Ciao tutti!
In honor of National Dog Day coming up on August 26th, I wanted to talk a little bit about the ways in which the puppies of my life have impacted my health and beauty on all levels. For those of you that have read my blog for a while, you’ll know that I’m all about wellness and beauty of the mind, body and soul, and I’ve lived the tremendous positive impact that having a furry friend around can make on all of these levels.
In my family, we never had dogs growing up. We had cats because they were easier to take care of and my mom would not bend on the dog issue —believe me, my sister and I tried our very hardest. So I never really understood the bond between humans and dogs, and even kind of scoffed at people I deemed to be too *obsessed* with their dogs. Well I’m eating my words now…
Emotional/Mental Level
Fast forward to more recent times, and my readers will know that in the last year, I lost my mom rather suddenly. At the same time that my mom was becoming very sick, my sister and her boyfriend decided to adopt a little French Bulldog puppy named Knox. This little animal was pretty much the only source of joy in our household for about a month and I watched my dad wake up early every morning to laugh and play with him on the porch. Then, in the aftermath of everything, I watched as little Knoxy continued to comfort and bring joy to my sister as we pushed through the most difficult time we’ve ever faced as individuals and as a family.
So inspired by the impact of Knox on our lives, my dad decided to rescue a dog himself. He found an older, 8 year old Jack Russel Terrier/ Chihuahua mix at a shelter and brought him home. My dad needed company, a companion, and something to love and he certainly found it (and that little dog won the doggie lottery 😀 ). I hear every single day how much Jackson has transformed my dad’s emotional wellbeing and brought him love in a time when he felt alone. And now my dad “gets it”. And honestly, I get it too.
It’s not just that dogs make people happy, it’s a much more profound connection than that.
Physical Level
In addition to the emotional comfort that Jackson brings my father, my dad has lost 10 pounds since December just by walking with him all the time! I bought him a Fitbit, and he counts his steps, takes the dog out multiple times a day, and has adapted a much healthier lifestyle.
About a year ago, I moved out to Chicago with my sister and her boyfriend, and we, too, always have something to do outdoors with Knox. He got us outside and moving all winter long despite the cold weather, and we take long walks along the beach with him just about everyday.
It’s no secret how I feel about the transformative abilities of fresh air, and Knox gives me a reason to always get outside and get fresh oxygen into my body.
Puppyspot.com gathered this information below about how dogs can improve our heart, mind, and body in ways that I definitely didn’t realize.
Spiritual Level
My opinion on animals has always been that they help us through our issues in life and even take on some of our emotional, physical, and mental stresses for us. I feel that when they get sick, they are helping relieve us of some stress, and they are always by our side to help us push past tough situations.
Anyone who has a pet has probably seen them come to your side when you’re crying or sad, as they can just feel your pain and know when you need love. I’m feeling sick lately and just yesterday I was at my sister’s house and Knox, who never really cuddles (he’s still a boisterous puppy) crawled right up into my lap and curled up to take a nap on me. There’s not a doubt in my mind that animals can help us lift our stresses and bring us peace in a way only they can do.
And it’s important to note that it’s not just the company that’s comforting — the energy that is just pure love that radiates from Knox and Jackson has truly transformative power that continues to heal us every day.
I almost got a dog myself at the same time that my mom passed away, but I watched my sister and her boyfriend navigate pet ownership for the first time and I felt that it was too much of a responsibility to take on alone at this time in my life.
I’m at their house almost every single day, and I watch him when they go away so I get plenty of time in with our little pain in the butt. You can check out all the puppies waiting for a new home at PuppySpot HERE.
What do you guys think on this issue? Do you have a dog? And if so, have you had similar experiences of feeling like they bring ease to your life?
I’ll leave you with a little Frenchie guide that PuppySpot gave me to share, for all of you Frenchie-crazy people out there like us! 🙂
A presto,
Amanda ❤️
Love this post! My two rescue pups are my proud and joy and can’t imagine my life without them. I have three rescue cats as well (always adopt, don’t shop!) and feel blessed every day to be able to care for them in a loving home. They’ve always been there when I needed them the most<3
Author
Thank you! Aw that’s so sweet that you have a little group of friends! 🙂 They definitely repay the favor of rescuing them <3
Oh this is such a great post! I love it! <3
~Melissa (And WInston, lol)
Author
Thank you!! And you’re Winston is SUCH a cutie, I see him on insta!! 🙂
I couldn’t be without my fur baby in my life, they instantly become such an important part of who you are 🙂 Very cute dog by the way 🙂
Author
Well said! I totally agree, and thank you! 🙂
What a great post! I love Knox- he’s adorable! I had a couple of dogs when I was 19 and by 23 I was forced to give them away. I’m 32 and it still breaks my heart. I didn’t grow up with pets and handling the responsibility alone with the expensive rent in CA and no one who will allow dogs ended up being a disaster. I’m glad you see that it’s too big a responsibility now. I can’t give away another dog – it was the most painful thing I ever had to do and a hurt I will never get over. But on the bright side I dream of the day I’m married with a family to get another one. Some people dream of babies and SUV’s. I dream of Pomeranians! 🙂 But I’m so glad your family got them. It’s a great way to hold you accountable. It’s very easy to pull the covers over your head after a death. Having to take care (joyfully) of a happy companion forces you to get out and changes your attitude. Thanks for acknowledging our puppy friends on this wonderful and totally important holiday!! <3
Author
Thank you so much! yeah it definitely is a financial commitment as well, which is just easier to manage with at least one other person involved. I LOVE pomeranians, I was thinking of getting one when I was considering having a dog, they are too cute! <3
They are wonderful companions and super loyal!!! I’m so glad you love them too! <3
I was beaming from ear to ear reading this post! I am so deeply sorry for the loss of your precious mom but so glad angles came to your family in the form a a four legged friend! Dogs and animals in general have changed my life tremendously and in many ways. Their love is truly immeasurable! So wonderful for family chose to adopt too! Thank you for sharing. x
Author
I’m so happy my post brought you a smile! 🙂 I completely agree. They’ve brought a happiness to our lives that I could never have expected!
What an amazing post! This is totally true, I must say 🙂 Having a furry friend close to you always bring positive things into your health and life mostly. Happy National Dog Day to cutie Knox 🙂
Author
Thank you so much!! 🙂 So true, they are just pure love!
Thanks for this! Dogs are amazing! I love cats too, but dogs have such unconditional love that you can’t help but be transformed by them. We’ve always had them in our family and I can’t imagine life without them really. You’ve captured all they bring to our lives in good times and bad.
Author
I had cats all my life and I loved them, but the loyalty and love that dogs have is different, I agree. They are just pure love and everyone can use that in their lives, right? <3
Hi Amanda,
This was an incredibly interesting post and Knox is the CUTEST. My mum too wouldn’t let us have a dog growing up but I plan to in the future when I have my own house.
I’m obsessed with watching videos with dogs and humans interacting, it’s so wonderful how they have similar emotions to humans and they can sense when you feel a certain way. So it was nice to hear that Knox does the same for you when you’re feeling sad. I think that dogs (or animals in general) are such an important aspect of life, they become your baby and they’re there whenever you just need to cry. They don’t need to speak to comfort you and i think that shows just how much of a significant impact they have on humans.
Also, I would like to extend my sincerest condolences to your family. You are all so strong.
Thank you for this post, it really touched my heart.
Micah A Lee
Author
Hey Micah,
Thanks so much for the kind words! I completely agree, they are a big responsibility but offer so much to our lives. Thank you for your thoughts and I’m so happy to hear that you enjoyed my post, I really appreciate the feedback. 🙂
Ahh this was such an emotional read, I totally can relate to this even though I don’t have a pet yet. Knox is such a cutie pie! 😍
Author
Aw thank you!! Yeah he’s had such a profound impact on me that I wanted to share <3
This is Awestruck. I have never read such pretty things about pets. Thank you so kuch for this. Loved it. Keep going 💋
Author
Aww thank you, I’m happy to hear that! 🙂 I really mean it!