I am totally one of “those people” when it comes to my dogs (please note photo to the right for evidence).
I sing them silly, made-up songs. Sometimes I do a little voice so it sounds like they are talking to us.
And yes, I definitely act like they are my children! (Sharkie and Huck totally love their mom and dad).
Sometimes I sneak pictures of them into my articles here, and yes they sometimes walk around in the background of my videos. Occasionally I post a cute picture of the two of them on The Love Vitamin’s facebook page.
However, if I had my way, I’d just post about them all day, all the time. They’d probably have a “Sharkie and Huck” facebook fan page all to themselves.
But I try to, you know… tone it down. I really am one of “those” dog people but I try to keep it more on the private side than showing the public my entire dorky dog loving fetish in all its glory.
I mean, really…. I didn’t sign up for this. I used to laugh at those kinds of people. I was just getting some dogs. I didn’t know I was going to become like this. BUT IT’S SO GOOD!!
So I’m just gonna let it out in this post!!
I LOVE MY DOGS SO MUCH!! AHHH!!! (and right now because I’m traveling in India I MISS THEM SO MUCH!!!)
Ah. That’s better.
The Health Benefits of Owning a Pet
Today we’re going to talk about the health benefits of owning a pet. Because having Sharkie and Huck in my life really has enhanced it a great deal.
In some ways owning a pet is not very fun. Responsibility yada yada (not to be taken lightly, see end of post).
But damn, for me, it’s so worth it for the joy they bring me. And for some reason, the fact that they are mine, rather than a family pet, makes it that much more rewarding. I mean, I really loved my family pets, but not like this. But I guess it’s kinda like how you love your own kids vs. someone else’s kids.
Anyway, studies have shown that owning a pet will indeed add years onto your life!! And I can see why. Let’s go over some of the potential health benefits a pet could bring you, many of them to do with lowering your stress levels (and remember – stress levels are hugely linked to acne!)
1) They will, without fail, make you get outside for fresh air and exercise!
We all know that exercise is indeed good for your health and skin. What’s even better is exercise in the fresh air. Throwing some sunshine in there too always helps as well.
Well let me tell you, nothing has ever kept me on as regular an exercise schedule as ol’ Sharkie and Huckie! If I ever try to slyly skip their walk, they look at me with their sad little doggie eyes and their cute little wagging tails, and what is a girl to do except for get on her hiking boots and get out there?
I suppose this one only applies if you have a dog. I mean, you could walk your cat or your tarantula too if you wanted. And I have indeed seen someone walking their pet pig around my town.
2) They will, without fail, make you feel totally loved!
Your pets never judge you. Your pets never snub you. Your pets always love you unconditionally and can be totally depended on to be there for you!
And no matter what happens – no matter what your mood or how you look that day – they will always be ridiculously, over the top, jumping up and down excited to see you! How many people in your life can you say that about?
My dogs constantly lick me, cuddle me – no matter what, all day they give me love and make me feel like a million dollars. The best part is that I know they aren’t like actual kids who will grow up and think they’re too cool for me! They will always be there waggin’ and a’ lickin’.
3) They will, without fail, make you laugh every day!
Nothing makes me laugh like my dogs. They’re just such characters. They both have very distinct personalities and the way that they interact with me, the world, and each other is just priceless. In fact sometimes I find it shocking just how much personality can exude out of something that doesn’t even talk!
Believe me, sitting and watching them wrestle and play and run around after each other is much better entertainment than TV!
“Moooommm!!!! Sharkie’s sitting on me!!!”
4) They will make you appreciate the simple things in life!
How can these wee little guys get SO much joy from sniffing things, eating, chewing a bone, and getting pats!? Ahh, the simple things in life… 🙂
5) They can add meaning to your life
While having a pet probably isn’t going to solve all your existential problems on the meaning of your life, if you feel a little lost, having a pet of your own can definitely add an important dimension – caring for and loving and feeding a little creature that needs you can bring you purpose and a lot of joy!
Consider the Responsibility Carefully Though… Pet Ownership Isn’t a Joke!
So there you go – it’s clear to see that pets can indeed lower stress, bring purpose to your life, and get you some exercise, which is all super good for you (and your skin!).
However, just want to say – just because I love my dogs, doesn’t mean everyone is a pet person. Maybe sticking a carrot in your eye sounds more appealing. That’s cool.
And just because I was ready to take on the responsibility of pet ownership at this stage, doesn’t mean you are! Getting a pet should NOT be taken lightly.
You can’t be as spontaneous in your day to day life, or go out for obscenely long stretches of time, as you must ensure they are fed, cared for, let out to pee, etc.
Behavioural problems are a real possibility, and they may need a lot of training, which is very time consuming and requires much commitment.
They actually do require walks (well, if it’s a dog) and attention every. single. day. Think about that for a second.
Pets will restrict travel, limit your options for living or working overseas, and greatly reduce the selection of places you can rent. (I am so grateful that my parents adore them and will look after them any time, which makes life a lot easier for me! But still, I definitely can’t decide to just move to a different country or anything, and if you don’t have a solid, reliable petsitter for your shorter travel plans, it can be severely limiting!)
And they are expensive!! Mainly as they get older or if they get hurt, vet bills are horrendously expensive, so you need to ensure you can actually afford it if something happens with your precious pet.
So definitely do not go get a pet on a whim – it takes careful consideration about whether pet ownership will really fit into your life or not! But if you have carefully considered it and decided you are willing to take on the commitment- oh boy. Have fun, because you are in for lots of it!
Do you have a pet? Tell us about it, and how he or she has enhanced your life 🙂
YES. Your pups are so cute, Tracy! My work schedule sadly won’t allow me to be a dog owner, but last fall I rescued a sweet little cat and I love her to pieces. She climbs all over me, purrs whenever I pet or hold her, and leave buckets of cat hair all over my work clothes – what a sweetheart.
No matter how frazzled or disheveled I am, she always wants to cuddle and makes me laugh with her quirks. She has hugely enriched my life, and I got to give a good home to a poor, sick, underfed cat and nurse her back to health. Now she’s a total chubster and the picture of health. I can’t imagine going back to not having her, and I’m looking into getting her a kitten friend. Pets all the way!
Hi Kit – yes having an animal friend is the best. I just had no idea it would be this much fun!! 🙂 Oh I miss them so much..
I bet 🙁 I had to leave my cat for almost a week once and even that made me crazy. P.S. I’m totally one of “those people” too. Tons of cat photos. Talking to her with baby talk and cutesy nicknames. Sometimes I even change up song lyrics and sing them so they’re about/to my cat instead…Yeah. Never predicted I’d end up like this lol.
I think we could cut a full album of Sharkie and Huck songs lol. I also didn’t know I’d end up like this, but it’s fun 🙂
Hi Tracy!
Love your blog so much it has been so so insightful. I was wondering if you could write an article about seborrheic dermatitis (especially facial, not just dandruff) and/or rosacea? I’m currently 22 years old and am trying to deal with these two skin issues as well as some acne. An article would be nice to generate some info about treatment options etc and also so people struggling with the same issues might be able to comment on the forum and post their own insight. I have a feeling that both skin problems are linked to diet/lifestyle/fungal issues. look forward to reading more posts! cheers
Hi Kris, yes I will put it on my list of things to write about! Thanks for the suggestions; sorry you’re suffering with these different skin issues! Sending love x
I was so so excited to see this post. Pets are such a huge part of our lives and its really important to consider how they affect both our physical and mental health. One of the biggest changes in my life I have made is becoming a strong and confident pack leader for my dog. I have religiously watched “The Dog Whisperer” with Cesar Millan and it is so eye opening. People desperately call him to “fix” their dogs when its really the owners who need to fix their attitudes and energy. It’s really amazing how our animals pick up on our energy (nervousness, fear, anxiety, weakness etc) and will try to take over because they are confused…this is when you’re pet can become unstable and create more stress in your home and life. The owners who call for Cesars help get more of a lesson in human psychology than they ever expected and learn that dogs have their own psychology (why wouldnt they?…they arent human). Taking the time to communicate with your dog in a way they underatand through energy and body language really forces you to practice what Cesar calls “calm assertive energy”. It means NEVER communicating with your pets through anger or frustration and being a fair leader with reasonable expectations. I would highly recommend Cesar’s books because he showed me that my dog is a reflection of myself and that she looks to me to fulfill her physical and mental needs (its more than just giving her kisses and hugs) and when I do that for her she can be an extremely calming and positive force in my life. For me she is a constant reminder to practice my best self. I am happier and she is happier!
Hi Caeleen, thanks for your comment 🙂
Good for you for being able to do the pack leader thing with style! haha when I first got Sharkie, I watched a bunch of Cesar Milan and tried to implement some of it, but then much like reading too much health information – I started reading way too many conflicting opinions and methods of dog training and got utterly confused and pretty much gave up. Of course, not saying that’s right but it was easy for me to do so since my dogs are generally very good. But yeah… I am very impressed with your calm assertive energy working out for you. Good for you! x
Hi Tracey!!!
I hope your having an awesome time in India!
Two questions….I have been wanting a dog FOREVER and I love all of my friends dogs so much I know it would make me so happy. Do you have any suggestions on where to get one? The internet can be overwhelming.
Second (unrelated I am sorry)….I have estroblock in my room and have yet to take it. I had a really awful experience after 3 months of vitex. I had a 3 week long period and was experiencing severe panic attacks and couldn’t figure out what was going on until I realized it was the vitex. I stopped taking it and 2 days later stopped bleeding and felt sane again. I was just trying to get rid of chin acne and ended up really messing with my whole system really badly (and skin didn’t really improve). My skin has gotten way better from sunshine, eating healthy, yoga, stress releiving activities, etc, but still have a little stubborn chin acne. I am terrified that estroblock will screw up my hormones really bad like vitex and I was wondering if you knew of any one having panick attacks from estroblock? I am fine with some detox headaches and moodiness, I just don’t want to screw up my period again because it took me 3 months to get everything back to normal again.
Thanks for everything you do you are so amazing and inspirational!! xo
Hi Stevi 🙂
If you want a rescue dog, Petfinder.com is the way to go (and where I found both of mine)… all the shelters put their animals on there so it’s all in one place. If you want a breeder, not sure about that. Very excited for you if you get one 🙂 You’re in for so much fun!
As for Estroblock – some people don’t react well to it and I have been hearing for some it does cause some disruptions in their cycle (not sure about panic attacks, but maybe – individuals seem to react to any given substance in a myriad of ways). I imagine this is a small minority, but I totally understand your concern if Vitex didn’t do you well. They are totally different substances so I wouldn’t just assume you’d react the same way to Estroblock, but I really can’t say! Sorry!
I agree with all of these points! My two kitties make me laugh and smile everyday – even when they are being adorable buttheads. They also helped get over my anti-bacteria phobia phase, which I think was connected to getting staph. Anyway, they have certainly made me healthier emotionally 🙂
Yay, I’m glad your kitties bring you so much joy :)! Pets are just so amazing to have in your life for so many reasons