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News / Life / Pets & Wildlife

Canines help us cope with stress

The Columbian
Published: January 15, 2015, 4:00pm

Having a dog can have a big effect on how you view and deal with the world.

According to an article by abDoor.com, scientific research shows that having a dog can have a positive impact on how people cope with stress. There are many good reasons for having a dog.

• Dogs can be a conversation starter because it’s easier to talk about your dog than about yourself. My dog goes with me everywhere, and she is so cute that someone always makes a comment or asks me about her.

• Dogs make you get out of the house. My little rescue pup loves to walk, and even though I have my lazy days and don’t want to leave the house, knowing that our walk makes her happy is enough motivation to get me up and out, at least for a walk around the block.

• By getting out and walking more, you meet other people with dogs, and you have something in common with them. I’m always talking with other people who are out walking their dogs, too. We let the little critters check each other out while we exchange a few words. It’s a friendly interaction, which always feels good. In addition, the exercise you are getting from walking will help quell any anxiety you may have that’s causing you to be stressed.

• A picture of yourself with your dog can improve your image. My picture with my dog is on my business cards and my websites, and it’s the main photo for my blog on psychologytoday.com. That blog has gotten 8 million views, thus far, and I’m sure the picture of Mercy had something to do with that.

• Dogs provide love and relief from loneliness and are a great stress reliever. It is well documented that you can lower your blood pressure by petting or holding a dog (or cat).

The unconditional love of our pets helps us to relax and makes us feel stronger. I know many people who are enjoying life more since becoming dog owners.

Obviously, not everyone likes dogs or can have a dog in their lives. Living restrictions on pet ownership, financial considerations, or not being home often enough for a pet are all good reasons to be houndless.

I have a friend who can’t keep a pet at her apartment, but she is a total animal lover, so she volunteers at the local animal shelter. She has met a lot of people, has helped many animals find homes, and really enjoys her time at the shelter. Volunteering at your local shelter could be a creative way of getting your doggie fix and mixing with new people at the same time.

If dogs aren’t your thing, a cat could provide you with the same kind of emotional support.

If you think that getting a pet would be right for you, finding the right one could be easier than you may think. Many of the larger pet stores have adoption days (usually on the weekends). Going over and hanging around the animals will bring a little joy and perhaps a little sadness (if your heart doesn’t melt, you may not have one).

And you could end up leaving with a wonderful pet to take home.

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