Having a pet made me care about myself more
I’ve had my dog for nearly six years. I’ve had her since she was a puppy, taking her home after I helped care for her unbearably adorable litter of nine. She’s a healthy and energetic mutt, who loves people, fetch, and a good chew on a bone. She’s lived with me in three different states and traveled with me on many adventures.
Dogs are “man’s best friend” for a reason. We’ve co-evolved with canines for about 14,000 years. Our two species have a long history of helping and influencing each other. My dog and have a very symbiotic relationship. She does quite a lot for me in exchange for head scratches and kibbles.
My life is better because I have a dog. Not just because she’s cute, fun to be around, and nice to cuddle with; but because taking responsibility for another sentient being has increased my sense of responsibility for myself.
You have to take care of your dog (and you)
Dogs need food, water, exercise, bathroom breaks, entertainment, and affection. Humans need all of these things as well, but for some reason, it’s sometimes easier for me to remember that my dog needs these things than it is to remember that I do.
I’m not just concerned with keeping a roof over my own head, but also my dog’s head. I chose to live near a beautiful park, so I could walk my dog there. My dog needs to have a routine, so I must also have a routine. Every time I feed my dog, I’m reminded that I also need to eat. Every time I pet her, I’m reminded that I also deserve love and affection.
I imagine that this is a similar sense of responsibility that I would feel if I had children, but perhaps without so much pressure to be a good parent. It’s pretty simple to be a good parent to a dog — feed her, walk her, take her to the vet once in a while, and rest assured that she’s probably not going to resent you when she grows up.
Dogs make you do stuff
I have to get out of bed in the morning whether I like it or not because my dog needs to go for a walk. When I’m feeling like wasting the day in bed … too bad. My dog definitely won’t stand for any of that nonsense. It’s get up, or face the horrors of the face-licking alarm clock.
As most people who have struggled with their mental health could tell you, getting out of bed can sometimes be a challenging thing to do if you’re not feeling your best. Having a dog makes it so I have no excuse, and walking her is a dose of exercise and sunlight that is built into my day.
I also sometimes meet people because of my dog, like when I ask someone at the dog park if their dog is friendly, or when my dog bumps noses with someone else’s at the pet store.
Dogs are a social lubricant — kind of like alcohol, but less damaging to the liver. It makes sense that dogs have been shown to be a conduit for getting to know people, friendship formation, and social support.
My dog also makes me want to get out into nature more. Anyone who has seen a dog sniff around in the forest knows how joyous it is. Because of my dog, I end up hiking more, which has both positive physical and mental benefits.
Dogs are good for your brain
Dog owners know from personal experience that our four-legged friends make us feel happier, but this idea is supported by science as well. Aside from encouraging you to get exercise, which is good for both physical and mental health, dogs have other positive effects on our minds.
Recently, researchers at Washington State University found that dog exposure lowered levels of the stress hormone cortisol in students. Playing with a dog can also help raise levels of serotonin and dopamine, which make you feel calm and happy.
In a 2009 study, companion dogs were shown to help seniors in a long-term care facility with anxiety and depression. Dogs have also been shown to help kids with ADD manage their symptoms.
I think dogs are good for mental health because they love unconditionally. Generally, if you’re nice to a dog, he will be nice to you. Dogs don’t care if you’re a hyperactive little kid or a grumpy old person. They don’t care how you dress, if you’re a good conversationalist, or if you’re a little weird at parties. They are very forgiving of mistakes, and they don’t hold grudges.
It’s clear: A dog is a powerful prescription for peace, and the worst side effect is that she might poop on your rug.
Having a pet isn’t for everyone, but if you’re feeling lost in life, or having a hard time finding the motivation to care for yourself, it might be something to consider.
I’m a better person because of my dog. This is because she creates accountability for me.
It’s not just my own quality of life that I have to be concerned with, it’s my dog’s as well. Taking on any kind of responsibility is usually a good strategy for feeling more confident and making your life feel more meaningful. My dog makes my life feel doubly meaningful because she’s a member of my family and a pure joy to be around.
There’s something about putting conscious love and attention into something living that is just plain good for you.
A goldfish might help, too. Hell, even a plant. But there’s nothing in this world like a dog.
Originally published on medium.com on January 21st, 2020.
Esoteric Epistemology 