Don't Grow Up - Pet a Doggo!
Pretty sure I could just end the blog here and not face any criticism. If I were a pastor I could walk up onto the stage, say “Dogs are great right? Let’s pray,” and be done. BUT, I have thoughts (because, ya know, why wouldn’t I?).
For years I’d wanted a dog. We had one for a few years growing up, but were forced to give her up when my mom, sister, and I had to move into an apartment that didn’t allow pets (let’s get that on the ballot next year - landlords can’t deny pets!). When I moved to Colorado, I had foot surgery that took me out of commission for 8 weeks. Once I was mobile, I figured that would be the perfect time to adopt a dog. I couldn’t leave the house much, but I didn’t have to work, so I could spend as much time as necessary bonding with a pup and acclimating them to their new surroundings.
So, I began my search. The first thing I realized is this: Pet adoption is expensive. And honestly, I can’t figure out why. I understand overhead costs, but some shelters here in Colorado wanted well over $2,000 (despite fundraising and being fully staffed by volunteers). Further, the living requirements were insane. One shelter wouldn’t allow apartment dwellers to adopt, as if the dog would rather be euthanized than live in an apartment. Some wouldn’t let single people adopt. I won’t even get started on how ludicrous that is (but EFF that shelter).
One day I came across an adorable beagle/bassett hound mix in a shelter in Buena Vista, CO. I filled the toaster up with gas (yes, I owned a Scion XB) and drove 3 hours to meet Zebra. Zebra, who had been given that name when he was brought to the shelter, was found abandoned somewhere in Texas. Because so many dogs are abandoned in Texas (is there no end to the injustice of that state?) they’re shipped out to other locations less saturated with shelter pups.
When I arrived, Zebra was in a field running around with his husky buddy (no, I’m not fat shaming, she’s literally a husky), one biting down on each side of a long rope toy, having the time of their lives. When I met him, it was love at first site. He was soft, friendly, cuddly, seemingly very extroverted, and I knew we’d be best friends. Luckily, the Ark Valley Humane Society didn’t see pet adoption as an opportunity for early retirement, and after a 20 minute interview and a few signatures, I had my new buddy.
My dream had always been to adopt a dog and give him an old man name. Something like George or Harry. But this guy, he seemed like a Walter to me. Since Zebra was never really his name in the first place, I dubbed him Walter, and we journeyed back to Lone Tree.
Walter is the cuddliest dog on the face of the planet. Disagree? I challenge you to fisticuffs. He’s a total dork, incredibly emotional (like his dear old dad), too smart for his derpy-ness, and 100% the best dog for me. I quickly found myself more relaxed and less anxious. Turns out this wasn’t just perception. Here are just a few of the benefits of interacting with dogs published by Johns Hopkins Medicine*:
Petting a dog reduces stress and blood pressure by decreasing cortisol levels
Social interaction between dogs and humans increase oxytocin levels
Having a dog requires numerous walks and a whole lot of play time, resulting in increased activity for owners
The American Heart Association released a research report endorsing dog ownership as a way of warding off cardiovascular disease
Companionship with a dog decreases depression and increases self esteem
If you’re still not convinced, go play with a dog. Watch her roll over, tail wagging to the point of lifting off like a helicopter, and try not to smile. When your dog talks to you, talk back. I defy you to not talk back in a silly voice, laughing as you do it. Let your pup loose in your backyard and watch her wonder at insects, respond to other dogs walking by, and sniff EVERYTHING. There is no boring day for a dog.
If you’re interested in adopting a pup or supporting organizations that rescue and rehabilitate them, check out these resources:
Embrace the joy and wonder of a dog, and pet one. You’ll be glad you did!
*https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/the-friend-who-keeps-you-young