Hug a Pet Today!
I’ve been looking forward to this week’s topic all year. This week, it’s all about pets.
Pets are incredible! They have a natural ability to calm and soothe humans. Animals don’t judge, they provide unconditional love, and they’re always a reliable source of empathy and companionship, just when you need it.
At our Support Groups this week, we were excited to have two special visitors – pet therapy dogs Cookie and Dexter. Cookie volunteers at Ahuja hospital, Montefiore and Menorah Park nursing homes, Kent State University, and Cleveland public schools. Dexter volunteers at Menorah Park and Montefiore nursing homes. He’ll also soon begin volunteering at Cuyahoga Community College’s eastern campus and at Cleveland public schools as a reading partner for children.
These pets and countless others like them do so much for us. There are a number of proven physical, mental and emotional health benefits pets can provide. Here are some of them:
Pets are great motivators. They get us to go outside, exercise and spend some time with nature every day when we take them for a walk.
Stroking, sitting next to, or playing with a pet helps us relax and calms our emotions. There is also evidence that petting an animal lowers our blood pressure.
Caring for a pet gives purpose and meaning to life. The sense of responsibility for another life can lead to feeling valued, needed, and a sense of accomplishment.
Pets are great for socializing. Walking a dog or going to the dog park provides social time with other dog owners, or the chance to start a conversation about your pet. Even taking your pet to the vet can be an opportunity to interact with other pet lovers.
Pets are great listeners, they never offer unwanted advice, and they keep all of your secrets.
I know that last point is true. My pupster, Bailey, might just be the best listener to my wild stories. He and my grand-dogs, Ella and Max, truly make my life “whole.” My Bailey pup loves me unconditionally, and no one is more excited to see me when I come home. AND .. I'm headed home today after 25 days in the ICU with our son (who is on his way to acute rehab) and couldn't be more excited to see Bailey soon!
Have you hugged your pet today? I can't wait to hug mine!