It’s a little ironic that I just belted out a 17 page paper for class but thought, “I don’t know what to say” when it came to writing this blog. I’m on week six of working and doing schooling from home, and lately, I feel like much of my creativity and motivation has dried up.
As I begin to write this, I’m listing to “Glycerine” by Bush. Occasionally, I stop to sing to Caesar, and he repays me with a kiss. Then, a new thought comes to mind: “I’m so thankful for this dog; my mental health is so thankful for this dog right now.” and a-ha! we have a topic!
Recently, I read an article about how people are walking their dogs much more due to coronavirus (it’s still an essential duty). One lady made a comment that her dog is the only think keeping her sane. For many of us, our dog (or cat) is our only companion during the day.
These days, I spend all my time with my dogs. Even when I leave the house, it’s to walk Caesar or to play with Jeter. It’s so comforting to have another living thing in my presence during the day. I don’t get lonely, but I think that is thanks to my dogs. I couldn’t imagine how this time feels for those who live totally alone.
Dogs are called companion animals for a reason – they provide companionship. The very definition of companionship speaks of fellowship, which is just a warm sounding word, especially of you’re a Lord of the Rings fan like me.
Dogs are good for your mental health, and in the time we are living in, many of us really need the companionship and kindness that dogs provide. Dogs give us purpose and increase our self-worth during a time when it can feel hard to get motivated.
Some days, it’s really hard for me to get out of bed, but then Jeter paws me or whimpers, letting me know he needs to go outside and that it’s time for him to be fed. Some days, even after I do that, I still feel like going to the couch and not moving, but then Caesar gives me a look, and I whisper the word “walk” and his ears shoot up. Caesar keeps me active (exercise is also good for your mental health). Without my dogs, I have no doubt that I’d allow the coronavirus to overtake my mental health, and I’d lie in bed for days. Having a purpose and a responsibility was the entire reason I brought Caesar into my life. There is nothing that brings more happiness than caring for another creature and being repaid with unconditional love.
With stay at home orders in place, many officials are putting an emphasis on mental health and are focused on keeping suicide rates low. Having a dog certainly helps according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), “Dogs can contribute to your happiness. Studies show that dogs reduce stress, anxiety and depression, ease loneliness, encourage exercise and improve your all-around health.”
Being with your dog can increase oxytocin and dopamine levels (the happy, feel-good hormones). Plus, being together creates that fellowship I was talking about earlier, and who doesn’t like feeling a sense of belonging with another creature?
As I end this blog, Caesar lays underneath my feet and we listen to “Santa Monica” by Everclear. I sing, “With my big black boots and a new suit case, I do believe I’ll find myself a new place.” I’ve sang these lyrics so many times to him, always promising to take him wherever I go. He keeps me sane during a chaotic time. He keeps me walking when I could crumble into a ball and let my mind eat itself. I’m so grateful to have a good dog.
