If you’ve ever owned a pet, you already know how much fun and affection they can bring. But did you know that pets also come with some pretty powerful mental and physical health benefits? Dogs in particular can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, ease loneliness, encourage exercise and playfulness, and even improve your cardiovascular health. Caring for a dog can help children grow up more secure and active. Dogs also provide valuable companionship for older adults. Perhaps most importantly, though, a dog can add real joy and unconditional love to your life. More than any other animal, dogs have evolved to become acutely attuned to humans and our behavior and emotions. While dogs are able to understand many of the words we use, they’re even better at interpreting our tone of voice, body language, and gestures. And like any good human friend, a loyal dog will look into your eyes to gauge your emotional state and try to understand what you’re thinking and feeling (and to work out when the next walk or treat might be coming, of course). I have a dog 🐶 at home, 2! It’s second nature 2 me, but always a priority 2 ensure the pets I look after have 100% of my attention while 2gthr. I never forget 2 fill water bowls, provide reward treats, feed on time , get outside of course, excercise at least 30mins a day & have calm comfortable place 2 sleep. It’s easy 2 do since I need many of the same things they need!! I truly adore dogs. In 2021 I saved the life of a choking dog using choking protocol & cpr. His name is Savoy, an 11yo JRT living in Copley Sq. After I saved his life, he was rushed to the emergency ASPCA in Brookline where he spent 8 hours on a breathing machine to regain healthy oxygen levels. His family is forever grateful for saving his life & I’m overjoyed knowing he’s happy & healthy again. I’ll never forget that day.