I am fortunate. When I was looking for a dog to adopt for my daughter who was six, I was referred by a friend to a local organization which specialized in golden retrievers. I was certain that a golden would be a great choice for us — I had helped my grandmother save the golden puppy when I was young and have been around enough their temperament to know that they'd be a great choice for our family.
I logged onto the rescue's website and came across an animal that could be a good candidate for rescue — He appeared a little rough and, according to the description, was turned over by a breeder for having been “too small and too ugly to breed.” I'm not sure if the breeder ever really referred to him as such. It was true that he was smaller than an adult Golden (65-70 pounds) however, he was not “ugly” and Pringle never were at the same time in the same zip area.
It's enough to say that Pringle was the perfect dog for me and my daughter. For more than 11 years Pringle was the Best Dog ever. I've told his story here before. Although he's gone for more than three months, he's in my life. I've had a variety of pets throughout my life and have loved all of them But Pringle? He was a special pet.
One of the great things that is wonderful on social media is that it lets us keep track of our acquaintances and friends. With the political discussions off to the side, it's a wonderful way to stay on top of the achievements and milestones. It also keeps us updated on loss. the fact that I'm on Facebook particularly is to see the entire family of pets have been on my pages and crossed across the Rainbow Bridge.
Each time friends share photos and stories of how their beloved dog has brought joy to their lives. My heart always is with them as I understand the pain that anyone else can have, the pain of the loss of a dear and loyal companion.
Pets don't need to be complicated. They may be demanding our attention and require our affection, but in final analysis, all they require is our affection. They don't hold on to unreasonable expectations. They don't engage in mind games. They usually don't have any baggage to carry around. Most of the time, they need a few smudges and noms. In return, they offer us tail wags and purrs, as well as snuggles.
But more than that they're beneficial for us. They assist in healing both mentally and physically. Furthermore they help to reduce stress.
Research has proven that petting a dog can reduce cortisol, a stress hormone and the interaction between dogs and humans actually boosts the levels of the happy hormone Oxytocin (the same one that binds mothers to their children).
In reality, 85 percent of patients with post-traumatic stress disorders who were partnered with dogs for service reported significant improvement in their symptoms, and 40 percent of them were able to lower their dosages, as reported in the results of a recent study.
…they can also reduce blood pressure
The benefits of lowering cortisol and boosting oxytocin of pet sitting also help keep your blood pressure in check. “Petting and holding an animal allows you to appreciate the beauty of nature,” Barron says. Barron. “It's relaxing and transcendental.”
What is more relaxing than touching your pet's soft, fluffy fur or seeing sleeping puppy and watching their happy smile?
As the guardian angel Clarence wrote to George Bailey in his beloved copy of “Tom Sawyer,” no man is unworthy if he has friends. No man (or girl, woman, or boy) who has been blessed by the love and affection of a pet that is loved by many will ever be exactly the same. Actually, I believe that they're angels with furry, four-legged bodies as emissaries from Heaven that are there to tell us that we're never alone…and that we're loved by God.
