It’s A Dog’s Life

By ALICE O’BRIEN Churchview Therapies, Millstreet

You put the key in the door after a long day, open your front door and a warm welcome awaits…” welcome home, I missed you all day, I’m so happy to see you, you are the most important person in the world…”. Then he wags his tail and off he goes. Yes, it’s the dog, because you can always count on the dog being happy to see you. The rest of the family will acknowledge your return with a grunt or a request for dinner, but the dog is thrilled.

This can be said for all aspects of your routine. The family pet is always a mood booster, always loyal, always ready for your attention, never judges or demands, just delighted to be part of your family.

The mental health benefits of being around animals is widely researched and proven. Interacting with pets reduces the cortisol levels in your blood, thus reducing your stress levels and blood pressure.

• Pets provide companionship and reduce loneliness as they give a sense of security and a feeling of having someone to share the day with.

• If you have a dog, he will need to be walked. Even when you don’t feel like it so owning a pet makes you more physically active. Getting out for the walk can also help you to meet new people.

• Another benefit is that pets boost self-confidence. Pets are great listeners, never criticise you and offer unconditional love, which is exactly what you need if you lack confidence.

• A feeling of responsibility- pets need to be fed, they need to be vaccinated and looked after. They need you to do all that, so they provide a feeling of purpose and we all like to be needed.

So, if you have a dog, a lizard in a cage or a gold-fish. If your pet of choice is a donkey in the back field or a house cat. Whatever you chose, love them and appreciate them because they definitely love you.