by Jean Sidden

Created on: January 09, 2010

It seems like too easy and convenient a prescription. You're feeling a bit down and dejected and your beloved pet sits next to you, their big eyes fixated on your face. You reach out and touch them. Their tail wags or they begin to purr. Suddenly you smile and throw your arms around them. This is love and love always makes us feel better, lifts our spirits and improves our mood.

It is easy and it is convenient. This naturally positive reaction we have to companion animals is the reason we have dogs and cats visiting nursing homes and hospitals. People always feel better when they interact with a loving pet.

Your pet can bring you out of yourself and force you to put your thoughts on something other than your own bad feelings. Do they need to be fed? By the time most of us finish that chore and see how happy they are, as their simplest need has been met, we feel happy too.

Just because animals are so interesting in their behavior humans have always enjoyed watching the way they do what they do. They can make us laugh when we're sad and they can fill our hearts with warmth when we feel alone. This medication has no toxic side effects, isn't physically addictive and cannot be bottled, though the medical community wishes it could.

It's now being proved that interacting with animals lowers blood pressure and fills people with a sense of well being. Having a pet is encouraged for the elderly to make them feel less alone and keep them from becoming isolated. The tactile response of touching your pet can help to reduce stress.

Are you finding it difficult to meet people? Take a walk with your dog. Observe how many people are outside in the fresh air with their animals and how the social nature of dogs seems to bring the people together. Take your dog to a dog park and be assured of meeting large groups of people with the love of their animals in common.

The sense of life force that emanates from companion animals can give people an important connection that helps them look forward to each day. When something as endearing as our pet is depending on us we are able to reach out and respond to that need for compassion and giving.

Remember the next time you've had a bad day or are feeling discouraged you may have the ultimate cure right at your finger tips. Observe how happy your animal is to see you.  Reach out and pet them and take notice of how much better you feel. Remember they are always there for you and will never reject you. It's the best mood enhancer on the market.

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