by Caryn Anderson

Created on: March 06, 2009

By and large, there's little doubt that having pets can alleviate stress. After all, there's an entire "Pet Therapy" movement based largely on the physiological changes that we undergo when we're in the presence of our pets. For all of you nay sayers out there, I want you to consider the following scenario.

My grandmother struggled with Alzheimer's for more than 10 years. During the first 7 of those years, the disease advanced fairly slowly. The last three years brought rapid decline and multiple complications. I was living at home, working at a stressful job as a professional negotiator, and shuttling back and forth from the nursing home several times a day to be there, along with the rest of my family. This was a heartbreaking period of time for my entire family. Somehow, day by day, we were able to still smile and laugh and see the beauty in this world. Why? I have four merry little Bichon Frise puppies who I credit with saving my whole family from completely losing our minds. Even in the midst of sadness and stress, I was able to come home each day and watch the antics between them and no matter what else had happened, against all the odds-I would laugh!

Now, several years later, my grandfather has adjusted to living his life without his wife of 50+ years and he still comes over at least once a day for a dose of my sweet dogs. In the interim, I was laid off from my job and started my writing business-stress isn't even the word for what I've been through. Yet somehow, day by day, I get through it with the unconditional love of my Bellamie, Zanipolo, Lilianna, and Mateja (my four sweeties). This is just one small personal example of the invaluable relief that having a pet can provide. Consider the therapy dogs who go into hospitals and nursing homes to bring joy and love to the patients. Do a little research and I'm confident that you'll find that there is a natural reaction between people and their pets-it's very holistic and quite healthy!

Alleviating loneliness, providing someone to care for, and most of all the boundless love-these are all gifts that could never be replaced by yoga, modern medicine, or aromatherapy. My point? There are many forms of stress relief out there, but if you want to almost instantly lower your blood pressure or calm anxiety-go pet a dog, or a cat-or a guinea pig for that matter. You might just be surprised by how effective that contact really is.

As I said in the beginning, my overall opinion is that pets relieve stress. That's not to say that there aren't stressful moments-I have four Bichons, I know about the possible stress. There are financial concerns to consider, caring for the animal, etc that should be considered. However, in the end, the pure love, joy, and laughter that a pet brings into your life works wonders!

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