Why You Need To Add To Your Family!
As I am writing this, I am keeping a special secret. Our family is expanding! In fact, in just 4 more sleeps our new baby will be arriving, and we cannot wait. We decided to keep it as a surprise, mostly because we have not told Mr 3 yet, and being a new big brother, we thought he should find out first – we know he is going to be super excited! We have already bought everything we need for our youngest family member, and of course decided on a name – Benji. Benji is a miniature dachshund (aka a sausage dog)!
My husband has always loved daschunds, and has dreamt about owning one for many years. We already have two dogs (older females) but seeing as they were around way before Mr 3, they prefer not to associate with him too much – much to his despair! He is desperate for a buddy that will bond with him and be his best mate, and we hope that Benji will be the right pet for the job! I have done a lot of reading and researching into the benefits of owning dogs, and I truly believe every family needs one! Here’s three reason why!
1. Improved mental health
Who doesn’t want someone (or something) super loyal and loving waiting for them at home after a hectic day? Not only do dogs provide therapeutic and physical benefits to their owners, but huge emotional benefits too! Their companionship and affection is stress relieving – better than a Valium some say! Playing with dogs for just 15-30 minutes can raise your levels of dopamine and serotonin which are our pleasure and calming hormones.
2. Nurtured development
Not only do our four legged friends bring enjoyment to a family, but they can also nurture child development! The relationship between child and pet can help develop empathy, responsibility and confidence. It is said that children that grow up with dogs in their home, experience less skin conditions and fewer allergies!
3. Up the activity
As well as other positive effects on your health (such as reduced blood pressure and cholesterol!), most dog owners are more active than their canine-less friends! Dogs like to be active – playing and walking, which means their family need to get moving with them. Increased activity makes for a happy and healthy pet and happy, healthy owners.
Pets are a huge responsibility. It is great to know the benefits a new addition may bring to your family, but it is also important to remember that they have emotional and physical requirements to be met too. They teach us selflessness, patience and commitment and provide us with oodles of love, laughter and health benefits. I can’t wait for Benji to join our family and to finally share our news with everyone – I will be sure to share a picture of him soon! Do you have a dog? Tell us about them below!
