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Why A Rescue Dog May Save Your LifeThe Resource for Everything About Dogs |
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Why A Rescue Dog May Save Your Lifeby M Bruno
The day that you visit a dog shelter or dog rescue and make the decision to bring a new dog home may well be the day that you save two lives, the dog?s and your own! Let me explain. It is no mystery that millions of wonderful dogs are euthenized in dog pounds and dog shelters across the nation and in other countries as well. When you adopt a shelter dog or rescue dog you are in fact saving a life, freeing your new dog from doggy death row, welcoming him into your family and giving him a new lease on life. But did you know that a rescue dog may save your life as well? Research indicates that there are health benefits both to your heart and general health realized by spending time with and even petting your dog. A recent report indicated that dog owners experience lower blood pressure and lower cholesterol than non dog owners. And dog owners have a general tendency toward better health, suffer fewer serious health issues and may in fact regain their health after an illness quicker than folks that don?t have a dog. Just petting your dog is a wonderful stress reliever. I know that to be true from personal experience. But there is more. Dog owners tend to take their dogs for leisurely walks which may provide cardiovascular and other health benefits. And meeting and greeting other ?dog people? while on the walk provides an opportunity to socialize, and relieve daily stress for both the dog and the dog guardian as well ! Research shows that people who are experiencing stress may actually get more of a benefit by the companionship of their dog than from other people. The dog will love you unconditionally, not judge you, and invariably proves to be a great listener. Unconditional love is a reason that dogs are often frequent visitors or permanent residents of nursing homes. The companionship and love of a dog provides a wonderful form of therapy to residents and staff alike. Studies also show that people who suffer from HIV-AIDS are less likely to experience depression than those who do not have a dog. So when you adopt a rescue dog, you may be providing a support system for your own health as well, both physiologically and emotionally. It is important to take the time and rescue the dog that is right for you, your family and your lifestyle. We have chihuahuas and love them more than anyone who is not a dog parent could surmise. But we live in a quiet suburban setting. If you live in a rural community and have a lot of open spaces a big dog such as a Labrador may be the right pick for you. So give some thought to your lifestyle and what lifestyle you will provide for your new adopted dog. When you make the choice and bring you new dog home, both of you may well be started down the road of unconditional love and good health! So you might say that a rescue dog may save your life!
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