Forever Companion
Want a loyal companion? Try a dog. Growing up with dogs have been a major part of my life. Humans and dogs together create a special bond which comes in the form of love and companionship. Since I was young, I have always had a furry companion by my side. Dogs are a must in our household because they make my family feel whole. Our dogs to us are just another family member, we talk to them like they are humans. This might sound weird considering dogs cannot talk back, but the way they look at me sometimes it is like they truly do know how I feel. When no one else is there for me to talk to, my furry friends are there.
There are many reasons as to why a person should own a dog. Having a dog can be very beneficial to someone’s life. These benefits are helpful mentally and physically. Dogs have evolved to become “attuned to humans.” Over time, they have learned to interpret our voices and body language. Dogs are loyal friends, they constantly try to figure out how you are feeling. You can tell by the way they look at you with their eyes. When you get home after a long hard day and your dog comes to greet you by the door, their eyes light up with happiness. Dogs do not understand time, when you may be gone for a few hours, or just ten minutes, they are just as excited to see you.The existence of dogs is full of meaning and purpose, they truly are a man’s best friend.
It is a scientific fact that dogs can improve the health of humans. Canine companions can “lower blood pressure.” Dogs are capable of filling hearts full of love, but they are also capable of strengthening it. The lowering of blood pressure, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels can contribute to better the cardiovascular health. Also, with the lowering of all of these components it is more than likely going to lessen the probability of heart attacks a person may have. If an owner does have a heart attack their survival rate is better following the event.
Dogs can help battle illnesses and injuries. There have been dogs “trained to sniff out skin, kidney, bladder and prostate cancer.” There are also service dogs available to those who suffer from alzheimer's, brain injuries, autism, and even arthritis. When an individual has arthritis, their service dog will increase mobility and increase independence within their owner. Statistics show that anyone who owns a dog over the age of 65 make “30 percent fewer visits” to their doctors office. The benefits of a forever companion are endless.
Dogs are also very helpful with anxiety and depression patients. It has been researched that individuals without a dog may suffer from depression more than those with a dog. Dogs can bring self-confidence up for those who are “anxious about going out into the world.” Dogs are only focused on what is happening in the moment, they do not care about what happened yesterday. Dogs will help people look forward to the next day and learn to enjoy the present. Dogs fill the “basic human need” to touch. Furthermore criminals in prison have shown changes in behavior after interacting with dogs. These criminals were experiencing mutual affection for the first time. Hugging or petting a loving animal can calm and soothe an individual when they are stressed or anxious. The petting of an animal releases endorphins in the brain. Endorphins are a chemical that counteract the body’s “reaction to pain.” The companionship of a dog will “ease loneliness,” at the same time they will increase the amount of exercise a person can get. In return to the amount of exercise will bring a boost in the mood.
Recently, I have observed the way my dogs act when one in my home is feeling down. They comfort by laying beside us and just by listening. Dogs are always looking to comfort their owners. I feel as if I can agree to that. During my freshman year summer, my mom and I found a dog on the Humane Society website. Her name was Midnight, and she was a Flat-Coated Retriever. We immediately got into the car and brought our other dog Stella with us. The staff led us outside into a fenced in area. They brought her outside and the moment she laid eyes on me, I knew she was meant to be. Just a few months earlier, we had lost our Lab, Sookie. Midnight reminded me so much of Sookie. She fit right in with our family, and ever since that moment, she has been a piece of our family.
Midnight has been renamed Sawyer. Sawyer to me is my therapy dog. She is always someone there when I need reassurance. Even though her comfort is not in the form of words, her comfort is in the form of her presence. Dogs are beneficial, they seek to comfort their owners. Coming home from a long day at school, I look forward to nothing but snuggling up next to my furry friend. Laying in bed with them breathing heavy, finally feeling comfort after a day of being alone. Receiving wet, sloppy kisses that show love and happiness. All in all, who wouldn’t want a furry companion by their side during the night?