National #MakeaDogsDay
Today, October 22nd, we celebrate National Make A Dog’s Day. Now, if you are unaware that there is such a thing, that is likely because every day since the pandemic began has seemed like a great day to celebrate dog ownership.
As Covid-19 upended our worlds, dog adoptions soared. An April 2020 ABC news article noted that adoption applications at one Connecticut shelter increased from 140 at this time last year to over 3000.
This boost speaks to the mental health benefits of dog ownership. Psychology Today chronicled this theory speaking to the emotional stability and stress relief dogs can provide. The article states that “emerging research is showing an array of ways in which dogs can provide support and a sense of calm for our daily emotional and psychological stresses, as well as traumatic events,” which is good news given the mental toll of a global pandemic.
Not to be overlooked are the impressive conclusions regarding physical health and dog ownership. A Time Magazine article supports the claim that dog owners live longer. Statistics point to “a lower risk of death due to cardiovascular disease than people who did not report owning a dog, as well as a lower risk of death from other causes. That was true even after adjusting for factors such as smoking, body mass index, and socioeconomic status.”
Given that heart disease is the number one cause of death among both men and women in the United States, this news is very heartening. Dogs have also been proven to have a sensitivity to cancer in owners, increase physical activity, and overall wellness.
So, as a company devoted to bettering health, we concur – dogs are worthy of having a day devoted to them. On this #MakeaDogsDay we salute canines and all the good they do each and every day.
