Two years ago, we lost our beloved eleven-year-old Shih Tzu, Winston.
Devastation? That minimizes it, but we did the best we could under the circumstances. For six weeks, the animal hospital became a revolving door. Winston suffered some kind of back injury. A stroke? Cancer? An obscure disease? We never knew, but more than one $$$$ later, we let him go. The second of our four pooches who departed too soon.
His brother Churchill, fourteen in February, continues to do well for a senior canine. Winston dazzled in personality and looks, but we adore Churchill and do what we can around his less than twenty-twenty vision and hearing loss. His regal presence may be past its bloom, but in our eyes, he remains glorious.
Do I sound like a dog lover? Rhetorical question. And canine and feline lovers, you understand. We know the inevitable as it must be. These beloved creatures leave this earthly life before it’s our time.
Who else would love them in the same way as us?
OK, I concede. Another animal lover might, but for most, we are the primary honeys of our four-legged pals.
I’ve written on dogs in the past, but not surprising to individuals inclined to canine attachments that recent research reveals the benefits derived from canine companionship.
The November 11-12 weekend edition of the Wall Street Journal published an article about the influence of dogs on our health. The photo alone makes you paw for their attention as you gaze at the seven basset hounds staring back.
In the essay, social psychologist Bruce Headey surveyed Australian dog-owners, and after gathering information, he deduced these individuals sleep better and have fewer visits to their physicians compared to non-dog-owners.
Also, these partners-with-dogs take less heart medication.
How about other issues?
According to the article, much research contrary to past beliefs reveals that dog ownership reduces the propensity for allergies and asthma, especially for young children around pooches.
And many studies across age groups reveal that heart rate, blood pressure, and stress levels decrease with a canine friend in their life.
Beyond the article, we know that dogs help with PTSD. Think about all of our wounded vets who benefit from their dog pals. I remember hearing somewhere on a television program about a Military Vet who wanted to take his life, but his dog’s presence prevented him from carrying out this irrevocable act. The K9 Warrior Dog organization provides canine companions to our valiant servicemen and women to ward off such hopelessness.
These amazing creatures also search through the rubble to help locate survivors of storms and other disasters. The National Search Dog Foundation partners with firefighters and first responders to save lives. The olfactory bulbs of dogs are out of human reach. I say, thank God, but also thank God, that our pooches’ three hundred million olfactory receptors extend beyond the imagination.
So many people and organizations who recognize the benefits of dogs. I’ll mention two, Best Friends and Old Friends Senior Dog Sanctuary.
I can’t imagine life without a dog. My husband agrees. Our love fest with them has no bounds.
Winston sparkles forever, and even though he went over the rainbow bridge too soon, I hope he’s having the time of his canine life in heaven’s realm. For those who believe, reunification will happen. Just not too soon.
I invite you to share your thoughts about your loyal chum.
