You'll just have bear with me. I'm in the midst of puppy infatuation.
Oscar is my beautiful little black cocker spaniel puppy. Yes, he's leaving puddles around the house but he makes up for it in totally cuteness.
One thing I've noticed is....that suddenly I'm finding time to have a long lunch hour so I can play and have some fun with him. I feel delighted every time I walk over my threshold to be greeted by this lovely little wagging mass of puppy.
So far, having a dog is making me feel happy, loved-up and less stressed about everything.
What I didn't know was that owning a dog is medically proven to improve your mental health.
Dr. James H.S. Bossart of the University of Pennsylvania, after several years of study, found owning a dog plays an important part in maintaining mental health. You benefit from walking the dog (exercise, fresh air), teaching him tricks (hobby, relaxation), having a constant companion (avoid loneliness), having a scapegoat for your moods (emotional safety valve) and enjoying the feeling of being loved (love and reassurance).
Not that I needed a doctor to tell me that. I'm in love with my new puppy and he loves me! Of all the things that I have tried on finding inner peace - this is definitely the most fun.
Think you're quite right Suzi. I have always had dogs and have had a deep personal relationship with all of them. They keep me sane and I find are much easier to deal with than people.
Perhaps that is not how it should be, but it is how I feel. Love to your new puppy.
Posted by: Yvonne | Monday, 21 April 2008 at 09:22 AM
I completely agree! there's something completely unconditional about the love somehow. and that makes me very happy.
Posted by: Suzy Greaves | Monday, 21 April 2008 at 12:38 PM