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Written by Ashley Denham Busse
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I recently completed my PhD in English literature, and as I was happily—and finally—composing the Acknowledgements section of my dissertation I realized I’d be remiss if I didn’t thank my dog Polly for her moral support all those many years of graduate school. Yes, of course it might seem silly on one level; after all, Polly can’t read and has no idea what I do at this light-box called a laptop all day, but she does seem aware when that laptop seems to be causing me anxiety: many, many times over the course of my work, Polly would hop down off the couch and amble over to me, as I sat at the dining room table surrounded by books, papers, notes, drafts, and would nudge my arm with her snout, wag her tail, and just in general remind me to look up from the page and take a break! I have to thank Polly for getting me out of the house every day, getting my mind off my work for a bit, allowing me to clear my head while I threw the tennis ball for her to retrieve. Our daily trips to the dog park exposed me to fresh air and new perspectives; time spent petting her calmed my nerves when a deadline was fast approaching; taking her for walks forced me to reengage with the outside world, to have a conversation with someone other than the authors whose work I was reading.
Pets do us a world of good, both physically and mentally. Study after study shows the psychological and physiological benefits of owning a companion animal, be she furry or feathered or scaled. Those of us fortunate enough to be owned by pets recognize the sense of calm that comes over us as we stroke their fur or watch them play with a toy or just enjoy their company. We know the joy they bring us, the companionship they provide, the way they can become family to us, console us when we’re feeling worried, lonely, sad or tired. But what we might not realize are many of the other ways pets extend and better our lives and the lives of others! Here are just a few facts that scientists have uncovered about the human-animal bond:
1) The Centers for Disease Control notes that petting a dog or cat or other companion animal actually lowers one’s blood pressure, cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
2) The National Institute of Health and other organizations have long recognized the efficacy of pets as therapy animals. Many studies have shown that people dealing with emotional trauma after war, prison inmates or at-risk adolescents, and children and adults who suffer from a range of developmental disabilities show marked improvement when they are encouraged to care for an animal; the practice of feeding, nurturing, or training an animal can bring a person “out of himself” and help him begin to relate in healthy, productive ways to other living beings. Troubled young people who have been the victims of emotional or physical abuse find self esteem and a sense of purpose in being responsible for another life and by receiving unconditional affection from animals.
3) Senior citizens and the house-bound or chronically ill often find great comfort in the companionship of animals; of course, many of these “pets” are also highly trained to assist both with daily activities and in emergencies. Studies have also shown that people with severe disabilities receive more positive attention from and interaction with other people when they have an animal as a companion; those who might feel uncomfortable or awkward interacting with someone with a severe disability find themselves more comfortable with a fluffy dog as a “go-between” or conversation starter.
4) Many studies in early childhood development have found that pets can help teach young children responsibility, empathy, kindness, and a sense of how to be in relationship with another.
5) Horses have long been used as therapy animals, aiding in both mental and physical rehabilitation.
6) And as I experienced with Polly, pets can force you simply to go outside more often, to get fresh air and exercise when you otherwise might stay in. Exercise of course improves one’s physical and mental health, so those daily walks you take with your dog benefit you as much as they do him! Those visits to the dog park also increase the amount of social interaction you have; I definitely had hectic days during graduate school where, if it hadn’t been for Polly’s need for dog park time, I probably wouldn’t have spoken to another human being all day. Some people even consider the dog park a great place to meet your next date!
All this research leads me to believe that it wasn’t silly of me to want to include my dog Polly in my list of “people” whose support helped me complete my PhD. I owe her a great debt for all the ways she daily forces me out of my head and into the world around me. Thanks for lying so patiently at my feet all those many days and nights, Poll, and for reminding me that fresh air, exercise, and interaction with others is just as important for me as it is for you.
Ashley recently completed her PhD in English literature and also works in the Old Town Alexandria office of Doggywalker.com. Doggywalker.com is a professional pet-sitting company providing daily walks and customized in-home pet care. Celebrating 10 years in business, visit Doggywalker.com or email ashley@doggywalker.comThis e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
I recently completed my PhD in English literature, and as I was happily—and finally—composing the Acknowledgements section of my dissertation I realized I’d be remiss if I didn’t thank my dog Polly for her moral support all those many years of graduate school. Yes, of course it might seem silly on one level; after all, Polly can’t read and has no idea what I do at this light-box called a laptop all day, but she does seem aware when that laptop seems to be causing me anxiety: many, many times over the course of my work, Polly would hop down off the couch and amble over to me, as I sat at the dining room table surrounded by books, papers, notes, drafts, and would nudge my arm with her snout, wag her tail, and just in general remind me to look up from the page and take a break! I have to thank Polly for getting me out of the house every day, getting my mind off my work for a bit, allowing me to clear my head while I threw the tennis ball for her to retrieve. Our daily trips to the dog park exposed me to fresh air and new perspectives; time spent petting her calmed my nerves when a deadline was fast approaching; taking her for walks forced me to reengage with the outside world, to have a conversation with someone other than the authors whose work I was reading.
Pets do us a world of good, both physically and mentally. Study after study shows the psychological and physiological benefits of owning a companion animal, be she furry or feathered or scaled. Those of us fortunate enough to be owned by pets recognize the sense of calm that comes over us as we stroke their fur or watch them play with a toy or just enjoy their company. We know the joy they bring us, the companionship they provide, the way they can become family to us, console us when we’re feeling worried, lonely, sad or tired. But what we might not realize are many of the other ways pets extend and better our lives and the lives of others! Here are just a few facts that scientists have uncovered about the human-animal bond:
1) The Centers for Disease Control notes that petting a dog or cat or other companion animal actually lowers one’s blood pressure, cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
2) The National Institute of Health and other organizations have long recognized the efficacy of pets as therapy animals. Many studies have shown that people dealing with emotional trauma after war, prison inmates or at-risk adolescents, and children and adults who suffer from a range of developmental disabilities show marked improvement when they are encouraged to care for an animal; the practice of feeding, nurturing, or training an animal can bring a person “out of himself” and help him begin to relate in healthy, productive ways to other living beings. Troubled young people who have been the victims of emotional or physical abuse find self esteem and a sense of purpose in being responsible for another life and by receiving unconditional affection from animals.
3) Senior citizens and the house-bound or chronically ill often find great comfort in the companionship of animals; of course, many of these “pets” are also highly trained to assist both with daily activities and in emergencies. Studies have also shown that people with severe disabilities receive more positive attention from and interaction with other people when they have an animal as a companion; those who might feel uncomfortable or awkward interacting with someone with a severe disability find themselves more comfortable with a fluffy dog as a “go-between” or conversation starter.
4) Many studies in early childhood development have found that pets can help teach young children responsibility, empathy, kindness, and a sense of how to be in relationship with another.
5) Horses have long been used as therapy animals, aiding in both mental and physical rehabilitation.
6) And as I experienced with Polly, pets can force you simply to go outside more often, to get fresh air and exercise when you otherwise might stay in. Exercise of course improves one’s physical and mental health, so those daily walks you take with your dog benefit you as much as they do him! Those visits to the dog park also increase the amount of social interaction you have; I definitely had hectic days during graduate school where, if it hadn’t been for Polly’s need for dog park time, I probably wouldn’t have spoken to another human being all day. Some people even consider the dog park a great place to meet your next date!
All this research leads me to believe that it wasn’t silly of me to want to include my dog Polly in my list of “people” whose support helped me complete my PhD. I owe her a great debt for all the ways she daily forces me out of my head and into the world around me. Thanks for lying so patiently at my feet all those many days and nights, Poll, and for reminding me that fresh air, exercise, and interaction with others is just as important for me as it is for you.
Ashley recently completed her PhD in English literature and also works in the Old Town Alexandria office of Doggywalker.com. Doggywalker.com is a professional pet-sitting company providing daily walks and customized in-home pet care. Celebrating 10 years in business, visit Doggywalker.com or email ashley@doggywalker.comThis e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
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