It seems the dog days of summer are coming to an end. What better time to talk about why you should consider making every day a dog day.
Do you have that friend who constantly talks about their dog. They have hundreds of pics on their phone of them sleeping and doing silly dog things. Can you relate to that? Or does it totally baffle you on how someone could be so obsessed with a hairy, slobbery, farting beast?
I’m totally that friend. I LOVE my dogs. I have hundreds of pictures of them on my phone. I could talk about them all day. I literally cannot imagine my life without them. And turns out, I’m not alone. According to a survey, at least 44% of Americans own a dog, and there were approximately 89.7 million dogs owned in the United States in 2017. 95% of those owners consider their pets a member of the family. Go to any city, and you’ll find pet boutiques with clothing, accessories, and gourmet treats for our four-legged friends.
So, what is the purpose of owning a dog? Between the cost of purchasing/adopting the dog, yearly vet bills, food, pet sitting fees, hair on EVERYTHING and all the dog poo, owning a dog is a big responsibility. Instead of focusing on that, lets look at the benefits of dog ownership. I think you’ll find that the physical and emotional benefits FAR outweigh the difficulties.
Physically, dogs help their owners stay healthy in a number of ways. Several studies conducted between 1950 and 2019 found that dog owners had a 24% less chance of death from all causes compared to people without dogs. One way that dogs help us physically is through daily exercise. You may be able to skip your morning workout, but you won’t be able to skip walking the dog. Just 22 minutes a day of walking will help you meet the targeted recommendation of 2.5 hours of exercise each week. Walking for exercise can improve heart health, strengthen bones, improve your mood, and lower stress. Walking can also help you maintain a healthy weight.
Studies have shown that when children under a year old spend time around dogs, it can reduce their risk for pet allergies and eczema. Children may also be less likely to develop asthma when exposed to pet dander. Children who grow up with dogs learn responsibility through helping with their daily care.
Emotionally, a dog can provide you with unconditional love like no other. Just petting a dog has been proven to lower your heart rate and blood pressure, and reduce stress and anxiety levels. What better way to forget a bad day than to cuddle up on a blanket with a snuggly, furry friend? Feeling lonely? Not with a dog at your side! Low self-esteem? Your dog will think you hung the moon! Feeling insignificant? Your dog relies on you for everything! To them, you are the MOST important person in the world.
Have you ever made small talk with a stranger? Do you find it easier if that stranger has a dog with them? Immediately, you have something to talk about. After a few minutes of swapping dog stories, it’s like you’ve been friends forever. Two people passing in the street may not even make eye contact. But two people with dogs will certainly smile and greet each other.
So, do I think that everyone should run out right now and adopt a dog? Nope. BUT, I do suggest that you look at your life and consider whether the company of a dog may fill in some of the holes that you find. Because I guarantee NO ONE will be happier to see you in the morning - bed head, morning breath, and all!
Happy tails to you!
- Coach Mindy
Have a funny or heartwarming dog story? Share in the comments!
“A dog is the only thing on Earth that loves you more than he loves himself.”