Commentary by Sally Brown Bassett
Owning a pet can lead to many health benefits. My dad passed on to me his love and appreciation of dogs. He still says in a joking manner that unlike kids, you can always count on a dog being there to greet you when you come home at night, they don’t cost you college tuition and usually eat what you put in front of them.
There are many benefits of owning a pet besides having a companion who loves us unconditionally. A dog will usually encourage you to spend more time outside and get exercise. My dog, Bella, is a four-year-old, four and a half pound Morki – part Yorkie and part Maltise. People are surprised when they see her out on the trails with me doing an average of four miles at a time, even as many as ten-plus miles on planned hiking excursions. Bella even has a life jacket for kayaking labeled Outward Hound.
The Center for Disease Control has reported that most U.S. households in have at least one pet and that pets can decrease your blood pressure, cholesterol and triglyceride levels and feelings of loneliness.
According to Jeanie Lerche Davis, in a WebMD feature, “Pets help lower blood pressure and lessen anxiety. They boost our immunity. They can even help you get dates. A dog is a natural conversation starter.”
A growing number of studies have suggested that kids growing up in a home with animals, whether it’s a pet cat or dog or on a farm exposed to large animals, will have less risk of allergies and asthma. This is the opposite of what many people think.
Children who grow up in a household with pets also benefit in their emotional development. “When a child is attached to a dog or cat, they learn to express themselves in more ways and they learn to better relate,” according to Michael Landa, CEO of natural pet food brand Nulo.
Pets are a blessing for a family. Who knows, maybe dogs are God’s favorite animal creation since it is His name spelled backwards. Until next time …
Namaste!