Be Merry & Paw-sitive

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     While the economy may not have us so cheerful - dogs always help us to remember to be happy! It's been proven petting a dog can relieve stress - so now is the best time to bring a dog into your home. Give yourself the perfect present that will have you a better person for others ?and that truly is the best gift for everyone in your life.

Now, even though the pet industry has more than doubled in ten years, reaching more than 43 billion dollars in sales -- don抰 worry ?you don抰 have to spend a fortune. First, look to your area shelter to adopt and lift your spirits as well as be the hero to a dog.

How does a dog lift your spirits? Laughing and playing with your dog can lead to: reduced risk of heart disease, decreased stress, lower blood pressure, a boosted immune system, a natural painkiller for your system, massaging of your abdominal organs, a natural anti-depressant, and reduced blood sugar levels which will help keep diabetes at bay. We may want to ask ourselves what抯 stopping us from gaining all these benefits right now? Start bringing in the laughs and play ?even if it feels stilted at first.

And, the best benefit (I think) is that laughing can actually make you look younger and that抯 reason enough to do it more! While laughing, your facial muscles are working out, which increases the blood flow around your face.

So back to the dog itself that抯 going to bring you stress relief. It happens in a circuitous manner with your first mate drooling at the bit to help. Here抯 the key - don抰 think pet and owner; don抰 think master and beast; don抰 think pack leader and follower ?in this instance, think friend and partner; think counselor and co-conspirator. This will start you off in a new direction by improving all your relationships. Remember, this is not just about slowing down and communicating with your dog; it抯 about learning how your dog communicates, and seeing the world through your dog抯 eyes to help you have better relationships with human beings ?the people we love, cherish and want to understand better in our lives.

Stress Relief To Do List:

1. Adopt a dog ?Be a hero!
2. Participate in dog training classes, agility, Reiki, dog therapy, T-touch ?A great way to learn something for you and your dog while meeting others.
3. Talk with your dog ?Dogs don抰 judge what you say and they won抰 throw it back in your lap later.
4. Walk with your dog ?Dogs need about 30 minutes of exercise everyday and so do you!
5. Socialize with your dog ?Dogs are the perfect ice-breaker and take part in social communities to make more connections with dog lovers world-wide.

All the above items bring relief to one抯 physical, mental, and emotional well being ?more than going to the gym three times a week. With a dog you gain the benefits of a workout, the results of a shrink, and the social activities to put that spark back in your life. Just ask Bruce Goldstein, author of Puppy Chow is Better than Prozac. He claims getting a dog saved him from the black hole of depression.

To think that dogs can comprehend so many of the complexities of human emotions without 搒peaking our language?Dogs 搑ead?our emotions, our tears and fears, our anger and our hurt through our body language.

Perhaps that explains why so many women feel completely comfortable bringing their dogs into social situations they might not otherwise be comfortable in alone. I met Wendy and her dog at a Leashes and Lovers event. I asked her, 揇id you come by yourself??揑 did,?confessed Wendy. I inquired, 揥ould it have been difficult for you without your dog by your side??Wendy agreed. 揥hen I have my dog, it makes it much easier for me匞uys want to talk to you, and girls want to know where you got your dog抯 sweater厰 And, with her dog by her side, she can hear 揵ehind the words?for the truth into others?intentions.