Here we are—the last day of A Canine Christmas Countdown. Tomorrow it officially releases, and for a limited time, you can still get the ebook version for only $2.99.
If you’ve been following along all week, you know this has been a total dog-fest. In case you’re not sold on dog ownership (that’s where the dog owns you, not the other way around), read further for a little more incentive. And if you already have a canine companion, you might be surprised to learn how much Fido does for you physically, emotionally, and socially.
Most of us remember feeling as if we were under house arrest during the Covid pandemic. I would hazard a guess that those who had dogs living indoors with them fared better than those who did not. It’s a statistical fact that dogs make us feel less alone. They offer unconditional love, emotional support, and lots of cuddles that help relieve the stress of social isolation.
Have you noticed lately that there has been a rise in the number of therapy dogs? I notice this especially at the airport. I don’t know if it’s because there are more people in need of emotional support or if it’s been proven so successful that it’s gained in popularity. Either way, I haven’t yet seen a therapy cat.
Another benefit of owning a dog is they can make you more physically active. They force us to get up and move, even when we don’t feel much like it. Dog owners are nearly four times more likely than non-dog owners to meet their physical activity guidelines. For those of us who like to count our steps (and I have to confess I’m one of them), that’s a true benefit.
Whenever my husband and I visited his parents at their retirement community, we met multiple elderly people out walking their dogs. If not for their furry friends, more likely than not, they would’ve spent that time vegging in front of the television or engaged in some other non-physical activity. And we all know that if you don’t use it, you lose it.
Did you know that dogs make us more social? Believe it or not, researchers have found that about 40% of dog owners have an easier time making friends. I can tell you from experience, whenever my husband and I are traveling somewhere, we’re more likely approach people with dogs because we have a common connection.
Here’s one that might motivate those of you are looking for a significant other. Dogs make you more attractive. Studies published with the AKC show men were more likely to get a woman’s phone number when they had a dog with them. Not only that, but among the single people in America, 63% are drawn to dating app profiles that include a dog. What does that tell you about how many dog lovers we have in this country?
Here is another one—petting dogs can increase levels of the antibody immunoglobulin A, which prevents infection in your gastrointestinal, respiratory, and urinary tracts.
So, what about our kiddos? Studies show that Growing up around dogs can boost children’s health by preventing colds and ear infections in babies, as well as the early development of pet allergies and asthma. Not only that, but kids who grow up around canines often demonstrate a higher level of empathy than those who don’t.
This last one plays right into my book A Canine Christmas. Main character Amelia is motivated to get her niece a dog to help her overcome her shyness. Studies show that exposure to dogs can aid social interaction among children with autism and other developmental conditions.
I suppose there is a reason for the saying—Dog is man’s best friend. I didn’t grow up with dogs. We had five kids in our family, so I suppose my parents thought that was enough chaos for one household. When my kids were little, we had big, outdoor dogs. It wasn’t until I rescued my dog Einstein from a pet store that I knew what it truly felt like to have a canine companion.
The only problem with dogs is that they don’t live long enough.
Don’t forget to comment below for a chance to win a $25 Amazon Gift Card. What benefits have you experienced from having pets? If you missed Monday’s, Tuesday’s, Wednesday’s, Thursday’s, Friday’s, or Saturday’s posts, be sure to visit and comment for more chances to win the Amazon Gift Card.
