A study out of the University of Brighton looked at the ways having a DOG can positively impact your life. And even though the study focused specifically on dogs, a lot of these things can apply to pets in general . . .
1. Structure and routine. Like getting up in the morning to feed them, or going on walks that you might otherwise let slide if your dog wasn’t depending on them.
2. Companionship. Having a dog by your side can ward off feelings of loneliness. And some people even use their pets as sounding boards, or to spill secrets they don’t trust anyone else with.
3. Mood boost. A lot of dog owners say they feel joy from interacting with their dog. Some say they get happier just by LOOKING at their dog, it doesn’t even have to be DOING anything.
4. Connection. Dogs can help you meet and connect with other humans too, like on your daily walks or at the dog park. It’s an easy icebreaker.
(Psychology Today / University of Brighton)
