It's easy to take our dog for granted. After all, he's always there in the background, and there are many times when life gets busy that we really don't appreciate what he does for us. As Thanksgiving approaches, here are four reasons why we really should be thankful for the dogs in our lives.
Dogs keep us healthy. A hospital in Finland conducted a study that showed that if you grow up with a dog in your life, you'll have a better immune system than if you never shared your life with a canine friend. There were fewer respiratory illnesses and better health amongst dog owners, when compared to those with no pets.
Dogs encourage us to exercise. If you have a dog, you're more likely to go out for a walk, which helps keep your heart healthy and your waistline trim. Children particularly benefit; if they can run and play with a canine best friend, they are less likely to become overweight. You can't sit and play with a computer game when there is a pair of big brown eyes pleading with you for a game.
Dogs provide stress relief. Studies have shown that dog owners are less depressed and have better self-esteem than non-dog owners. Cuddling your dog lowers your blood pressure and reduces the amount of stress hormone circulating in your blood stream. Many veterans are finding that a companion dog helps them to cope when they return to their friends and families after a tour of duty.
Dogs teach us important life lessons. If you watch your dog, you'll learn a number of ways that help you to live a more meaningful and enjoyable life. Dogs don't bear grudges; when something is over, it is over for good. They live in the moment. They're not worried about what happened in the past or what may happen in the future. This is a great way of getting the most out of every day.
After all, you can't change the past and you can't predict the future. Lastly, dogs appreciate the simpler things in life. They don't need a perfectly cooked steak to enjoy their meal, or a penthouse suite to keep them comfortable while they sleep. If they have a full belly and somewhere comfortable to rest their weary head, life is good.
When you come home from a long day at work where it seems the whole world has been down on you, it's a real pleasure to see your dog. He loves you unconditionally, is always glad to see you and listens to your complaints without judgement. These are by far the biggest reasons to be grateful for the dog in your life.
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