A dog is said to be a (wo)man’s best friend! Let’s see why:
1. Dogs teach us how to be mindful
When dogs get hypnotised by small pieces of treats or just roll over in the grass for the fun of it, they are teaching us a valuable lesson – how to be in the present and enjoy it for what it is! Dogs have a natural ability to open up to all kinds of senses – sights, sounds, taste, smell – and view them with genuine curiosity. Try and take a cue from your dog – just take in a few deep breaths and bring your attention to all the sensations in your body. Savour what is happening around you. Then thank your dog for setting up a good example. Happy Ho organizes best Meditation and Tarot classes in Noida and Delhi NCR area in India.
2. Dogs take us one step closer to nature
As pet parents, we ought to take our dogs for a walk or a hike or a swim because at the end of the day, our love for them overrides our love for being a couch potato. And thanks to these leash pullers, we are spending more time outside, taking in the greenery and the fresh air.
3. Dogs teach us how to be emotionally sensitive
Since dogs share an environment with us, over time they become attuned to our emotions. This ability, known as emotional contagion – the spread of feelings between animals and people – is gaining traction in the field of science. Recent findings from the University of Vienna suggest that dogs can sense emotions and even differentiate between good and bad ones.
And probably this is why when we cry, our dogs lick our tears or open the door to reach out to us. They offer the best consolation one can possibly offer – the silent one.
4. Dogs bring us a sense of stability or normalcy
No matter how rough or smooth our day goes, we know that when we’ll pull out a treat and ask our dogs to lick us, they surely will or when we’ll approach our doorstep, they’ll come running towards us! As much as we detest monotony in our lives as humans, this very monotony transforms into a comforting constant when we have a dog. Our dogs don’t understand the turmoils of our day to day lives and most of the times, it helps them be the way they are towards us, for all the time to come.
5. Dogs encourage us to socialise
While taking them out for a walk, our dogs might stop and pull the leash in the direction of another dog or better yet, straight off run to that dog. This, in a way, might encourage us to not only socialise our pet with other pets but also interact with the human on the end of the other leash.
6. Dogs help with loneliness and depression
The calming presence and the social bond that pets bring can be very powerful. Animals give something to focus on instead of the negative thoughts a depressed or lonely person is prone to have. When a pet pays attention to you, they’re giving you unconditional love and acceptance.
Seems like maybe it’s time to welcome a furry friend into your family!
