Science has now proven what we animal lovers knew all along. Many scientific studies indicate the companionship of dogs reduces stress, improving our overall mental and physical health. In this time of uncertainty, millions more people could benefit from the relief of anxiety that pets bring.
Dogs help us to stay in the present moment and push out invasive worries from our minds. I have met combat Veterans with PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) who were unable to work or venture outside their homes until a specially trained service dog brought them renewed calm and security. Other service dogs are trained to alert their humans when they detect changes in the human body prior to an epileptic seizure.
Heart attack patients who own a cat or dog have a longer survival rate. A National Institutes of Health study found that dog owners have a better one-year survival rate after a heart attack compared to those without dogs. The Centers for Disease Control states that owning a dog or cat can decrease cholesterol, triglycerides, and blood pressure.
People who walk their dogs daily have a lower rate of obesity and tend to be more physically active. The dog walkers in many communities find companionship with each other. Single dog owners might meet their perfect human match at a dog park.
Child psychologists believe dogs (1) teach children about empathy and (2) give children experience taking care of a living being. They have also been found to help autistic children with socialization. Dogs are brought in to comfort traumatized children when there is an incident of school violence.
Dogs snuggle with seniors who suffer from physical ailments and memory issues in assisted living homes. Visiting therapy dogs may be someone’s only visitor when so many older Americans don’t reside near family members. The entrance of a wagging tail brightens the day, especially when a pup jumps on a resident’s lap and greets them with a kiss.
Coachella Valley resident Kenny Fleiner recently experienced a stressful divorce. His heart broke when his spouse took his two beloved dogs when she moved to a distant state. He wasn’t yet looking for another dog when he spotted Loving All Animals’ rescue dog Patches on nextdoor.com. It sealed the deal when he realized Patches took the same medication as he did for seizures. His new canine best friend eased Kenny’s loneliness, and the home became full of fun activity again. In another curious coincidence, Kenny and Patches are now both seizure free,
Reports Kenny. “Patches changed my life! We go on several walks a day, meeting neighbors and their dogs. We love our car trips to Los Angeles to visit my mom.” Patches’ adventures appear on Kenny’s Facebook page daily.
Thinking about getting a pet or a second one? The grateful hearts of rescue dogs and cats should put them at the top of your list. One easy-to-use website promoting rescue pet adoption is petfinder.com. Simply type in your preferences as to breed, size, gender, and age, along with your zip code, and you will find animals nearby you that need homes.
Contact Loving All Animals in Coachella at (760) 834-7000 or visit lovingallanimals. org to see a variety of dogs, puppies, and kittens available for adoption. If we don’t have your perfect pet, we can direct you to another organization that may be able to help you. The largest Coachella Valley shelter, Riverside County’s Coachella Valley Animal Campus, has many loving canines and felines waiting for homes. Check their website at rcdas.org or visit them at 72-050 Pet Land Place in Thousand Palms between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday.
His new canine best friend eased Kenny’s loneliness, and the home became full of fun activity again.
If you have pets, continue to enjoy the hidden health benefits your furry best buddy brings. If you are still “dogless,” now may be the perfect time to open your heart and home to the joy of an adopted rescue pet!
