I was only five when we had our first dog in the family. My father named him Hulk Hogan after the famous American professional wrestler. He was a very big dog and the neighbors feared him but he was actually a very gently and loving pet. We loved him so much that when he died, we didn’t have another dog after.
It took so many years before I decided to adopt one again. I was working already when my boyfriend gave me a dog. He became my companion at home since I was already living alone and away from my family. We had so much fun together and my neighbors liked him because he’s adorably friendly.
Like Hulk Hogan, Miguel died when he was 2 years old. Now, me and husband have 2 white Japanese Spitz dogs named Barbie and Bea.
Life with them is just awesome. No wonder they are labelled as man’s bestfriend. Let me share with you the reasons why having pets at home make life better!
Dogs make you a responsible person
Dogs teaches us a lot of things that are applicable in our relationship with others. Having a four-legged companion takes a lot of patience that even the most tolerant person gets tested. Dogs tend to be playful almost all the time that when you’re busy you get interrupted unfortunately. But since they are pets you can’t get angry and get in a fight with them. Looking at them with their tongues out teaches you that patience is a virtue. They also teach you commitment. Owning a dog or two is not easy. You have to take care of them, feed them, and be home early to make sure they’re still okay or the house is still in one piece. Studies show that dog owners are more calm and composed.
Dogs are great stress relievers
Studies show that dogs help human beings reduce stress. Playing with a pet can increase levels of oxytocin which is known as the stress-reducing hormone and decrease production of cortisol or the stress hormone. Pets are helpful especially coming home from a very tiring day at work. When you see their happy faces with their tails wagging, you just can’t help but give them a hug.
Dogs help you to be physically active
This is very true to me. I didn’t like exercising but since me and my husband got two dogs at home, it encourages me to exercise more. Why? Because it is every dog owner’s responsibility to take his/her dogs on a walk. You also have to play with them like throwing balls where they run to get it, you throw it again and vice versa.
Dogs help you socialize
Having a dog around helps you be more social and approachable. Doing activities with your pet such as walking on the park, going to a pet store or attending special events for dogs are great avenues to meet different people and mingle with other dog lovers.
Dogs are therapeutic for kids with ADHD or to adults with depression
ADHD or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is a brain disorder marked by an ongoing pattern of inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity that interferes the functioning or normal development of a person. A child can release excess energy by playing with a pet. Dogs can help calm the child. Taking care of a pet will also teach him/her responsibility and simple tasks like feeding. For a person who’s depressed, a dog can help him/her cope up with his/her struggles. Many therapists have used dogs in treatment as they seem to have a good effect on both children and adults.
Do you have any dogs? How do they make your life better? We’d love to hear your stories!
