Utterly Fabulous Network--The True Benefits of Owning a Dog

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The True Benefits of Owning a Dog

By Staff Writer

In recent months, I became the lucky owner of a nine-month-old puppy. As a first-time pet owner (no one seems to count fish as pets), it's been quite a transition. However, I'm just beginning to learn about the responsibilities and rewards of pet ownership. It has been just over two months, and already my dog has provided me with quite a ride--and countless stories. From these first months alone, I've learned the following:

1. Dogs require you to be selfless.
It's not that I enjoy walking around the yard when it's below freezing. I also don't enjoy cleaning up dog poop. I certainly don't do these activities for *my* health. However, I care about my dog, so I do them almost unfailingly. It's no longer just about me--it's about another creature's needs, and that's a good thing. Yeah, it would be fun to stay curled up and watch "Friends" reruns for hours, but it's not a bad thing when my boy prevents me from doing everything I want, all the time. Stepping outside my own needs and wants, even for a few minutes at a time, is a great way to restore balance and humbleness to my life.

2. Dogs require you to be social.
Want to curl up with a book all night and get lost in your own thoughts? Too bad--Fido wants to play, and he won't take no for an answer. Dogs understand that touch and play are essentials, and they force you to get in on the game. And you know what? Even though I'm initially annoyed when my puppy tells me it's time to take a play break, I always feel refreshed and rejuvenated afterward. Forced social interaction--even when it's wordless in nature--can be just what you need to keep your sanity and gain a new perspective on your regular activities and schedule.

3. A warm, fuzzy puppy can lower your heating bills.
Many people write or talk about the costs of pet ownership, and they're completely right. Foods, toys, vet visits are all drains on your money and energy. However, it's vital to understand that pets can also lower some of your bills. Cold evening? Curl up next to Lassie instead of cranking the thermostat up. Bored? Play hide and seek with Rex instead of hitting the mall. No money for a gym membership? Take Bingo for a walk each day and get in shape. Feeling stressed? Play with your pup before you call the shrink or shell out for a new homeopathic remedy. The true monetary costs of dogs tend to balance out in the long run, especially when the health benefits are taken into consideration.

4. Dogs provide an excellent way to connect with other people.
If you're a shy introvert like me, dogs provide an excellent common ground. As soon as you mention "my dog" in a roomful of family or even strangers, the talk starts flowing, the questions come naturally, and the stories get rolled out. Even if you've got a less than charming canine, asking for a solution to your quandary is a great way to connect with people. Asking questions is also one of the top tricks to networking, so consider it practice. Finding ways to connect with strangers is rarely this easy, but dog ownership definitely opens doors and hearts among many people.

5. A dog can bring out the best (and worst) in you.
Dogs require you to be patient. They require you to be logical. They require you to be gentle. They also require you to be a leader on a daily basis. These qualities are discussed in a huge array of self help books and seminars and most people spend a significant amount of time and effort to cultivate them in some unusual ways. Instead of turning to a guru, a dog can help you bring these qualities out of yourself naturally. I'm currently learning how to use my voice and body language to convey authority--and it's not always a winning battle. However, I have no doubt that these skills will be developed succesfully over time and the benefits will extend far beyond a well-behaved pooch.
Appreciating the Gift of Unconditional Love
For many dog owners, I'm preaching to the choir; you already know that pet ownership is one of life's gifts. However, it's easy to let these wonders get lost and forgotten among the daily trivialities of cleaning the water bowl, lint-rolling the furniture, and practicing simple commands. Try to set aside a few minutes each day to connect with your pal and recognize how much he or she affects your life in truly positive ways. You'll come away happier and probably more patient... and that's something you simply can't put a price tag on.

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