A Dog is the Best Medicine

March 14, 2011, 2:18 am : + 38

It’s been proven in multiple studies that owning a dog has many health benefits in regards to both physical and mental aspects of the owner’s life. The benefits include lowering blood pressure and stress while increasing happiness plus the act of exercising the fur-kid decreases cholesterol, the risk of heart disease and other cardio ailments. Also, it’s been verified that humans recover quicker from serious injuries and illnesses when a dog is part of the household and I truly believe I’m walking prove of the studies. With Erin in my life, there were very few health issues over the span of nearly 12 years and if something did arise, the presence of my beloved friend helped me recover in no time but things have changed for the worse.

There has been a significant decline in my well-being since Erin’s departure with 4 trips to the emergency room, numerous cat scans, a MRI and an upcoming surgery as proof of this. Maybe it’s a coincidence that these ailments have overwhelmed me after her passing but it’s doubtful as I truly believe in the healing therapeutic powers of having a loving animal in the household. An active dog at my side ensured constant movement which kept the mind and body in motion but now a sedentary existence has washed over me and it seems my body is saying “If you aren’t going to use, then I’m going to break down.” In addition, there is the deterioration in my mental status which is mainly due to the grief and depression of losing my beloved angel, it’s a loss which I believe I’ll never completely get over but life gets easier as time goes by.

There is little doubt that my life with Erin was much better than my so-called life now. Owning a dog stimulated me physically, mentally, spiritually, and socially while improving every area of my life hence the reverse upon her passing; presently there is not a part of my life that I’m satisfied with. Yes, the studies are correct as I reflect upon my life before, during, and after Erin; the years with her were the happiest and the period when I had the least physical and mental issues. A dog is one of life’s great pleasures, they bring love and happiness to their owners and are a major benefit health-wise and one day in the future I’ll acquire another but til then I’ll plan on more health woes.

“No animal I know of can consistently be more of a friend and companion than a dog.”~ Stanley Leinwoll

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