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Writing can be a lonely business — and so can life when things get tough — unless my dear K-D-doggie is near! Pets have given to me at least as much as I’ve offered to them, when it comes to embracing playfulness and appreciating the people around me.
Kalia guest blogs from Washington state. Here she counts the ways that caring for our furry family helps not just them, but us too!…
How Pets Benefit Mental Health by Kalia
Hi there! My name is Kalia. I am the founder of frontseatryder.com. Front Seat Ryder is a blog designed to inspire, encourage and empower the modern dog mom to improve her mental health with the help of her doggy companion.
I am super excited to share with Happiness Between Tails — Thank you so much for having me! Today, I’m going to talk a little bit about the benefits pets have on our mental health.
When adopting a pet into your home, you probably aren’t thinking about your mental health. Are you?! I want to talk to you about some of the great benefits pets have on our mental health. These will give you another reason to love your fur babies – as if you needed one.
A pet can benefit you in a variety of ways including:
- Mentally
- Emotionally
- Physically
- Socially
While these are all important ways a pet can benefit you, improving mental health is high on the list. My dog Ryder is actually my Emotional Support Animal. He helps me cope with my depression and anxiety.
Pets fill the void of feeling isolated. Feeling of isolation and loneliness can lead to many different mental health issues. Some of which include forms of panic, anxiety attacks, and depression. Those feelings are soothed with the company of a pet.
Having a pet gives you a feeling of true purpose. A feeling that there is someone who needs caring for and tended to. Having a purpose in life gives someone suffering from depression hope. This can make all the difference in someone’s life.
Has a pet helped you enjoy life?
Discover more from Happiness Between Tales (and Tails) by da-AL
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Thank you for sharing!.. I had “pets” in the past that became family1.. the words of Gene Hill come to mind;
JUST MY DOG
He is my other eyes that can see above the clouds;
My other ears that hear above the winds.
He is the part of me that can reach out into the sea.
He has told me a thousand times over that I am his reason for being:
By the way he rests against my leg
By the way he thumps his tail at my smallest smile
By the way he shows his hurt when I leave without taking him.
(I think it makes him sick with worry when he
is not along to care for me.)
When I am wrong, he is delighted to forgive.
When I am angry, he clowns to make me smile.
When I am happy, he is joy unbounded.
When I am a fool, he ignores it.
When I succeed, he brags.
Without him, I am only another person. ,With him, I am all-powerful.
He is loyalty itself., He has taught me the meaning of devotion.
With him, I know a secret comfort and a private peace.
He has brought me understanding where before I was ignorant.
His head on my knee can heal my human hurts.
His presence by my side is protection against, my fears of dark and unknown things.
He has promised to wait for me…, whenever…wherever–in case I need him.
And I expect I will–as I always have.
He is just my dog.
(Author Gene Hill…)
Hope all is well in your part of the universe and until we meet again…
May love and laughter light your days,
and warm your heart and home.
May good and faithful friends be yours,
wherever you may roam.
May peace and plenty bless your world
with joy that long endures.
May all life’s passing seasons
bring the best to you and yours!
(Irish Saying)
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Perfectly said. Brings tears to my eyes ♥️
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I know a family who sadly lost one of their family members. They bought their children an emotional support dog and it’s worked wonders in their life. I’ve seen what you’re talking about up close and it’s definitely true 👍🏾
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Pets teach us new ways to love each other 💕
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I have 7 cats. They help me cope with life a lot. Hope everybody’s pets help them cope with life, too
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7 cats must be fun 😻
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My parents mainly look after them. I occasionally help my parents look after the cats
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lucky kitties!
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Absolutely. My cat buddy Dickens is my writing muse.
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Sweet!
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Absolutely agree—I couldn’t be without either a dog or cat or both! I always feel so much better when they’re around!
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yes! they’re so welcoming, even if you just go out for a few minutes 🙂
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