One night last week, I lay with my smallest dog cuddled and sleeping under my right arm. My oldest cat nestled under my left, curled and purring contentedly. This was, by far, the most relaxing part of my long, stressful day. My mind wandered, as it often does when I allow my body to stop for a minute. With my pets keeping me warm and comfortable, I got to thinking about the health benefits these animals were providing, and about the many animals in the United States that are in need of loving homes. I identified two separate problems, each of which could help ease the other: (1) Millions of people need stress relief and help from anxiety disorders, and (2) millions of pets need homes.
The next day, a little research confirmed my thoughts:
Read the Full Article by Domenick Scudera on Huffington Post HERE.
The next day, a little research confirmed my thoughts:
- According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, “anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the U.S., affecting 40 million adults in the United States age 18 and older (18 percent of U.S. population).”
- Numerous scientific studies suggest pet ownership provides benefits that include the lowering of blood pressure, reduction of stress, and the overall improvement of mental and physical health.
- The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals estimates that 3 to 4 million companion animals in shelters are euthanized each year (60 percent of shelter dogs and 70 percent of shelter cats).
Read the Full Article by Domenick Scudera on Huffington Post HERE.