Owning A Pet Friend Can Be Very Therapeutic

In these crazy times daily living can be stressful for just about anyone. Isn't it nice when you have a person in your life that is so supportive that not a single word needs to be exchanged? You know that they have your back and are there for you through good times and bad. That source of support doesn't even need to be another human being. Such is the case for Marlene, a woman who was having a daily struggle with depression and anxiety. Just one small action on her part opened up a whole new world for her and the animal she adopted. Marlene found a cure for her problems that didn't have anything to do with taking a pill or talking to a psychiatrist. She found the coping skills she needed by allowing a wonderful dog into her life.

Marlene found total solace with an animal who was having its own set of problems. The dog was plagued with hip problems and together they found a way to soothe each other. Marlene states in the video that when you are with a human, you are required to talk and interact. When you are dealing with issues like depression and anxiety, sometimes you simply don't feel like speaking. Just walking along the water's edge with this beautiful dog was all she needed. No need to converse, just a mutual understanding that they were both there for each other. As she puts it "When you have a dog you can just be yourself".

Marlene soon discovered that this was a mutually beneficial relationship. The dog she adopted was born with a malformed hip which limited its mobility. As it turns out, she soon discovered that she and the dog had an affinity for water activities. Marlene loved to go out on her paddle board. It was a great stress reliever and she quickly learned that her newly adopted pet enjoyed the water just as much as she did. Swimming and being out on the paddle board turned out to be a form of therapy for the dog as well. It strengthened its muscles, balance and flexibility.

It has been known for quite some time that a pet can do wonders for your psyche as well as your internal health. It has been proven that being in the presence of an animal has the ability to lower one's blood pressure by several points. This is why therapy dogs are used in nursing homes, hospitals and even in facilities that deal with end of life care, such as a hospice. It's truly amazing the benefits we gain by owning a pet. They are empathetic, non-judgmental and most importantly, they offer unconditional love to their owners.

Clearly this woman Marlene is on to a very good thing. This dog filled a major void in her life and she found support in a way she never expected. It's difficult to imagine a world without our pets. They give us so much and even though we know that their time on this planet is short, our supportive pets always give us quality time. They only ask for your love in return. Do you own an animal who gives you incredible support? Let us know in the comments below and please share this video with your friends.