Don’t Eat Yellow Snow! Increase the Joy! Decrease the Drama! About Companion Pets!
April 11th, 2012 | Author: Kathy Morelli
”Pets respond eagerly to care and attention, offering unconditional love and non-threatening touch…crucial human needs” (Walsh, 2009)
As I walk through the ski village of Squaw Valley, California, well, it sure is hard to feel anything but sheer joy! Lots of smiling people, covered in snow, with sunburned faces.
The Mountain
It is so restorative to get away from the routine of work and school, and not be on a timetable. I am fortunate to be able to enjoy such beauty. The pine trees are timeless. I feel like my skin is permeable, as I soak up the energy of the natural beauty.
You know, I notice there are an awful lot of dogs here. Everyone seems to have a dog, trotting happily next to them. Many aren’t on a leash, but they stay close by, not wandering, obviously used to this set-up. The people and dogs look so happy. A lot of the dogs rub themselves joyfully in the snow. Fun to watch.
There are families here, and the younger kids are also joyfully rolling in the snow, throwing snowballs at each other.
Getting back to the dogs. So what is it about dogs and people? Being a therapist, I can cite research about human-animal bonds, about how comforting therapy dogs are for those with severe mental illness and for those elderly with dementia. There is also research that shows people’s blood pressure lowers when stroking their pets and elderly people who have pets are healthier than those who do not have pets.
Being a dog-owner, I can say from personal experience how much my pets mean to me and what good companions they are. They are always happy to see me and think I am great. I think they are great, too. Of course, I have lots of human relationships, but my pets are unique in their happy personalities and their ability to cheer me up and de-stress me. Dolly & Sammy are my two miniature poodles posing below! So cute and fluffy! And they don’t shed!
Here is a link to Tom & Atticus’ blog
Dogs are great companions! Take a look at the adventures of Tom & Atticus as they hiked the White Mountains, raising money for cancer research!
And check out Kevin Hanrahan’s blog and book about military dogs. He served in Afghanistan and his dogs helped him cope with the horrors of war.
Here is a link to Kevin Hanrahan’s blog
Dolly and Sammy
So, if you are feeling lonely, depressed, anxious, owning a pet has been shown by research to relieve symptoms of depression, reduce stress, provide a source for an unconditional, loving relationship and expand your emotional repertoire.
It’s just another way to enhance your life = Increase Joy, Decrease Drama. Call it self-help, call it a mindbody practice…it’s just another way to put more joy in your life and help manage emotions!
Do you have a companion animal who helps you
navigate emotional ups and downs?
References
Walsh, F. (2009). Human-Animal Bonds II: The Role of Pets in Family Systems and Family Therapy. Family Process, 48(4), 481-499. doi:10.1111/j.1545-5300.2009.01297.x
13 Responses to “Don’t Eat Yellow Snow! Increase the Joy! Decrease the Drama! About Companion Pets!”
The animal that is best at helping me feel better when I am down is my cat. I live in a dog and cat household, so I have lots of choices. The dog is a wonderful companion for outdoor adventures. I have gone all kinds of places that I wouldn’t have gone alone. But when I am sad, I want my cat to curl up with me and purr me back to balance. Any way you slice it, if you have the resources (and the freedom from allergies) to have a pet, I am a huge advocate.
Ann Becker-Schutte recently posted..Sometimes Life Just Hurts–Part II
Hi Ann – Thanks for your reply. I had cats & dogs and horses for a while. My horse passed away. I had him a long time, I miss him alot. We went all of the hills of NJ . Yes I walk alot with my dogs, more than if I didnt have them! I am glad to hear of your multi-pet situation!
Kathy Morelli recently posted..Increase the Joy! Decrease the Drama! With Companion Pets!
Kathy,
Arlington, VA is the same way as Squaw Valley, dogs everywhere. Restaurants have dishes of water outside for people’s dogs when they walk by or if eating out doors.
Now I only have a cat who is a major purrer and brings me joy. My dog was also a source of joy but in a different way. It was wonderful that I could leave for 5 minutes and come back in and she’d act like she hadn’t seen me in a year.
cherry woodburn recently posted..What Does A Taxi Driver Have To Do With Getting What You Want In Life?
Kathy.
I love this post. Thank you for sharing.
I linked to you today about this…
Janet recently posted..My little companions…
Hey Janet! thanks for checking in! love your
cat post!
Kathy Morelli recently posted..Don’t Eat Yellow Snow! Increase the Joy! Decrease the Drama! About Companion Pets!
Pets are lovely! They also increase the level of Oxytocin also called the cuddle hormone, which make you feel good.
Giving and receiving hugs also increase the level.
I heard this in an interview with Marsha Lucas (Neuropsychologist). She wrote the book: “Rewire your brain for love”. She also talks about having pets in the therapy office.
irenesavarese recently posted..What Geese Can Teach Couples About Teamwork
Hi Irene! TY for the info abt increasing oxytocin!
Kathy Morelli recently posted..Don’t Eat Yellow Snow! Increase the Joy! Decrease the Drama! About Companion Pets!
I feel like such a loser Kathy–I live in CA, and for the life of me I can’t figure out where Squaw Valley is…I’m guessing somewhere in the northern part of the state??
Love the topic–I remember Reevah Simon, my “OG” clinical supervisor recommending for me to suggest a pet to a severely depressed client–it make so much sense. These lovely creatures love you unconditionally, and yes, as you said, are always happy to see you!
Dolly and Sammy are adorable, and they don’t shed–OMGawd. Ca$h and Bullet (Siberian huskies) shed so much I could knit a scarf and cardigan every day.
Thanks for the joyful post :).
Linda Esposito recently posted..How One Boy’s Social Anxiety Scored Him a Dog
Hi Linda – Your pets are so cute…I think u posted pics of them at the dog park…
Squaw Valley borders Lake Tahoe, up in northern Ca in the Sierra Nevadas…hmm, there are lots of Ca rez who dont ski…there is just too much sunshine and other things to do! I had a Dalmation, a short hair, but man, she shed so much, so we switched to mini-poos…Will has allergies..k
Kathy Morelli recently posted..Don’t Eat Yellow Snow! Increase the Joy! Decrease the Drama! About Companion Pets!
I used to own a Lab, who was with me since my university days. It just died last year of old age. Although I know the benefit of having a pet, I can’t still dare get another one.
Marcus recently posted..kings island tickets
Hi Marcus- It sounds as if your pet meant alot to you. I’ll bet your old dog wouldn’t mind if you gave a rescue dog a home, and saved a life…
take care, Kathy
Hi Kathy,
You are so right about pets. There was a time some years ago when I was feeling very low about some things, I found myself thinking to myself, “I want a dog. I want a dog.” I followed my unconscious to http://www.petfinder.com and found Max, our miniature schnauzer. Our dog has been a great therapist in our family–providing humor when we can’t and love and appreciation at all times. I so agree that if people aren’t allergic, pets are great.
Thanks,
Carolyn
Hi Carolyn – WOW great personal story! So many people have written in, saying how having a pet has helped fill up an emotional spot for them, and how the decision was really a sort of an intuitive emotional feeling pathway to pet ownership! I love petfinders! Adopt! Make the world a better place!
Kathy Morelli recently posted..Don’t Eat Yellow Snow! Increase the Joy! Decrease the Drama! About Companion Pets!