National Pet Week

Did you know May 1-7 is National Pet Week?  Me either.  But how awesome is that?!  It's no secret around these parts that we love our pets.  They are members of our family and are loved more than we ever thought it'd be possible to love an animal.  I think anyone that's ever had a pet understands how much they enrich your life and make you happy. 

A pet is a great friend. After a difficult day, pet owners quite literally feel the love.  In fact, for nearly 25 years, research has shown that living with pets provides certain mental and physical health benefits. Pets help lower blood pressure and lessen anxiety. They boost our immunity and confidence. They make you laugh.  They can protect you and even help you get dates. (source) 

Having a pet is also a stress reliever and is good for your heart.  Like any enjoyable activity, playing with a dog can elevate levels of serotonin and dopamine -- nerve transmitters that are known to have pleasurable and calming properties.  And heart attack patients who have pets survive longer than those without pets, according to several studies.  Male pet owners have less sign of heart disease -- lower triglyceride and cholesterol levels -- than non-pet-owners. (source)

 

Did you know that more than half the nation's households have at least one pet?  Dogs and cats are by far the most popular companion animals, millions of people share their homes with fish, birds, rodents, reptiles, amphibians and insects.  (source) 

Pets are nonthreatening, nonjudgmental, open, welcoming, accepting and attentive. Unlike spouses or parents, they don't talk back, criticize or issue commands. They give people something to care and worry about and be responsible for and make them feel needed and wanted. They also provide a socially acceptable outlet for the need for physical contact. (source) 

So, after all they do for us, what are you doing in honor of National Pet Week?  Are you making a donation to your local humane society?  Are you adopting a new pet?  Are you taking your dog to the park to play?  Are you giving your cat a little extra affection this week? 

Let me know! 

Here's what I'm doing...

For every comment I receive below,

I'll donate $1 to the Humane Society of Missouri. 

Woo hoo!  You have until the end of the week to leave a comment. 

The most comments I've ever recieved on a post was 41 - let's blow that out of the water, ok?

Do it for the little furry ones.  Please!

Spread the word and spread the love.

And Happy National Pet Week to you and yours!