How dogs make our lives whole

A famous author, photographer and wildlife preservationist once said “Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole.” Dogs are more than just pets; they are companions, confidants, exercise partners, protectors and guides, but most importantly members of our families. From wagging tails to wet kisses, they bring boundless joy into our lives. The love and companionship of a dog can have a profound impact on our well-being, providing us with countless benefits that enrich our lives in ways we may not even realize.

1. Unconditional Love:

Dogs are known for their unwavering love and devotion. They greet us with excitement every time we come home, no matter how long we've been away. They don't judge us for our flaws or failures; they simply love us as we are. Their unconditional love creates a deep emotional bond that can be incredibly fulfilling and enriching.  

I honestly don’t feel I really knew what that term “unconditional love” meant until I brought my first dog home. Every day I look forward to when I get home from my corporate job and I’m bombarded with three wiggly bodies that are so excited to see me.  They don’t care how long I’ve been gone, even if I’m gone for 15 minutes, every time I walk in the door, it’s like I get my own special welcome home party.  The minute I get to hug and pet them, I feel all the stress from my corporate job being lifted off my shoulders and I forget about all my worries.  Being with dogs fills me with so much joy, I have decided to pursue that enjoyment with a career in pet photography.  I am so incredibly enthusiastic and passionate about photographing dogs and animals. I realized at the ripe age of 35, that I may have been in the wrong profession, working in pathology.  Life is too short to spend most of your precious time at a job that isn’t fulfilling.  I completely transform when I get home and I’m in the presence of my dogs.  Seeing their jubilation at my return is just so incredibly heartwarming. 

2. Emotional Support:

Dogs are natural therapists. They can sense our emotions and offer comfort during times of stress, anxiety, or sadness. They provide a calming presence and offer a listening ear without judgment. Their presence can help reduce loneliness and depression, and their playful antics can bring laughter and joy into our lives, boosting our mood and overall well-being. Dogs are also known to provide comfort during challenging times, such as during illness, grief, or other difficult life events.

Every day, there are more and more pet parents out there, training their dogs in canine therapy. Therapy dogs go with their owners to volunteer in places such as schools, hospitals, and nursing homes. From working with a child who is learning to read to visiting the elderly in assisted living, therapy dogs and their owners work together to better the lives of those in need. To learn more about training a therapy dog visit the AKC therapy dog website.

3. Enhanced Physical Health

Dogs require exercise, and taking them for walks or playing fetch in the park encourages physical activity in their human companions as well. Regular exercise has numerous health benefits, such as improved cardiovascular health, increased strength and flexibility, and reduced risk of obesity, therefore lowering one’s healthcare costs. Dogs also encourage us to spend time outdoors, enjoying fresh air and sunshine, which can boost our mood and overall health. In modern society, we spend so much time together with our dog companions, entirely sharing our private life with them. Sports activities such as agility, obedience, dog dance, frisbee, barn hunt, dock diving, hunting, etc.– take a hefty chunk of our spare time. These activities enable us to work together as a team, share experiences and collaborate towards a common goal . Dogs have become our social partners. From experience, nothing can be more rewarding than when your dog gets that PR (personal record) or title at the latest dock diving competition, or receives his latest AKC title.

Alder retrieving his bumper at a dock diving event at The Gated Dock in Shelby Ohio

4. Social Connection

Dogs are great ice-breakers and can facilitate social interaction. They provide opportunities for meeting new people at dog parks, on walks, kayaking and boating, hiking and camping, or in training classes or sporting events. These places and events provide a sense of community and access to other like minded dog owners where you can build long lasting friendships.  

I love my dogs with all my heart, so much that it pains me to be away from them.  I just think of them wondering where I am when I am not home and it melts my heart.  I try to take them with me wherever I go, whenever possible.  Fortunately, modern society has enabled pet owners to do just that.  There are dog friendly restaurants, parks, hotels and more popping up all over.  There are even websites where you can plan a trip with your dog including, pre-mapping your route to include dog friendly destinations.  Our family has used these handy sites to travel cross country.  Together we have hiked the Rockies, gone camping and fishing, kayaked and lounged on pontoon boats basking in the sun.  I am always looking forward to our next adventure together.   

5. Stress Relief:

Dogs are natural stress relievers. Spending time with a dog has been shown to lower cortisol levels, the hormone associated with stress, and increase the production of oxytocin, the "feel-good" hormone. When we lock eyes with our furry friends, the hormone oxytocin surges in our blood, promoting "pro-social" behaviors such as relaxation, trust, improved psychological stability, and altruism. Oxytocin is often referred to as the "love hormone" because it is also known to increase in both mothers and infants during moments of mutual eye contact. In fact, studies have found that oxytocin levels in both dogs and their owners can increase by up to 300% when they gaze into each other's eyes, suggesting that the bond between humans and dogs may be similar to that of human mother-infant relationships. This means that our love for our canine companions grows stronger the longer we share our lives with them, as the power of oxytocin deepens our emotional connection. Petting a dog can lower blood pressure and heart rate, promoting relaxation and reducing stress. Dogs are also known to provide comfort during challenging times, such as during illness, grief, or other difficult life events.

Krista and Milo give kisses at the Park of Roses

6. Enhanced Mental Health:

Dogs can have a positive impact on our mental health. They provide companionship, reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation, and offer a sense of purpose and routine. Caring for a dog can give us a sense of responsibility and fulfillment, boosting our self-esteem and sense of worth. Dogs also offer a distraction from negative thoughts and worries, providing a source of joy and happiness.

Honestly, I can say with 100% certainty that my dogs are one of the main reasons that I get out of bed in the morning.  I mean that quite literally.  When 5:30 am approaches, I’ve got two slobbering snouts licking my face, telling me that it is time to get up and feed them.  But I also mean that figuratively, as someone that has struggled with depression in the past.  I know I have to get up because I need to take care of them, yet in return, they also take care of me.   

7. Improved Cognitive Function:

Dogs can help improve cognitive function, especially in older adults. Interacting with dogs can stimulate the mind and keep the brain active, which may help reduce the risk of cognitive decline and improve memory and cognitive function. Training a dog also requires mental stimulation, problem-solving, and memory recall, which can enhance cognitive abilities in their human counterparts as well. Having a long-term pet companion may delay memory loss and other kinds of cognitive decline.  Preliminary research shows Pet ownership was especially beneficial for working verbal memory, such as memorization of word lists.

In conclusion, dogs are much more than pets; they are companions who bring unconditional love, joy, and numerous health benefits into our lives. They provide emotional support, enhance our physical health, foster social connections, offer stress relief, promote mental well-being, and even improve cognitive function. Their presence in our lives can be incredibly enriching, adding immeasurable value to our daily lives. So, let's celebrate the love and joy that dogs bring into our lives and be grateful for the enriching bond we share with these furry friends. After all, life is simply better with a dog by our side!

Are you ready to celebrate the bond between you and your pet/s with a professional pet portrait custom photoshoot? I am here to capture your connection with every laugh, hug, kiss, and tail wag.