Recently, I was in a bad mood while lugging my groceries home (I had way overdone it, and was struggling to make it home -- the watermelon was really weighing me down) when a man walked by with an adorable beagle.
The beagle was wearing a knitted sweater, and once I had confirmed that it was okay to pet him, I put down the groceries with relief, crouched down to give him a scratch, and immediately felt soothed and happier.
Seeing dogs (particularly pugs and French bulldogs) always makes me smile, and when I am feeling low I often scroll down my Instagram feed to check out the new photos from my favourite insta-famous French bulldogs.
In the Psychology Today article, SA国际影视传媒淛ust looking at dogs can make you smile," Dr. Stanley Coren explained for the majority of people, interacting with dogs produces positive emotional responses, and dogs can provide emotional support and comfort to people in times of stress.
In an article for The Guardian, Luisa Dillner noted studies have found dogs relieve social isolation and depression, both of which are linked to increased risk of heart disease. Dog owners also showed better responses to stress (their heart rate and blood pressure did not increase as much as the dog-less participants), and they had higher levels of physical activity. On those -40C days here in Yellowknife, it makes sense having a dog that needs to get outside for a walk (and answer a call of nature) could be the only thing motivating someone to venture outdoors.
Dogs are more than pets; they also provide tangible emotional support. As the evidence increases on the positive impacts support dogs can provide in times of stress and anxiety, they are being used in more environments, such as the classroom, nursing homes and now, in court proceedings. Support dogs now have a role in supporting victims during legal proceedings. In Victoria, the Office of Public Prosecutions launched a Victims Support Dog 12-week Pilot Program in October 2017, which has now been extended due to its initial success.
A media release from the government of B.C. explained the program entailed having a fully trained Labrador available for half a day each week to sit with vulnerable witnesses when they are waiting for court or giving evidence at a witness facility. The release noted the support dog noticeably reduced stress for witnesses and victims, allowing them to give evidence with fewer breaks and to remain engaged in the court process.
But for those of us who donSA国际影视传媒檛 have the space or lifestyle that is conducive to owning a dog (theySA国际影视传媒檙e great and all, but they do involve a lot of work and logistical planning!) there are other ways to still reap the rewards. Whether it is volunteering as a dog walker at the SPCA, or stopping to pat (with permission of course) a friendly dog out for a walk, most of us will find that even a few moments spent around a dog will put a smile on our faces, some saliva on our hands and a little dog hair on our clothes.
