Thank a Pet

Studies have shown that pets enrich our lives. Despite our mood, they love us unconditionally, protect us and pets can even reduce the stress we feel.

Sometimes I walk into the door with my hands full and 100 things on my mind. Later I realize I didn't say hello to my dog - even though I know he was at the door to greet me. Regardless of my ill manners, he's near my side wagging his tail...just waiting for me to be ready to say hello. What an understanding and forgiving creature.

It's no wonder that hospitals and nursing homes use therapy dogs to help their patients. Therapy dogs can help troubles disappear as the dog becomes their focus rather than their pain. If only for a moment, the friendliness of these dogs brightens the days of the troubled.

Have you been blessed with a pet in your life? If so, take time today to thank him with a good ol' fashion belly rub, a "you're a good boy/girl" and of course a treat is always appreciated.

As the saying goes, "I’m trying to become the person my dog thinks I am."

How Dogs Help People

Dog owners know the unconditional love and emotional boost their faithful companion brings into their life. If you're not a dog-lover, you're thinking "emotional boost" from a dog is crazy. I used to be one of those people, but since adopting my black lab I have been blessed with experiencing this canine love and friendship.

The Humane Society of the U.S. has an article titled How Pets Help People. It does a good job describing all the ways dogs help us, as well as listing magazines, websites and books available to help you learn more about how pets help people.

PetEducation.com is an incredible educational site that has a page titled Pets and Humans. The page includes several articles that explore some of the relationships between people and their pets, and how those relationships affect many aspects of our lives.

Doctor Dog Wins Pet Therapy Prize is a heartwarming story of one dog who "gives cuddles to people in need."

If you think you might benefit from a dog's love, stop by your local animal shelter and spend some time with a few of the pets. Take your time and make several trips. You'll know if an adoption is right for you, and which pet is right for you.