Let me introduce you to Teddy. He was my Covid puppy. I found him through Facebook in March of 2020. He’s half English Cream Golden Retriever and half American Golden Retriever. He’s one hundred percent clown. Although he’s calm and gentle, he adores attention and will go to any lengths to get it, often pawing at you or grumbling when you think you’re done petting him. Like many Goldens, he likes to have something in his mouth when he’s excited. He usually greets me with a pillow or blanket when I get home from work, wagging his tail and nudging up against me until I acknowledge him.
I am blessed to be able to bring Teddy to work with me. He passed the Canine Good Citizen Test a few years ago and is a Certified Pet Therapy Dog through our local Humane Society.* He’s adored by our psych patients and staff. Because many of our patients are struggling with depression, some don’t have the energy or will to get out of bed. A visit from Teddy usually has them sitting up and laughing within minutes. He’ll hop on their bed, sniff their room for snacks and sit at their side for a pet or hug. What’s his secret? I think it’s a combination of unconditional love and an antidote for a pet they’re missing from home. He also provides a positive sensory experience. He’s soft and people tend to thrive on touch, especially when they’re feeling down. Teddy’s like a comforting embrace.
He’s attended so many of the groups I run that he considers himself a co-facilitator. He hops up in a chair as soon as we enter the group room. He’s been cried on and squeezed and he loves every minute of it. He’s never had a negative experience with a person he’s met. As a dog owner, it’s gratifying to see your dog approach every human he encounters expecting to be loved.
I often discuss the value of having a pet with our patients. Animals need routine. They have to be fed, let out and walked at specific times during the day. And routine provides humans with a reason for getting out of bed. It helps them shower, sleep and eat at the same time each day - all of which are beneficial to our mental health. Sometimes it’s helpful to get our minds off our own troubles and focus on another living being too.
It’s not just dogs that are helpful. Any pet can be beneficial: cats, horses, rabbits, snakes, spiders, lizards, hamsters, guinea pigs, birds and even rats can be good for us. (I walked into our vet clinic the other day and one of the techs was sitting at the front desk holding a huge rat on her lap, petting it. That wouldn’t be my pet of choice, but to each his own.) They all require care and never judge us based on our worst day, or any day for that matter.
There’s a fascinating article about why humans love pets on The Conversation. The reasons range from our human desire to care for another being, especially one with child-like characteristics such as a high forehead, large eyes and a shortened nose (is there a better description of a puppy?!) to the way our pets usually look happy and carefree. It’s contagious. Our mirror neurons kick in and we start feeling a little more cheerful and laid back ourselves.
What kind of pet do you have and how does it make you feel? Did adopting a pet boost your spirit when you were going through a rough patch? Use the comment section as a brag board and include a photo of your critter. Your love for your pet will be contagious and make all of us feel a bit brighter.
*Thank you to my niece, Claire, and friend, Amy, for all their help and patience training Teddy. We couldn’t have done it without you.
Resources
Coulee Region Humane Society Pet Therapy Program
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I no longer have a pet, but with 6 grand dogs I can borrow one anytime! All of your article is so true!
Awww! Teddy is adorable😊 We have 3 dogs, all adopted from a shelter, all girls, all sweet! Selena, Kayak, and Sophie. Two was enough, but I needed a small dog that I could more easily bring to my mom at Assisted Living. Enter Sophie, a “chug.” Now our dog family is complete! I couldn’t figure out how to attach a photo though.🤷♀️