Your Animal Friends Matter

Posted by Marlene in Marlene's Feel Good Blog | 0 comments

Here’s Something New to Feel Good About Today!

“Our task must be to free ourselves… by widening our circle of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature and its beauty.” Albert Einstein

If you have grown up with an animal friendship you know the value of having one in your life. I really want to learn about you and your companion. Please take this opportunity to share your true, personal story of a dog, cat, horse, fish or bird that has positively impacted your life leaving a lasting memory.

You can write it and add pictures or send a video of you with your favorite companion.

My first, best friend was a German Shepherd, named Duke. He showed up in our back yard one day and then kept coming back. It turned out his owners had just had a baby and didn’t have time to care for him. I begged and my parents agreed to allow Duke to become our family pet.

Ours was an instant and unique bond. Numerous old photographs prove it. Duke and I sprawled out on the carpet watching TV, my head resting on his chest, my teaching him tricks, him watching patiently as I played hopscotch with my sisters.

One of the most remarkable traits about Duke was that he would follow me to school, some days waiting all day to walk home with me. No matter what kind of day I had, my dog was always there. He was the resevoir for all the feelings that I as a young girl could not express. Duke was my first in a long line of pets to follow. No matter old I grow, I will never forget the German Shepherd who opened my heart to love all animals.

Back then I had no idea that loving a pet could actually improve and benefit my health. Perhaps that’s why whether they are aware or not, most households in the United States have at least one pet. In fact, years of research prove that living with animals helps us live longer, happier lives. Pets lower our blood pressure, boost immunity, lessen stress and alleviate anxiety. Small stuff compared to what they do for your heart.

Please read our story guidelines and submit your PawPrints story to me at handprintsstories@gmail.com.