- November 22, 2024
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Most afternoons around 5 p.m., Puppet, Liberty and Stanley begin a whine that quickly evolves into a full-fledged frenzy of barking, tail wagging and scratching at the back door.
It’s the signal that the side-yard dog fest has begun.
Because we border a large neighborhood park, our yard has become the meeting place for a handful of fun-loving canines. There’s Magic, a designer kind of Yorkie-poo, a Westie named Callie, a Heintz 57 of toy breeds christened Panda, Cosmo, the poodle and my three: two shelter Catahulas and our AKC Australian Shepherd. What a group!
They romp and play and do tricks for treats. Sometimes a hilarious train of butt sniffing ensues. We two-legged companions chat about this and that, mostly dog related because we are a veritable special-interest group. And multiple studies show that we are most likely healthier than non-canine owners. Indeed, the relationship between dogs and their owners has been shown to improve health and well-being in myriad ways.
Even Harvard says so
“Get Healthy, Get a Dog” is a Harvard Medical School special report edited by Dr. Elizabeth Frates, director of Medical Student Education at Harvard’s Institute of Lifestyle Medicine. It’s a fascinating compendium of information about man’s best friend and the symbiotic relationship we share with our four-legged companions.
Perhaps the most important benefit is that dogs fulfill a basic need humans have for connection. According to the report, several long-term studies have shown that social connection reduces illness and increases longevity.
The more engaged we are in life and with others — two- and four-legged — the better and longer we’ll live. And those of you who have a relationship with a dog know this relationship dynamic: the yelping, wiggling, face-licking greeting can make any bad day better, and there is hardly anything more heart warming than locking a gaze into those soulful, trusting eyes. Scientists tell us that connection releases a hormone called oxytocin, which thwarts depression. What else?
About the author
Kristine Nickel is a marketing communications consultant and former marketing/PR exec. For over 30 years she has relieved her stress by writing features for publications across the country.