Want to know what the latest studies show is the best gift to a loved one who has had a heart attack? A dog. These studies show that owning a dog decreases the risk of having a cardiovascular event and having better outcomes if there is an event.
Other benefits of having a pet are…
- Decreased blood pressure
- Lowered cholesterol levels
- Improved triglyceride levels
- Decreased feelings of loneliness
Spencer the Mischievous - Increased opportunities for exercise and outdoor activities
- Increased opportunities for socialization
Allergies and Asthma
Growing up with pets can actually decrease the risk of allergies and asthma says a researcher in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. So grab your family members that bark, meow or even oink or moo, because it doesn’t matter what kind of furred animal you have, they all show benefits.
If you are looking for a breed that is less allergenic, try a poodle or a poodle mix. Goldendoodles are popular because of this. Spencer, the cutie who rescued us is a Poogle (poodle/beagle).
The Story of Spencer
The Search
Our family cats had both passed away and we were furry-friend-less. Tim, my husband, had always wanted a dog but couldn’t have one growing up because of asthma and allergies. He was determined. He took our kids to walk a multitude of dogs from shelters and the Humane Society. If he could pet them and hold them without breaking out with a runny nose and itchy eyes, they were a contender.
The Place
One day there was an event at the zoo called, “Meet Your Best Friend at the Zoo” and he arranged for all of us to go after I was done with work and the kids were done with school. He thought to himself that maybe he should scope out the situation so we could narrow our search once the kids and I got there so he went early. Upon entering he bypassed all the puppies and kittens because…well, potty training? Been there, done that. As he is walking up and down the aisles of dogs in cages listening to the cacophony of barking, he notices one small-ish dog sitting quietly and just watching him. He asked if he could take the dog out to walk him and that is what he did. He walked the dog over to a rock and sat down. The dog climbed into his lap and laid down, curled up in his lap as if he owned it.
The Call
I received a call at work. He told me that he thinks he found our dog and that if he waits for us to come, the long line of people waiting to walk this particular dog might whisk away our chances of getting him. I told him that the executive decision was his. Not more than 40 minutes later, in comes Tim with our furry new family member who was named Spencer and who was surrendered to a shelter in the north part of lower Michigan by a woman too ill to care for him. Since then he has been fodder for my Facebook posts with his mischievous antics and super cuteness.
NAET to the Rescue
If you do have a family member or friend who has allergies to animals, come in for a NAET treatment to increase tolerance to your four-legged friend.
Dr. Stacey