Emotional Benefits of Owning a Pet

Many are aware of the physical and medical benefits of owning a pet, such as a reduction in blood pressure and cholesterol, fewer visits to the doctor, even an increase in physical activity and exercise. But what you may not know is that pets can also improve our emotional and mental well-being; reduce anxiety levels, fight depression, enhance family life and childhood development. In fact, a growing body of published scientific research shows that having an animal companion-cats and dogs in particular- improves physical and emotional well-being.

Anyone who has ever cared for an animal companion understands their role in our overall health as they offer unconditional love and attention, they make us laugh, relax us and divert us from daily concerns and stressors. Research has documented many psychological benefits of pet ownership. The first advantage is the reduction in loneliness, not only because they provide companionship, but they also often persuade human contact, interaction and socialization. This happens in various capacities for instance taking your dog to the park, frequenting pet stores and numerous veterinarian appointments. In addition, studies prove positive effects from Therapy Dog Programs within hospital settings or nursing homes which are credited with enabling patients to reach out beyond their own pain and isolation and start caring about the world around them again. All of these amazing and positive impacts on critically ill or depressed patients are simply from the presence or touch of a pet, even from an effortless wag of a tail.

It is proven that owning a pet also fights against depression and helps us cope with stress. Research shows that a pet can serve as an anti-depressant, increasing the release of endorphins and other hormones tied to pleasure receptors in the brain. A study of breast cancer patients conducted at the University of Warwick in England found that pets can provide valuable support for women coping with cancer. Researchers found that in addition to tactile comfort, pets provided a relationship that was unaffected by the presence of the serious illness. Psychological studies have also found that most pet owners view their pets as family members and enhance the quality of life and minimize tension within the family unit. One survey of U.S.Families found that pets were of great importance during personal or family illness, death of friends and family members and even family crisis.

Most recently, research has linked family ownership of a pet with high self esteem among young children and teen-agers, especially in cognitive development. In addition, children with pets at home score significantly higher on empathy and prosocial skills such as speech, writing and poetry than non-pet owners. These studies only scratched the surface of the growing body of scientific research that has been conducted about the beneficial effects animals have on our physical, emotional and mental well-being to both adults and children. Man’s “best friend” has sure proven his loyalty and devotion to the human race in unperceived ways never thought possible.

Meet the Pets in my Life~

I have always had a special connection with animals of all shapes and sizes, people often laugh when they hear I taught my grouchy old Maine Coon cat of 13 years a new trick, or my big Oscar fish, Bob, who will often appear to be shaking his head yes or no when asked random questions and also gives big fish kisses. When I was a teen ager, I trained my amazing white pony to bob for apples, drink Pepsi from the bottle and lay down in his stall allowing me to "cuddle" and nap with him for hours. I even taught our pair of lovebirds to yawn on command, but what I am most proud of in my thirty years of experience with animals is some of the dogs I owned in the past. For instance when I was young I taught my Blue Tick Coon Hound, Ashes, to jump like an equestrian pony over decorated obstacles in stride countless times, or my Dalmatian, Kila, who would do all ten of her notorious tricks for one simple treat. All I had to say was “ready for a treat” and she would sit up, shake both paws, roll over each way and speak while hopping in a circle ending with a bow and a prayer. These talented dogs truly let me into their world by displaying unconditional love, patience and a relentless desiree to learn and please.


Currently, I am the proud mother of a 4 years old Pomeranian named, Foxy who has endless talents such as dancing, praying, sneezing, yawning, begging, waving hi, counting and she says thank you and I love you -just to name a few. In addition, she is a Registered Therapy Dog and loves her job, we volunteer twice a month at the local hospital sharing smiles and encouragement along the way. Foxy has traveled to many places and her favorite past time is going shopping, boating, running on the beach and getting her hair and nails done-yes I said hair and nails-I am serious she loves to go to the groomer and they actually paint her nails.



Most recently Foxy inherited a new little brother named Dudley, a chocolate brown and white Chihuahua mix puppy who is almost 4 months old. He is already potty trained and super smart-learning sit, down, crawl, high five, hip hop dancing and circles in the first two weeks. I can tell he has tons of potential and will hopefully have the temperament to become a wonderful therapy dog too. Foxy and Dudley have become quite the pair sharing in hours of wrestling, tug of war, chase, walks at the park, cuddles and car rides. I am very pleased with the choices we have made to fit the needs of our family and I am happy to be able to share these personal stories with you~

Your Pet is Out There!!

My love for our four-legged furry friends is what gave me the inspiration to finally pursue something that I have intuitively desired since I was just a child. I was sitting on a horse at two weeks old, owned my own Kentucky Blue Tick Coon Hound by age four and have always adopted any creature I could, such as a squirrel, rabbits, cats, fish, love birds, horses and a wide array of amazing dogs-whom all have impacted my life greatly! The reason I am exploring a new avenue with animals is because my hope is to make just a small difference in this crazy world we live in by matchmaking pets of all types with the perfect family. One of the main reasons animals get surrendered is because people are not informed or educated on specific breeds and their requirements. Ultimately, they purchase the wrong pet on impulse and fall in love with a furry disaster, this method only leads to a frustrated family and pet-potentially for many years to follow.

I am confident the perfect pet for you is out there somewhere, whether he or she is sitting at the humane society, a rescue organization, a foster home, or a reputable breeder waiting to be born-specially for you! My intention is to assist and guide you in the right direction, taking the guesswork out of selecting the most compatible pet for you and your family. I will do this by utilizing my vast knowledge of numerous breeds all while assessing your personality, lifestyle, living arrangement and the results of your pet-personality quiz. In addition, other services offered will help ease the transition into your home such as puppy proofing, personalized training packages, behavioral consultations and an extensive referral directory to local veterinarians, dog shops, beaches etc. Also, keep an eye out for the pet of the month coming soon~