Bear has received all his vaccinations, and we are beginning to take him on walks. Today was Bear’s second opportunity to walk in the park. He is interested in everything on the ground. It requires strength to keep him safe from his puppy self. Everything finds its way into his mouth, including everything that shouldn’t. So Jim took Bear, and I took Teddy. I haven’t walked Teddy since my injury. Teddy walked perfectly with me, and I became very emotional, almost to the point of crying. There is something almost magical about walking with a dog, and today it really hit me how much I’ve missed walking side by side with my boy, Teddy. This was an unexpected healing moment for me!
For many of us, our dog is our best friend, especially seniors. Seniors are particularly vulnerable to isolation and loneliness. Jim and I are both seniors, and that is valid for us, too, especially since COVID. Dogs provide companionship when someone is lonely, unconditional love when someone needs it most, and infinite belly rubs on demand.
Contact with pets and therapy animals can spark positive memories for seniors with cognitive impairment. Some seniors with cognitive impairment smile and talk to their four-legged friends. Hmm, I kiss, hug, and talk to Teddy and Bear daily. They are great listeners! In addition, the primary care of pets requires consistent attention to detail and exercise: proper meals, medication schedules, and monitoring potty needs. It is a lot of work!
Did you know that walking with your furry friend, whatever your age, can also have significant health benefits? Numerous studies have shown that spending time with dogs can help to reduce stress levels, lower blood pressure, and boost overall mood. And for those struggling to meet daily step goals, having a four-legged walking buddy is the motivation needed to get moving. In essence, dogs make wonderful walking companions – they never complain about the pace or destination and are always down for a good Sniffy Break.
People have been walking their dogs for companionship and exercise for centuries. Dogs initially helped humans with various tasks, such as herding sheep or guarding property. Nowadays, most people walk their dogs for the companionship and devotion they provide, and the health benefits are a bonus! Walking a dog is a great way to destress after a long day at work, and it’s good exercise for you and your furry friend! Plus, it’s a great way to meet new people and make new human and canine friends.
If you are fortunate enough to have a furry companion, I encourage you to go outside and enjoy a nice walk with your dog! Walking with your four-legged friend is not only great companionship for you, but research has shown that walking a dog can have numerous benefits for your health, including:
- Improved cardiovascular health
- Lower blood pressure
- Reduced stress levels
- Increased sense of well-being
Thank you for reading this blog post, and if you have any questions or comments, please post them in the Comments section below.
© 2019 I Don’t Know All The Answers, Nikki Mastro
All of my photographs and documents are Copyrighted.