Are Dogs Really That Good for Us?

Do you have a dog? Maybe more than “a” dog? No judgement – my life has been dog-filled for as long as I can remember. The family dog was a mixed breed cutie, my dream dog was a Siberian Husky, and I got my first one when I was 20. I haven’t been without a Siberian since, and most of the time I’ve had more than one. My current Siberian is Kacey, and her canine housemate is Archie the Standard Poodle. I can’t imagine life without a dog – if that sounds like you, too, then we’re already friends, whether we’ve met or not.

Dogs are a wonderful example of being in the moment. They are keen observers of “right now” though their main way of examining the world is with their nose, not their eyes. They’re also keen observers of us – think about the things you do often in your day. Chances are your dog knows what’s about to happen based on your routine. For instance, when I’m putting on makeup in the morning, it’s in the same order – lipstick, eyebrows, cheeks, eyes, last pass with lipstick. As I use an item, I put it back in the drawer. When the lipstick drops into the drawer, my dogs are up, tails wagging, waiting for me to head for the kitchen and feed them breakfast. I bet your dogs know your routines, too, maybe even better than you do.

Dogs are wonderful entertainment. Especially when you have more than one, the antics can keep you laughing as you marvel at the flexibility of their bodies, the creativity of their naughtiness, and the peace and calm of watching their whiskers and feet flicker as they sleep.

Dogs are wonderful encouragement to exercise. Taking them out for a sniffy-walk in the neighborhood is an opportunity to escape from stress and zone out in nature. Taking them for a run is an opportunity for you to really enjoy the company of your running partner. Even when the exercise is mopping up after their latest counter-surfing catastrophe, there’s still cardio happening, and the bonus of a cleaner kitchen floor.

Dogs can help you ease stress, stay present, and encourage self-love. Want proof? Here are three episodes of the world’s second-shortest podcast with a side helping of dog:

? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?Exercise your way out of a sucky experience – here’s a Tiny Bite for that!

? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?Need help starting your day off right? Here’s a Tiny Bite for that!

? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?Want to talk to yourself like you’re a dog? Here’s a Tiny Bite for that!

Today is National Walk Your Dog Day. If you have a dog or few, you and your furry friend(s) can easily celebrate, weather permitting. If you like dogs and don’t currently have one, find a shelter or humane society near you and volunteer to take one of their dogs out for some play time and a walk if that’s allowed.

Today, remind yourself how important dogs are in your life. They certainly are in mine!

Wags, Sandy Weaver The Voice of Wagaliciousness

PS...want more? Subscribe to the Mind, Body, Soul Sessions podcast, a weekly mental spa treatment for your total self!?

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