The Best Kind of Friend

The human-canine bond dates back thousands of years. In the United States, over 48% of households have a pet dog.

A hundred years ago, essayist and naturalist, John Burroughs wrote that with a dog, “You are alone and not alone; you have both companionship and solitude.”

For me, that goes for all our pets. When they are puppies or kittens, they require work and attention. But once they settle into a more adult rhythm, they are agreeable to be our quiet shadows. They provide soul-mate level company~~just happy to be with me while I do my tasking, contemplation or creation. A gentle presence that we often take for granted.

Our dogs are the focus of today’s post. As you may know, we have two dogs, Cooper and Sox.

Cooper, an Akbash, a Turkish breed is 6 years old. He stands tall and weighs 125 lbs. In spite of his sweet disposition, he has a booming presence and a hefty bark. With nearly 2 acres to protect, he takes his job seriously, patrolling and protecting our family. Instinctively, he will chase coyotes off the property and always alerts us when something isn’t quite right. When he stands on his hind legs, he can easily see over our 6′ walls.

Sox, a Beagle mix, will be 13 this year. His hearing has diminished and his eye sight is questionable, but his nose is as sharp as ever. Once he is on the scent, it’s hard to distract him. He is my daughter, Elisabeth’s dog and she has adored him since he was a puppy. The lessons a child learns by loving and caring for a dog is priceless. They have grown up together.

Scientific research about our bonds with dogs and other animals has grown in recent years. Studies show just how smart dogs are and the importance of the connection between us and them. Research has known that just being with a dog can lower our heart rate and our blood pressure and we lower theirs. Dogs can reduce our stress even when our closest human connections fail.

A study from the University of Buffalo suggests that your dog will be more of a comfort to you in a given stressful situation than your spouse. Just petting a dog (or cat) can reduce stress-related cortisol levels. Dogs are more expressive when we are looking at them, and those of us who love dogs may live longer, healthier lives with them.

There has been analyses about the chemical connection and the release of oxytocin, the feel-good “love” hormone when we look into the eyes of our dog. We feel good.

When my father was living with us during the last few months of his life, the dogs never left his side. They would settle in at his feet and stay there. Just days before he died, it was as if the dogs knew he would soon be leaving us. They were his faithful guardians to the end.

Best-selling author, Sy Montgomery states, “Dogs see who you really are. They don’t care about your eye makeup or if your hair is combed. They see right to your heart, and they don’t get waylaid by that other stuff.”

Our dogs are an integral part of our family. I am so accustomed to them being by my side when I am gardening, gathering eggs or walking through the house. They follow me everywhere. Cooper and Sox are a unit and rarely do you find one without the other.

They provide countless moments of joy and at the end of the day, when they are curled up and sleeping, all is right with the world.

Unconditional love and a deep rooted connection is what we get from our canine companions. When the dogs sense I am stressed, they don’t leave me alone, but lean in a little. I think it is their way to let me know I have their support and love.

What our dogs get in return is the best care and attention possible. We keep them healthy and happy with a big yard to play, homemade dog food and treats to eat (see previous post here), and plenty of human interaction.

Losing a pet is an unexplainable grief. I once met a pet grief counselor (who knew that was an occupation?) who told me the reason God made the lives of dogs so short, was so we would be able to love many dogs in our lifetime. I like that.

Here’s a short tribute to our previous canine companions.

Do you have a dog? Or other pet? What makes your relationship special?

Wishing you a low-stress Tuesday. Just know that if your blood pressure is up or you are feeling unloved, go and pet a dog.