Pawsitive Impact: The Influence of Canine Companions on Health & Happiness

This article delves into the profound emotional and physiological impact of canine companionship, drawing from personal experience. Having recently experienced the loss of my cherished canine companion, I am compelled to explore the significant role dogs play in our lives. Gracie, my faithful companion of nearly 16 years, entered my life as a cherished gift on my seventh birthday. In recent years, as I delved deeper into personal fitness pursuits, prioritizing wholesome nutrition and holistic well being, Gracie became an integral part of this journey. Crafting nutritious, homemade meals tailored to her preferences, such as quinoa, turkey, and banana concoctions, fostered a sense of connection and purpose. I've found myself reflecting on the profound ways in which Gracie has enriched my life, both mentally and physically. In honor of her enduring legacy, I aim to explore the manifold benefits of canine companionship through this article.

The Physical Benefits:

1. Increased Exercise: Owning a dog motivates regular physical activity through various activities like walks, playtime, chasing them around the house for your shoe...

• Daily Walks: Dogs need to be walked multiple times a day for bathroom breaks and exercise. This necessity provides dog owners with regular opportunities to get outside and walk, even if it's just around the block. These walks not only benefit the dogs health but also provide their owner with a consistent form of low impact exercise.
• Running or Jogging: For more active breeds or owners who enjoy running, owning a dog provides an excellent opportunity to engage in regular jogging or running sessions. Dogs make great running companions, often matching their owner's pace and enthusiasm, which can make exercise more enjoyable and motivating.
• Playtime and Fetch: Dogs love to play, and games like fetch can be a fun way to incorporate physical activity into daily routines. Whether it's playing fetch in the backyard or taking a trip to the park, engaging in active play with a dog promotes movement and encourages owners to get up and move around.
• Exploration and Hiking: Many dog owners enjoy exploring nature with their four legged companions. Taking hikes or long walks in the great outdoors not only provides physical exercise but also offers mental and emotional benefits as both owner and dog connect in nature.
• Consistency and Routine: Dogs thrive on routine, and owners often find themselves establishing consistent schedules for walks, playtime, and exercise. This regularity promotes a healthy lifestyle for both the dog and the owner, ensuring that physical activity becomes an integral part of daily life.

2. Lower Blood Pressure and Stress Levels: Spending time with a dog has been shown to have remarkable stress-reducing effects and can contribute to lowering blood pressure. I know you were recharging with your furry therapist after work at least one day this week.

• Stress Reduction: Interacting with dogs, whether through petting, playing, or simply being in their presence, has been found to reduce levels of the stress hormone cortisol in the body. This reduction in cortisol helps alleviate feelings of stress and anxiety, promoting a sense of calm and relaxation.
• Release of Oxytocin: Human-animal interaction, particularly with dogs, has been linked to the release of oxytocin, often referred to as the "love hormone" or "bonding hormone." Oxytocin is associated with feelings of trust, empathy, and social bonding, which can help mitigate stress and promote emotional well being.
• Lower Blood Pressure: Studies have shown that spending time with dogs can lead to a decrease in blood pressure, particularly in individuals with hypertension or high blood pressure. The calming presence of a dog, coupled with the release of oxytocin, contributes to this reduction in blood pressure, ultimately benefiting cardiovascular health.

The Emotional Benefits: Gracie, my faithful companion, was a constant presence in my life, offering an unwavering loyalty and boundless affection. Whether accompanying me for mundane tasks like weeding the garden or simply following me to the next room, her steadfast companionship served as a poignant reminder of my inherent value. Despite her petite stature, Gracie possessed a spirited demeanor and a protective instinct that endeared her to me even more. Her vigilant guardianship, particularly evident in her reluctance to allow others near me, instilled a profound sense of security within me. In her presence, I found solace, wonder, an abundance of love that enriched my life in countless ways.

• Distraction and Relaxation: Dogs provide a source of distraction and comfort, diverting attention away from stressful situations and promoting relaxation. Engaging in activities like petting, grooming, or playing with a dog can serve as a form of mindfulness, allowing individuals to focus on the present moment and alleviate feelings of tension and worry. Leading to decreased feelings of anxiety and depression.
• Companionship and Connection: Dogs can provide companionship and unconditional love, creating a sense of connection and belonging for their owners. The presence of a dog can help individuals feel less isolated and lonely, as they have a loyal companion to share their daily experiences and emotions with.
• Social Interaction: Walking a dog or visiting dog parks can facilitate social interaction with other dog owners and pet lovers. These interactions provide opportunities for meaningful connections and can help individuals build a supportive social network, which is essential for combating loneliness and depression.

The journey of owning a dog is not merely about caring for a pet, but rather embarking on a transformative experience that enriches both physical and emotional well being. Through the lens of my own personal experience with Gracie, I am reminded of the myriad ways in which canine companionship has enriched my life. From the gentle whines each morning, as if she were my faithful alarm clock, to the joyous romps on the river's edge and the shared indulgence of ice cream on her birthday, Gracie infused each moment with boundless love and unwavering loyalty. One particular memory stands out: our hike through a waterfall in Upstate New York, where her distinctive bravery shone through as she fearlessly leaped across a creek, determined to protect me from another dog. These cherished moments, etched in my heart, serve as a testament to the profound bond we shared. Though Gracie many no longer be by my side in physical form, her spirit lives on in the memories we created together and the enduring lessons she imparted. As I continue to honor her legacy, I urge others to recognize the immeasurable benefits of pet ownership and the transformative power of unconditional love. May we cherish the memories of our beloved companions and celebrate the profound impact they have on our lives, forever grateful for the joy, comfort, and boundless love they bring.

(Sources: Levine N. Glenn. "Pet Ownership and Cardiovascular Risk". American Health Association. 9 May 2013. Reisen Jay. "Is the Human-Canine Bond Unique?". American Kennel Club. 13 Jan 2022. Potter, Katie Ph.D. "Leveraging the Human-Dog Bond to Support Physical Activity across the Life Span. American College of Sports Medicine. Aug 2022. Miller Susan. "An examination of changes in oxytocin levels in men and women before and after interaction with a bonded dog." 2009. p 31-42)