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Everyone Should Consider Owing a Dog
Humanity has long regarded the dog as man’s best friend. This can be attributed to their
submission and obedience. In the past, dogs were used for hunting, fishing and to provide much-
needed companionship to humans. Contemporary studies show that owning a dog can help teach
children responsibility and empathy, promote physical and mental well-being, and foster
community and connection with others (Hafer, 2021; Torrey, 2023).
Children can learn a nurturing spirit by caring for pets (PDSA, 2023). Dogs help children
learn responsibility as they care for their daily needs such as feeding, grooming, or walking.
They can gain social skills with other people for example, children can learn to be kind,
understanding, and respectful of living things. Another benefit of owning a dog is that they help
children with developmental disorders and anxiety with their calming presence, whether through
a gentle cuddle or playful character which can help ease tension in their minds (Torrey, 2023).
Dogs can provide unequal loyalty and unconditional affection in a world riddled with complexity
and uncertainties. A dog's unfailing devotion is a source of comfort and solace to many.
Another benefit of owning a dog is that they help to improve or increase their owner’s
physical well-being (Torrey, 2023). Owing a dog plays a crucial role in the minds of human
beings. The daily ritual of playing, running, and walking with them keeps individuals happy and
provides a healthy mindset and a catalyst for our physical well-being. Dogs help their owners
meet their daily exercise requirements improving their cardiovascular health condition, reducing
obesity risk, and enhancing their fitness in several ways (PDSA, 2023).
Owning a dog impacts companionship by improving emotional and mental well-being
(Torrey, 2023). McDowall et al. (2023) contend that a therapy dog, for instance, helps to reduce
stress, depression, and anxiety for individuals with a wide range of mental, emotional, or
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personality disorders. Similarly, in a world where people often feel divided and sometimes
disconnected, dogs help create a meaningful connection with other human beings and also break
through social barriers. For example, in the dog park, people connect, interact, and have
meaningful conversations which aid in networking with others and creating new friendships.
In conclusion, the benefits of owning a dog are undeniable. The unconditional love and
companionship that they offer help to enrich social, physical, and mental well-being. For the
current generation, dogs create comfort and joy for many people, cementing their position as
man’s best friend.
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References
Hafer, G. (2021, December 20). Pets can provide comfort during these strange and stressful
times. AMAC Foundation. https://amacfoundation.org/pets-can-provide-comfort-during-
these-strange-and-stressful-tines/?
utm_source=google&utm_medium=ppc&utm_campaign=139674916515&utm_term=be
nefits%20of%20having%20a
%20pet&utm_content=b&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjw0YGyBhByEiwAQmBEWu
wkRLMF3LPZLrcaoGlNzve1upG2DurNOXhZew4xw-
iy6sZAQX7TPxoCiXIQAvD_BwE
McDowall, S., Hazel, S. J., Cobb, M., & Hamilton-Bruce, A. (2023). Understanding the role of
therapy dogs in human health promotion. International Journal of Environmental
Research and Public Health/International Journal of Environmental Research and
Public Health, 20(10), 5801. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20105801
PDSA. (2023). The benefits of owning a pet.
https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/looking-after-your-pet/all-pets/the-benefits-
of-owning-a-pet
Torrey, T. (2023, December 6). How therapy dogs can improve mental and physical health.
Verywell Mind. https://www.verywellmind.com/therapy-dogs-benefits-2615438
