Doggie Online

People who own dogs frequently view them as extended family members.

In fact, a majority of dog owners admit there are emotional ties between their pets and members of their family — a human-animal bond.

I am one of those.   I like dogs.  Dogs are cool in so many ways.

Now, if you are not a dog owner, you may think of a pet as just a piece of property, a possession.

Let me see if I can dispel that notion.

Who has not heard reports of dogs being taken into hospitals, senior citizen centers — even prisons — for the purpose of uplifting the spirits of those confined there?   It gives these people a reason to smile — to focus their attention on something other than their own problems.   Just petting a dog can lift their spirits!

Some therapists report that patients who have mentally withdrawn from society after suffering a great emotional trauma have made progress when they spend time with a therapy dog.   They have also been used to break through to Alzheimer’s patients.

One hospital study revealed that when extreme hypertension patients have discussions with other people their blood pressure numbers almost always go up.   But, if a therapy dog is brought for a visit, those numbers will almost always drop.

Why?

The answer is because people talk to a dog more slowly and softly, and a calm demeanor has been proven instrumental in lowering blood pressure.

Can you believe it?  The mere act of stroking and petting a dog can actually lower a patient’s level of anxiety, thereby reducing their heart rate and blood pressure.  No wonder patients with heart disease often live longer if they have a loving dog at home!  It’s  just another indication of the strong human-animal bond, and another reason I like dogs.

But dogs are cool in other ways, too.

There have been studies that show a dog owner is better able to cope with a major crisis like the death of a family member, a major illness, a divorce, or a job loss.   Why?   Dogs are a source of comfort and are viewed as a good friend.  A dog can be hugged and does not judge you or turn its back on you.

A dog can also give a person a reason to go on living  It  makes him feel needed and appreciated, and, yes — loved.

Despite their feelings of grief and loss, these folks feel a sense of responsibility to be there for their pets and this, in turn, gives them the time they need to stabilize and get past their initial grieving period.

Surveys have also indicated that dog owners feel more satisfied with their lives in general and have stronger self-esteem.  Being a dog owner can even help a person develop a better, more understanding relationship with family members.

These two videos well emphasize the clear  Human-Animal Bond

That’s a lot of responsibility to put on our four footed furry friends.   No wonder people who own dogs recognize the almost spiritual nature of the human-animal bond.

Like I said — Dogs are cool!

I’m Murron Campbell. Welcome to Doggies Online!