“I Can’t Be Depressed. My pet dog Wouldn’t enable It!”

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This week at work, I was interviewing a woman in her 70’s who had some severe pain problems as well as physical limitations. since people with chronic pain commonly have problems with their mood, I asked if she was having problems with depression. Without a pause she answered, “I have a golden Retriever.” After my preliminary look of confusion, she added, “I can’t be depressed. My golden wouldn’t enable it!” She then went on to describe exactly how lots of everyday activities are a struggle for her, however when she sees her eager, smiling golden Retriever wagging his tail in anticipation of snuggles, walks, or play time, she turns her focus to her terrific pet dog as well as forges ahead.

Having a pet dog in your life can be a excellent motivator to stick with healthy way of life behaviors as well as working hard, even when life is tough. In The Power of Wagging Tails, we share the story of an 80-year-old woman nicknamed Rosebud, who’d made a decision living life with congestive heart failure just wasn’t worth it anymore:

“Rosebud was prepared to die. She stopped leaving her house. She stopped cleaning the house. She stopped paying her taxes. She was just waiting on death to come for her—that is, up until a Spaniel mix from the pound named Roy entered her life.

“Roy was a wonderful dog, as well as the modification that came over Rosebud was nearly immediate. She may not have wanted to get up in the morning, get breakfast, as well as go out for a walk—but she had to, for Roy. They began a everyday walking program together as well as Rosebud dusted off her knitting needles so she might make sweaters for Roy to keep him warm in the cooler weather. It was amazing. This little pet dog brought indicating to Rosebud’s life—he gave her a reason to live.”—Excerpted from Marcus DA. The Power of Wagging Tails, Demos publishing 2011, pages 169-170.

Under Roy’s care, Rosebud lived to be over 100 years old. That’s one powerful wagging tail!

Medical research study proves that pet owners are happier, healthier, as well as online longer. Don’t underestimate the power of your dog’s wagging tail. What pitfalls have you avoided in your life—getting stuck in a rut, skipping exercise, not letting rage go—because of your dog? Isn’t it excellent when our dogs won’t “allow us” to do these things?!

health and wellness benefits of Pets