The Benefits of Owning a Dog
A pet is a special member of a family and there are many benefits that are the
result. A pet is always there to greet you when you come home, tail wagging and plenty of kisses
to give. Owning a pet when children are old enough to care for them is a great way to teach them
responsibility. Pet owners are healthier. According to an article on the web site
www.stress.about.com studies have shown that owning a pet can lower blood pressure and you
are less likely to suffer from depression. If your household does not own a pet it might be a great
thing to consider.
I have two adorable dogs and one cat that are part of my family. My dogs love to go for
walks and this is and incentive for me to get out and exercise also. This is also a way to meet
people in your neighborhood when you are out strolling around with your dog. There are also dog
parks that offer socialization for both dogs and the owners. Hiking trails are also fun places to take
your dogs for a day of play and exercise.
My pets bring a smile to my face often and that makes me happy. Who can resist those
sweet eyes? It is a fun and happy time when pets are running and chasing a toy, this creates
laughter and happy feelings enhancing the mood. People who own pets are less likely to suffer
from depression. Pets help people with heart related diseases also. High blood pressure is
lowered and cholesterol is also at a healthy level when pets are present in the home.
Many retirement homes now have dogs on the premises to create a more caring and
homey atmosphere. Many of the people that live there are not able to care for pets on there own.
Many of these people don't receive touch on a regular basis and a pet on the premises provides
this.
A pet can provide protection as well. A big dog or even just a barking dog can distract a
potential burglar.
A child can learn to be responsible for a living thing as a result of pet ownership at the
right age. Around the age of twelve a child is ready for the responsibility of pet ownership. This
begins to train the child to care for something that is living and that life is not all about them.
Owning a pet is very much like having a young child in the home. The pet is relying on you
for all of it's needs. So before taking on the responsiblily make sure you will be able to make the
committment for the lifetime of the pet. There are many unwanted pets as a result not considering
all that is required to own a pet. There are many unwanted pets that need good homes. So if you
are considering becoming a pet owner please consider adopting from an animal rescue facility.
These are just a few of the ways that owning a pet can be beneficial to you and your
family. Your family will get off of the couch more to take rover for a walk. There will be lots of
kisses and tail wagging each time you come home from school or work. You will smile more and
have lower blood pressure.
