Celebrate National Pet Day – It’s Good for Your Health
Follow and join the conversation with #NationalPetDay.
April 11th is National Pet Day (@NationalPetDay), a time to highlight the unconditional love pets bring to our lives and to create public awareness about the plight of many different kinds of animals awaiting a forever home in shelters and rescues all around the globe. The day was founded in 2006 by Pet & Family Lifestyle Expert, Animal Welfare Advocate Colleen Paige and is celebrated by pet lovers and advocates nation wide. Those of us who own a pet or two know just how special the relationship can be and if we’re honest we realize it’s probably more take than give. And as we’ve come to realize over the years animals have much more to give than simple companionship.
How Owning a Dog or Cat Can Reduce Stress
Studies have shown over and over that owning a pet can have positive effects on your mood, stress levels and even blood pressure. As long as you like animals and are not too busy to care for a pet, the decision is a no brainer. It is virtually impossible to feel angry or lonely when you walk through your door at the end of a long day and Fido bounds to greet you!
Positive Effects Of Pets In The Workplace
While it is generally known and accepted that pets can improve your private life there is also evidence that pets at the office can also be a positive thing. As mentioned above, pets can help manage stress and a lower stressed office is a happier one. A happier office means healthier employees and more productivity. So whether it means adopting an office mascot or simply designating one day a week as bring your pets to work day, tell your boss it’s time to bring in some furry friends.
Our #officedog Bernie on the way to work, thinking deeply about life.#motivationalmonday #nationalpetday pic.twitter.com/MEl4DhdsSv
— Physician Jobs (@PhysEmp) April 10, 2017
Pets Help People Manage the Pain of Serious Mental Illness
Often times our government and our insurance companies offer little or no help when it comes to people with mental illness. Fortunately, NPR Health News (@NPRHealth) tells us, some of those who are left to manage their own illnesses have found some comfort and relief through owning a pet. While friends and family may disappear when the going gets tough, pets stand by their owners no matter how dark the days get.
Therapy Dogs International
Therapy Dogs International (@TherapyDogsInt) has known since 1976 of the positive and healing effects dogs have on people who are lonely, disabled, shunned or dealing with tragic events. TDI dogs volunteer in all 50 states and some in Canada. They visit residents in Assisted Living Communities and Nursing Homes, listen to children read stories to them at libraries, visit Shelters, bring smiles to children in hospitals, and even bring a moment of relief to those dealing with disaster or attending a funeral. They go where they are needed and bring with them no judgement, only love.
#Activevisitingtherapydogs#TDIassistedlivingvisits
Members of our Chapter brought smiles and happiness to an assisted living facility. pic.twitter.com/QOAhdnOIcR
— Therapy Dogs Int TDI (@TherapyDogsInt) April 5, 2017
