Ten reasons to adopt a dog
To help promote our many adoptable and sweet dogs looking for their forever home, we’ve compiled a list of the ten best reasons to adopt a furry pal!
Stress and anxiety causes a spike in our cortisol levels leading to further development of mental and physical heath conditions later on in life. Studies have shown that caring for our dogs or having a dog in our life, gives us a sense of purpose and also releases the relaxing and happy hormones, serotonin and oxytocin, that gives us a sense of satisfaction and calm.
Adopting a dog is a selfless and very rewarding thing to do. There are so many dogs and puppies of all ages, breeds, activity levels and temperaments in pounds and rescues all over the country in need of a home. Sadly, as life returns to normal after covid 19 lockdowns, people are surrendering their dogs to shelters claiming they can no longer look after them as their circumstances have changed. If you are in a position to consider opening your home and heart to a dog, take a look at some of our other blog posts for more information on dog ownership and maybe get in contact with PAWS to arrange meeting some of the dogs we currently have for adoption. Remember, “adopting one Dog won’t change the world, but for that one Dog, the whole world will change forever.”
Children who grow up with dogs are shown to have stronger immune systems, they have a non-judgemental friend for life they can confide in and play with, they have a sense of responsibility and having a dog makes them more social and interact better with other children and their family.
Dogs are natural mood boosters, in fact, studies have shown that just 30 mins spent walking or petting our dog gives us a boost of the happy neurotransmitters in our body that helps bring up our mood. A waggy tail is sure to put a smile on your face no matter now bad the day!
Dog owners are more active and get outdoors for more exercise and fresh air. All dogs need daily exercise, play and work, no matter the breed so it makes sense that dog owners naturally get out for more walks and get fit.
According to health studies, dog owners recover from health issues much faster than non dog-owners and have sturdier immune systems. In fact, humans with pooches who suffer from heart attacks are twice as likely to fully recover as those without!
Owning a dog increases socialising and human interactions. Ever walk a rescue lurcher through the local park? You will be guaranteed to be stopped and chatted with as everyone will want to know about your sighthound or will have met one before and want to tell you all about it – fact! All dogs in general bring about more social interactions with other people.
Apparently, owning a dog makes you more attractive to potential love interests! According to a study conducted by DogsTrust, 60 percent said that owning a dog can make others more attractive, while 85 percent think people are more approachable when they are with a dog.
Dogs are natural protectors and prevent intruders from targeting your home. All dogs and breeds will naturally guard the house and bark if they hear something suspicious to raise the alarm which can provide some peace of mind to their owners.
Having a dog makes us better people. The responsibility, patience, selflessness, and commitment that come with having a dog make us stronger, all-around better people.