Although I never had a dog growing up, I was able to create a meaningful friendship with one while spending countless Summer days at Stephen's house.
His pup, K.C., had grown up with him for nearly his entire life until he passed away in August of 2016.
Prior to spending many of my days with K.C., I wasn't able to fully grasp, or at least appreciate, the way K.C., and all dogs for that matter, showed unconditional love to human beings.
A dog in many ways, is like a child. They require constant attention and care, but the only quality that sets them apart is their uncomplicated love and undying loyalty; There are no complicated or frayed feelings that many human relationships endure.
Small memories weave in and out of my mind now of moments when I had begun to discover that K.C. had a personality.
When Stephen underwent a back surgery, K.C. laid by his side the entire week, because he felt Stephen's pain. Times when I couldn't help but cry, were the same times that K.C. would be by my side too because he knew that I was sad.
To the reader who doesn't own a dog, you might be asking yourself why any of my personal experience matters to you or why you should care about a dog when you don't right now. Well, I can reassure you that dogs aren't just "a man's best friend", they're extremely therapeutic!
Psychiatrists and researches have already done numerous studies that show how dogs can reduce stress, tension, anxiety, and depression.
Don't believe me yet? Here's some game-changers:
1. Touch
Petting dogs can fulfill our basic human need to touch. There's a sort of primal reassurance in being touched, but also in the act of touching. Studies have even presented cases where hardened criminals have shown tremendous changes in behavior, because of the interactions they had with dogs. At the root of the act of petting, stroking, and cuddling is a deeper sign that we care for the animal. When we experience a mutual affection, then it is even more freeing because it rapidly calms and soothes us.
2. Companionship
Isolation and loneliness alongside depressive feelings can affect our lives in many ways, even in the long term. Caring for another living being can make us feel needed and wanted. Nothing beats coming home to a friend who would loves you unconditionally, especially if you live alone!
3. Routine & Responsibility
Having a pet can place a lot of responsibility and structure into our daily lives. A dog has a natural routine of exercise and feeding which keeps their lives balanced. The responsibility that comes along with taking care of a dog, can help us to feel mutually balanced as we put a little bit of exercise and order into our own lives.
4. Social Interaction
Dogs can be major social facilitators, because you'll often find that you make friends with other dog owners on walks or trips to the dog park. It's comforting when we have something to relate to with other people, and gently pushes us to make more human connections.
Having a dog or a pet might seem like a lot right now if you are suffering from depression or anxiety, because you should probably focus on yourself first. However, I do encourage those who have come across my article to at least consider stopping by a dog shelter/adoption center just to spend a few hours with a dog. Some places even allow you to volunteer and walk them!