We are grateful for the immediate joy and unconditional love that comes from sharing our lives with pets. However, did you ever stop and think about the mental health benefits that come from snuggling up to a furry friend?
Pets can reduce stress, anxiety, depression, ease loneliness, and encourage exercise. Getting a hug or playing with a pet can elevate our levels of serotonin and dopamine, which calm and relax us and lower our blood pressure. The companionship of a pet can ease loneliness and certain pets, like dogs, are a great stimulus for healthy exercise which can boost our moods!
Read below to find out how our pets make us laugh, keep us sane, keep us moving and can even be a “marriage counselor”!
Meet Berber and Squeet from Croydon, PA
Heather is the owner of Berber (black and white) and Squeet (tabby). She says, “I’m so grateful for my babies. They are healthy, spirited, and funny. I am grateful I will have them their entire lives. I am grateful to feed them daily and clean up after them (ok, my least favorite part). I will be grateful to care for them in the geriatric years too. I love them and they keep me sane!”
Meet Nala from Furlong, PA
Paula and her husband are the owners of Nala. She shared the following about how Nala is a wonderful marriage counselor!
“I am grateful that our dog makes us laugh. A lot. I am grateful that our dog is such a wonderful watch dog. No one can enter our house unannounced. Having said that, I think it should be against the law for companies to use doorbells in their ads….
I am grateful that our dog is such a wonderful marriage counselor. Instead of directly confronting my husband with my anger, which immediately puts him on the defensive and escalates the disagreement, I can diffuse the situation by using our dog as an intermediary. It often starts off with, “Nala, let me tell you what your father did….” After giving Nala a full explanation of the situation, my husband will often respond, “Nala, tell your mother that I did that because….” And the issue usually ‘gets worked out.’ Nala sits there dutifully listening to each of us and at the end of our counseling session, charges only a scratch behind the ear and a dog treat. When you try to explain things to a “neutral” third party (In truth, Nala loves my husband more), it forces you to organize your thoughts and begin to see both sides.”
Meet Shadow and Lucy from Philadelphia, PA
Glenn and Marigrace’s dog journey started over 20 years ago. They currently are owners of Shadow (5 years old) and Lucy (1 year old) but have had several doggy friends along the way!
Lexus – their Siberian Husky who was fondly called “Houdini” as she could escape any enclosure she was in.
Lane – their Shiba Inu – a perfect companion for Glenn to take along in his truck while working for Snap on Tools
Mercedes/Sadie – another Shiba Inu better known as Piggy who had a persistent personality
Morgan- their first German Shepherd and rescue
Shadow (left) – their second German Shepherd who was a breeding dog
Lucy (right)– their third German Shepherd who is a puppy and was lovingly chosen by Shadow from the puppy litter
Glenn and Marigrace feel they have been blessed with all these wonderful companions. They say, “We only have them for a brief time so make it the best time you can. Everyone needs a friend. Shadow is Glenn’s soulmate. We appreciate her personality, loyalty, and beauty. Also, we are thankful to give her a better life than being a breeding dog. Lucy is such a puppy and is quite attached to Marigrace! At 65 pounds she is full of energy, life, curiosity, and love. We are thankful for Lucy because she inspires us to keep moving!”
Would you like to tell us why you are grateful for your pet? Please email Jill at [email protected] or Jackie at [email protected] to share your story for our blog!
If you are interested in adopting any of our animals, please fill out an application on our website www.lastchanceranch.org.
Posted: December 29, 2021, by Jill Roggio