Stress Busters: Pets

I'm a mother once again! After my son moved away and got married, I thought my " motherhood hat" had been retired. But now I am the proud mother of a Chihuahua/Dachshund mix puppy named Jenny. The peace and contentment she brings into my heart is unmeasurable.

According to U.S. World & News Report, some scientists believe that because animal companionship is uncomplicated, non-judgmental, accepting and attentive, animals are natural therapists. Animals help with stress relief, physiotherapy, depression and short-term memory.

I have always been a cat person myself. I respect their aloof and serene temperament. However, how can anyone resist a puppy who comes running full speed whenever she sees you? Jenny's love is constant, pure and unconditional. She does not care what my hair looks like or that I am still in my sweat pants, or that I have "morning breath." I can confide my deepest, darkest fears to Jenny and she responds by licking my chin; I can sit in quite solitude and she sits by my side; I can laugh and roll on the floor with her and she enjoys our romp.

When my mind is in emotional turmoil she calms me by laying her head on my hand. And, when I wonder why I should get out of bed, she is there to remind me she needs me to take her out to go potty. I know that petting her fur lowers my blood pressure and lightens my mood. When I fall off my diet and eat a candy bar, she doesn't look at me with judgmental eyes, she is there rooting for me the next day when I am back on my low-fat menu. When I feel the walls closing in after days of Humboldt rain I can walk Jenny and get fresh air as well as exercise.

The American Institute of Stress, says that 9 out of 10 doctor visits are related to stress. And of those adults, small business owners have been found to be under more stress due to their responsibilities for their business and employees. If you feel you are experiencing maximum stress levels, after seeing your primary care physician, you may want to consider a pet for tension relief.

However, make sure that owning and caring for a pet won't cause you more pressure. You should carefully research which breed of dog is best for you-a laid back Labrador or a high-maintenance Pomeranian? Maybe your quiet temperament is better suited to a feline for a friend. And don't forget hamsters, rabbits, birds, fish and horses. These are all capable of enhancing relaxation responses and relationship development by dong what they have been doing for centuries-offering unconditional love and friendship.