| The day that you visit a dog shelter or dog rescue | | | | both the dog and the dog guardian as well ! |
| and make the decision to bring a new dog home may | | | | Research shows that people who are experiencing |
| well be the day that you save two lives, the dog's | | | | stress may actually get more of a benefit by the |
| and your own! | | | | companionship of their dog than from other people. |
| Let me explain. It is no mystery that millions of | | | | The dog will love you unconditionally, not judge you, |
| wonderful dogs are euthenized in dog pounds and | | | | and invariably proves to be a great listener. |
| dog shelters across the nation and in other countries | | | | Unconditional love is a reason that dogs are often |
| as well. | | | | frequent visitors or permanent residents of nursing |
| When you adopt a shelter dog or rescue dog you | | | | homes. The companionship and love of a dog |
| are in fact saving a life, freeing your new dog from | | | | provides a wonderful form of therapy to residents |
| doggy death row, welcoming him into your family and | | | | and staff alike. |
| giving him a new lease on life. | | | | Studies also show that people who suffer from |
| But did you know that a rescue dog may save your | | | | HIV-AIDS are less likely to experience depression |
| life as well? | | | | than those who do not have a dog. |
| Research indicates that there are health benefits | | | | So when you adopt a rescue dog, you may be |
| both to your heart and general health realized by | | | | providing a support system for your own health as |
| spending time with and even petting your dog. | | | | well, both physiologically and emotionally. |
| A recent report indicated that dog owners | | | | It is important to take the time and rescue the dog |
| experience lower blood pressure and lower | | | | that is right for you, your family and your lifestyle. |
| cholesterol than non dog owners. And dog owners | | | | We have chihuahuas and love them more than |
| have a general tendency toward better health, suffer | | | | anyone who is not a dog parent could surmise. But |
| fewer serious health issues and may in fact regain | | | | we live in a quiet suburban setting. |
| their health after an illness quicker than folks that | | | | If you live in a rural community and have a lot of |
| don't have a dog. | | | | open spaces a big dog such as a Labrador may be |
| Just petting your dog is a wonderful stress reliever. I | | | | the right pick for you. So give some thought to your |
| know that to be true from personal experience. But | | | | lifestyle and what lifestyle you will provide for your |
| there is more. Dog owners tend to take their dogs | | | | new adopted dog. |
| for leisurely walks which may provide cardiovascular | | | | When you make the choice and bring you new dog |
| and other health benefits. And meeting and greeting | | | | home, both of you may well be started down the |
| other "dog people" while on the walk provides an | | | | road of unconditional love and good health! So you |
| opportunity to socialize, and relieve daily stress for | | | | might say that a rescue dog may save your life! |