunate (yet unavoidable) by-product of the human search for companionship. Unless you are one of the few who manages to find love that very first day on the kindergarten playground, the breakup blues may be an all too familiar tune that you would prefer to just stop playing.
This time around, instead of looking to that gallon of ice cream or that leather-clad hottie at the dive bar, consider another option in your search for consolation and a truly fulfilling relationship: adopt a dog in need.
Maybe not what you expected to hear, but animals, particularly dogs, are not only loyal companions that love you unconditionally, but they also have the ability to fulfill the lives of their keepers in a way that is unique in comparison to any other Earthly relationship. The following is a personal account detailing how one single and very heartbroken woman was transformed by an unbreakable bond with a most unlikely and inspiring best friend:
"It was the Summer after graduation and I decided to pack my things and move across the country to a place where young artists go to find themselves - Los Angeles. While I had always wanted to leave the small town I grew up in, the final words of my then boyfriend of two years being 'I'm not in love with you' definitely became the solid catalyst for change that I needed. So, I went, devastated, unemployed and hopeless toward a future involving any amount of love. After months of waitressing, odd jobs and a complete dating drought I impulsively decided that I'd had enough of the solemn farmer's market excursions, trendy couples with matching hipster hats and tattoos: I was getting a dog. I searched through www.petfinder.com and within a few minutes my eyes were pinned onto the sight of the most adorable animal I had ever seen - his name was 'Scruffy.' Over the next few years, Scruffy, despite his severities in post traumatic temperament, changed me and my life in ways I never imagined possible. As cliché as my story may sound, a small, tragically neglected dog did in fact bring me back in touch with the person who looked to love with optimisim, in other words: A dog had healed my broken heart.The following exemplifies exactly how rescuing a dog from a local shelter or rescue organization can do the exact same thing for you."
In case that story didn't give you enough reason to bring your own "Scruffy" home, here are 8 more reasons why adopting a dog can help you heal from heartbreak:
1. A Newfound Routine
When you lose someone you care about, the routine you once had is now replaced with a foreign resemblance of what you did before you were together. Having a dog in your life gives you opportunity for a new routine in which you will always be welcomed home gleefully and always have plans for the weekend whether it's going to the park, hiking or just watching a movie with your best friend.
Related: 10 Ways to Bring Instant Happiness Back Into Your Life
2. Healthy Distraction from Heartbreak
Often, newly single individuals will fill their loneliness with another human being as a replacement. This is not only a recipe for disaster (also known as a rebound) but only a temporary cure for loss that can only dissipate with time. Adopting a dog is a healthy way to channel all of your energy into another who will reciprocate that affection and appreciation tenfold. Before you know it, you will have moved on and not even noticed.
3. Good Times
The memories you share with your four-legged friend are unlike any other plagued by arguments and other human conditions. With your canine companion you get to experience nothing but sheer joy, including playing like you're a kid again and maintaining countless photos as a reminder of that perfect relationship you two possess.
Related: Feeling Like You've Had Enough? 8 Tips to Find Your Balance
4. Exercise
We are all aware of the benefits of exercise, and with a dog you will get a lot more than you thought possible. Simply by taking your buddy for walks you get to relieve the stress of the day and experience the outdoors far more often than you probably did before.
Related: 7 Tips to Reinvent Yourself After Heartbreak
5. Your Dog is Loyal to You and Only You
Many couples who go through a breakup or divorce have pets together. This situation can become as emotionally difficult as a child custody battle. However, when you adopt a dog and he comes to know you as his "master", your partnership with your dog is iron clad and non-disposable. With your dog there will only be more happiness with each passing day/
6. People LOVE Dogs!
When you're ready to get back out there, and even if you're not, dogs will draw others to you in interest. When you have a dog it shows that you are an emotionally available individual who is most likely family oriented and ready to share a bond with another. With your dog by your side you could make many new friends and maybe even meet someone new who shares similar interests.
7. Unconditional love
As rare as love is, that of the unconditional sort is far less prevalent. Once a dog puts their trust in you, particularly a rescue, you are theirs forever as much as they are solely yours. Regardless of the amount of time that passes, your dog will act as though you have left for years and finally returned. They do this out of the pure joy they are overwhelmed by when simply being in your presence. A rare find indeed.
8. Knowing That You've Rescued an Animal
If you've never saved a life before, try it! There is nothing like it! You don't have to get a puppy, either - some of the best dogs are the good ol' boys who still have energy but are trained and chilled out.
While there are tens of millions of homeless dogs present in the United States, the ASPCA estimates that "approximately 5 million to 7 million companion animals enter animal shelters nationwide every year, and approximately 3 million to 4 million are euthanized." Welcoming a dog into your home is one of the most rewarding ways you can contribute to an outstanding cause for animal welfare while simultaneously doing more good for your own life than you ever imagined attainable. When you adopt a dog in need, like Scruffy and so many others in need of good homes, know that they are not serving as a replacement for what you believe your life to be lacking, but rather an example of what life is truly all about.
To learn more about adopting one of the millions of wonderful dogs who need homes, please visit the ASPCA online at www.aspca.org.
Megan V. Sullivan is a freelance writer, comedian and animal rights activist residing in the Los Angeles area.
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