Having a Dog Can Help You Live Longer

We know dogs are man’s best friend. If you’ve ever had a dog you know what a member of the family they  are.  I consider that I have 2 two-legged nieces, 2 two-legged nephews, 1 four-legged niece and 1 ]four-legged nephew! And when my 4 legged niece was very very sick this spring we were all terribly worried, but she pulled through and is pretty much back to normal sassy self!

We hear how dogs save their owners from terrible fates and here’s another example. A man in South Carolina rescued his dog, Curly, from an animal shelter. Just this week Curly went into his owner’s bedroom and kept poking him with his nose. When Brian woke up he saw smoke and flames coming out of the window. He grabbed Curly and they both got out safely even though the fire damage to the house was extensive. But, thanks to Curly, they both survived and are together!

Not only do dogs frequently save their families from harm but there are studies that show that having a dog can help you stay in better health. The study found that heart attack victims who lived alone were 33% less likely to die after getting out of the hospital if they had a dog. A different study found that dog owners are 65% less likely to die from a heart attack. Researchers credit increased physical activity by walking dogs for part of it. But the emotional well being of dog owners helps as well because dog owners don’t have as much loneliness and depression.

So if you’ve been thinking of getting a dog, there are great health reasons to do it!