Dogs can make for great companions, bringing more life and joy to our everyday lives. And adopting a dog from a shelter is probably the best way to get one. Here are some of the reasons why you should consider adopting a dog.
1 - Great companions
Caring for a dog is one of the easiest ways to experience unconditional love in this life. When raised right and taken care of, dogs are energetic, loving, and fiercely loyal. That’s why dog owners, in general, are less likely to report dealing with feelings of loneliness and isolation. If you have a dog around the house, you’re never truly alone.
2 - Exercise more
One of the great things about having a dog is that you end up getting extra exercise without realizing it. Playing around with your dog can be a good way to get the blood flowing, and taking the dog out on walks will mean you’re getting more walks yourself. Experts recommend that we all get at least 2 hours and 30 minutes of exercise done every week, and dog owners are statistically much more likely to reach that goal.
Dogs can also be trained to join you in several activities. They can walk and run with you, go with you on trails, and even accompany you during runs. Just make sure to respect their limits when exercising.
3 - Good for your health
Dog owners are generally less stressed, and there are various reasons for that. For one, companionship and exercise are both good at reducing stress levels, and as established owning a dog can help with those aspects. But humans are also hardwired to bond with dogs. Playing with a dog’s fur has a calming effect, and looking into your dog’s eyes can make your brain release oxytocin.
It makes sense that dogs are the result of selective breeding, and we bred them for maximum likability. On top of that, dogs were so useful to our ancestors that those who got along with dogs were more likely to thrive and reproduce.
4 - Good for the dog
There are many reasons why a dog may end up in a shelter, some more tragic than others. But at the end of the day, every dog in a shelter is a potential furry friend just clamoring for a home. The day you adopt a dog will be a good day for you, but it’ll likely be the best day of the dog’s life.
Adoption is also good for shelters, as it opens up room for them to accept a new dog and shelters often rely on adoption fees to feed the dogs and keep their doors open.
5 - Good for your spirit
Of course, the downside of adopting a dog is that taking proper care of another living creature is a lot of responsibility. But responsibility isn’t all bad. Do some research and you’ll find countless stories of dog owners who found themselves growing more mature after adopting a dog, and who pushed through hard times just because they knew their dogs were waiting for them at home.
Plus, taking care of dogs is now easier than ever. Doggy Dream Team and other websites are filled with useful advice for dog owners, and there are plenty of products out there that make the daily chores associated with dog ownership much easier.
Author, Freelance writer