Millions of people around the world love their pets, they’re part of the family! We enjoy their companionship and going for walks, playing with them and even talking and singing to them.Evidence suggests that attachment to pets is good for human health and even helps build a better community.

It’s no secret that pets can contribute to your happiness. Studies from Help Guide show that dogs reduce stress, anxiety and depression, ease loneliness, encourage exercise and improve your overall health. For example, people with dogs tend to have lower blood pressure and are less likely to develop heart disease. Just playing with a dog has been shown to raise levels of the feel-good brain chemicals oxytocin and dopamine, creating positive feelings and bonding for both the person and their pet. 

Also stated in Help Guide: ¨Taking a dog for a walk, hike, or run are fun and rewarding ways to fit healthy daily exercise into your schedule.¨ So if you have a pet, consider taking him or her for a walk. It’s great exercise and a great way to bond with your dog. 

One thing that is popular with dogs is bringing dogs into hospitals. Handlers and their dogs make short visits to the rooms of patients to help relieve stress, depression, and anxiety. Schools are also places they bring in dogs to help people feel less stressed, and bring a little more happiness. Handlers and their dogs make short visits to the rooms of patients to help relieve stress, depression, and anxiety. This statement is made by TherapyDogs.Com

Our own school offers students to be able to visit the library to see some dogs during the testing time of the school year. For more information on the dogs who visit SWHS, visit the main office. 

While dogs make great companies and bestfriends, they also make great mental and physical helpers. Dogs can offer so many benefits for humans. So, the next time you feel overwhelmed, or stressed out, turn to your dog. Happier people create a happier community, and happier dogs.