Why we all need a furry family member
DOGS HAVE been providing unconditional love and reassurance to their owners for centuries. Research shows that living with pets provides many health benefits too. Pets improve our mood and keep us relaxed and calm; this lowers our blood pressure and lessens anxiety.
Contrary to many people’s belief, if you practise good hygiene and look after your pets responsibly, they will not cause disease and can actually boost your immunity, becoming valued members of the family. Having a dog has the additional benefit of encouraging you to exercise more often (see below).
Therapeutic pets provide comfort and happiness to people with a range of disabilities and emotional needs, including those in nursing homes, rehab facilities, hospices, special needs schools and more.
At the veterinary practice, the list of my patients who have provided love and support for their owners during difficult times, illness and bereavement is endless.
We recently welcomed the most delightful cockerpoo puppy to the clinic, who I’m sure will provide hours of joy to his new family. He also has the specific role of giving a host of therapeutic and emotional benefits to a child in the family who is unwell and uses a wheelchair.
Tony Bernstein, a client of the practice, has greatly benefited from the companionship of a dog named Ollie. His perspective is shared by countless dog owners.
“Both of my boys were always cheeky when they were young, but there was one subtle difference — one is human, called Jamie (now 18 and off to univer- sity this year) and the other one is a dachshund called Ollie,” he says.
“Ollie always lets you know he’s around — either jumping up and landing both legs on your lower leg at the same time, or nudging your hand with his gorgeous nose, so that he can be stroked.
“Ollie is a delightfully sweet smoothhaired miniature dachshund but of very strong pedigree (his great, great grandfather was a Crufts champion). I remember my late wife Andi choosing Ollie from the litter. He was tiny — Andi held him in her palms — when he first arrived, aged 10 weeks.
“It was obvious how closely they bonded and Ollie gave Andi so much love and attention each time that Andi was fighting her illness. I know how much pleasure she derived from him seeking her out and nudging her for a stroke, even when she felt truly awful. There is no doubt in my mind that animals give great joy to us all and even more when they sense that we are very ill. When Andi passed away, Ollie wandered from room to room for days, trying to find her. Then he must have realised because he went into a prolonged sulk that lasted for ages. He gave us so much comfort then and continues to do so now with his amusing ways. He’s growing old gracefully — getting greyer and greyer around the gills. But he’s still able to land both legs on one of mine to get my attention.”
According to neuro-imaging studies of dog brains, not only do dogs seem to love us back, they actually see us as their family.
In a way, just as families can be a source of comfort during times of difficulty, dogs provide that unconditional love and support that we all require. Enriching your life with a furry friend will provide you and your family with a companion that will be there for you during the bad times and good.
Justine Berger has been with Village Vet for 21 years. She is based at the practice in Finchley, north London, 020 8343 1433