Image via Scot-PetshopA few summers back, my daughter and I volunteered at our local Humane Society. During our volunteer training, a long-time volunteer spoke to the group about the joys of volunteering. She loved cuddling with the kittens, but her favorite part of the experience was visiting with the dogs and talking them on daily walks. After she left the room the Volunteer Coordinator who was facilitating the training told us that the woman who had just left the room was too humble to mention a pretty impressive detail. She had lost 75 lbs since she had started volunteering. The only change in her lifestyle was that she was spending time 6 days a week walking the dogs at the shelter. Isn't that amazing?
I could relate well to that story. You see, 6 years ago I lost 10 lbs over the summer by taking my dog Murphy on several daily walks. We had just moved into our newly built home and without a fence to contain his majesty, we were forced to take him for potty breaks. (We tried walking him in the backyard, but stubborn little guy that he is, he refused to take care of business.)
Dogs, just like humans, need regular exercise to maintain good health. Larger breeds make great running partners. Even small dogs can walk a mile without rest. A 15 minute walk in the morning and a second 15 minutes after dinner is all it takes to keep your furry friend in good shape while you reap the benefits as well.
Not only are dogs beneficial to your physical health, studies show that pets of all varieties are good for our emotional well-being. According to a study conducted at Missouri Western State University, the simple act of petting a dog was shown to lower blood pressure. The study further noted that pet owners tend to suffer from loneliness far less than those who don't own pets. In addition, pet owners tend to seek medical treatment less often and are less likely to suffer from depression.
If you can't afford to own a pet, you can still reap the same health benefits that pet owners enjoy. Consider volunteering at your local animal shelter. Volunteers are greatly needed to care for the animals. In addition, there are pet therapy programs that could use your help. These groups bring animals to visit with patients at nursing homes, Hospice facilities and hospitals. Spending time with animals provides patients with a break in their daily routine of medical treatment.
Notice that he couldn't sit still for this picture.
I could relate well to that story. You see, 6 years ago I lost 10 lbs over the summer by taking my dog Murphy on several daily walks. We had just moved into our newly built home and without a fence to contain his majesty, we were forced to take him for potty breaks. (We tried walking him in the backyard, but stubborn little guy that he is, he refused to take care of business.)
Dogs, just like humans, need regular exercise to maintain good health. Larger breeds make great running partners. Even small dogs can walk a mile without rest. A 15 minute walk in the morning and a second 15 minutes after dinner is all it takes to keep your furry friend in good shape while you reap the benefits as well.
Not only are dogs beneficial to your physical health, studies show that pets of all varieties are good for our emotional well-being. According to a study conducted at Missouri Western State University, the simple act of petting a dog was shown to lower blood pressure. The study further noted that pet owners tend to suffer from loneliness far less than those who don't own pets. In addition, pet owners tend to seek medical treatment less often and are less likely to suffer from depression.
If this doesn't make you want to run out and get a kitten or puppy, nothing will!
If you can't afford to own a pet, you can still reap the same health benefits that pet owners enjoy. Consider volunteering at your local animal shelter. Volunteers are greatly needed to care for the animals. In addition, there are pet therapy programs that could use your help. These groups bring animals to visit with patients at nursing homes, Hospice facilities and hospitals. Spending time with animals provides patients with a break in their daily routine of medical treatment.
My little pug Murphy, AKA Tiny Terrorist, still behaves like a puppy at almost 9 years old and loves his daily walks. When we get the lease out he does what we refer to as "the spin of excitement".
Notice that he couldn't sit still for this picture.
Do you own a pet? Has pet ownership produced any positive benefits?
I used to hate dogs and only think they were good for eating. But, recently, I've found that dogs are actually kind of cool. I've heard that if you own an animal you are more likely to be more active, and I can see why.
ReplyDeleteWe also used to walk dogs with our teen at the animal shelter. I don't think we moved fast enough to burn many calories! Our dog, who died a year ago, would love to have gone out more often and I am sad to say we did not take her walking regularly and should have. Ironically, we took her for a walk the day she died.
ReplyDeleteWhat a cute doggie!!!!!!!!!!!!! I don't own any pets as we lease & can't have them but had more than you could count as a kid! :-)
ReplyDeleteI agree though, great way to get out & just move!
I wish I could get my cat on a leash and take him for a walk around my neighborhood!
ReplyDeleteI used to run or bike with my dog all the time! He was a fun companion to have along! Now I have a cat. She is pretty special, but not nearly so good for a running companion :-)
ReplyDeleteI have two cats that I love dearly. They do try to help me work out but it usually involves them getting tangled up in my feet. I wish I could volunteer at a shelter but I'm not sure my heart could take it. :(
ReplyDeleteGreat picture Karen! We rescued our beagle/hound mix from the shelter about a year ago and I've steadily walked him since and I think it's very helpful and beneficial to getting me active! I've been working on getting him to run with me, but he's unsure... :)
ReplyDeleteAs an animal lover who would never considering purchasing one from a breeder or pet store (rescues and strays only, please!), I have to say I just LOVE your post today!!!
ReplyDeleteSomeone dumped a miniature pinscher near my house a few months ago, and I ended up keeping her. She's a lot of fun to walk, even though she is not friendly at all -- with people OR other dogs.
But that little 10-pound wonder will go 3 full miles with me without stopping. I don't take her on my jogs or 8-mile power walks, but I take her on more leisurely, shorter walks for a little extra oomph to my calorie burn on weekends when the weather cooperates. She'd probably go farther, but 3 is pretty much my limit and she won't drink from the fountains at the park, so I don't want her to get dehydrated.
Great post! I actually thought about getting a dog in the future when I saw Drea from the Biggest Loser speak about how she and her dog go for runs. I can't afford it now, nor do I have the time, but definitely something I will consider for the future. Built in exercise buddy!
ReplyDeletei had a dog growing up and she was a wonderful friend for 15 years. it was heartbreaking when we had to put her to sleep.
ReplyDeletei have since become allergic to cats and dogs, but my parents, who live out of state, have a cat and can't imagine their lives without one. they think of it as their child.
I have a 3-legged Chihuahua named Stroodle. Even a 3-legged Chihuahua can run a mile -- and he does. I also have a pug, much less active than yours. She refuses to walk -- literally. It drives me crazy but, there is no exercise in her life at all. She doesn't know what she's missing :-)
ReplyDeleteNo pets here but that does not stop me from going for a walk at least 6 days a week!
ReplyDeleteOh great ! Now I only feel more guilty for not letting my kids get a dog! :) Pets are great, just not for me.
ReplyDeleteI'd like a dog but am not around enough for one. I make do with 2 cats :-)
ReplyDeleteTo me, there's no end to the benefits of having dogs. Not only do they motivate you to get off the couch and exercise, but they keep you safe on jogs and walks. I am convinced I never had any mishaps running at night and early in the morning in Boston and Seattle because Shelby was with me. I would hate to see what she night have done to someone who tried to harm me!
ReplyDeleteBut safety and exercise are the tips of the iceberg. Dogs keep you company and provide mounds of love every moment of the day! They coined the term unconditional love.
When I run the run is usually slow and sometimes really tough...but when I walk with my dogs...I tend to smile more and before I know it, I am back home in a good mood. This post is so true!
ReplyDeleteI keep telling my husband we need to start taking our dog for walks every day but he isn't much of a walker. He's a runner...so I say, get up and take her with you. She'll run! I'm going to have to start taking her out for at least 15 minutes.
ReplyDeleteKaren, we couldn't live without our dog, Desi, a lhasa apso bichon mix, who can be annoying as heck but is also simply lovable. Now that spring is here I have no excuse not to take him on walks (he'd prefer hourly walks, if I'd go for it, LOL) and if I just spell the word, he knows what I'm talking about. Pets are so good for us in so many ways!
ReplyDeleteaww, I love dogs! I can't wait until Nick and I can afford one. Clearly we are not ready yet, with the new house and a ton of random and unpredictable expenses, but in the next year we plan on getting one. Many times I come home and Nick isn't here and I know a dog would put a smile on my face. Whenever Nick and I watch his mom's dogs we always walk more, and I'm sure we would walk a lot more with our own dog!!
ReplyDeleteGina wrote: Many times I come home and Nick isn't here and I know a dog would put a smile on my face.
ReplyDeleteYou are so right, Gina. Dogs are great company - for one thing, they never argue with you like a husband or a kid, LOL. My dog is my biggest fan . . . (yea, I'm pitiful)