| Recently I've been considering the amazing benefits | | | | I suspect that if Roget's Thesaurus wrote it right, |
| I've been experiencing since we've been acquired by | | | | synonyms for unconditional love would be: puppy, |
| our precious black and white Lhasa Apso pup. I've | | | | puppy licks, puppy snuggles, puppy tail wagging and |
| often wondered about pet owners and the | | | | jumping for joy. If I could be in the moment and the |
| sometimes apparent bond they have with their pets. | | | | NOW for a fraction of the time Maiaa is, I'd be much |
| Personally I've been a cat person most of my life | | | | more relaxed, less stressed, a lot happier, and a |
| probably because they are relatively low | | | | whole lot healthier. |
| maintenance, but this puppy has given me a new | | | | Now you may be thinking that's all fine and good, but |
| perspective on pets. I've frequently heard that pet | | | | pets are high maintenance. You are correct, they are |
| owners are more healthy and able to cope with | | | | maintenance, and the question of how much is one |
| stress in their lives. Could there be some truth to | | | | we can debate. It is like with anything else in life, |
| that? | | | | there is a price to pay. The ultimate question is |
| We've had Maiaa Black Majik now for about 3 years | | | | whether or not the price is worth it. And in this case |
| and I have to admit she is an absolute joy and | | | | my personal opinion is that it is definitely worth it. |
| treasure. As I come home from work and open the | | | | Have you noticed Assisted Living Homes, or Nursing |
| door she is there waiting to greet me, tail a-wagging, | | | | Homes are starting to allow visitors with pets. They |
| 15 pounds of pure love, joy, and happiness. I've | | | | have found that the older people enjoy the company |
| noticed my need for decompression has dramatically | | | | of the pets, and actually have a spurt of energy |
| decreased since she has been with us. | | | | when the pets are around. |
| There is something to be said for a cold nose | | | | I've often heard that laughter is the best medicine. If |
| snuggling up to me while I'm engrossed in one or | | | | you have been around a playful puppy much you |
| another type of panic. She seems to have a natural | | | | already know that they can make you giggle in a |
| way of letting my stress melt away. This little bundle | | | | heartbeat. It's the little things that make a big |
| of delight is pure unconditional love. Sure there is the | | | | difference. A little love truly goes a long way. So if |
| occasional growl when I play tug of war with her. But | | | | you want to get healthier, add a spring to your step |
| that never lasts for more than a few seconds. One | | | | and cut down on the everyday stresses life tends to |
| thing about pets is that regardless of our mood, while | | | | bring our way, think about getting a pet. The decision |
| they may pick up on it, they do not seem to hold | | | | is ultimately yours, and you will need to weigh your |
| grudges, or bite you because you forgot to feed | | | | personal situation - no doubt. Please consider the |
| them the day before. They are truly in the present | | | | upside and make your decision from there. |
| moment and take what comes their way in stride. | | | | |