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Writer's pictureMelissa Robbins

How Animals Enrich Our Lives: Holiday Edition!

Updated: Nov 15, 2022


Happy Tuesday everyone! I hope you're all enjoying this nice weather we've been having. I want to revisit my blog post about how animals enrich our lives, and about the importance of connection. With colder, darker days many people will find comfort in the company of their pets. In a lot of ways, animals can fill loneliness in ways humans can't. They depend on you, provide hours of entertainment and love you unconditionally. As many of you may know, I have a pig named Pincus and a kitty named Leo. When I come home after a long day, they greet me at the door(well, at least Leo does, Pincus squeaks from afar). They're adorable, fun and sometimes annoying... kind of like humans Lol; but I can't imagine not having them around. Leo, especially, is very friendly to everyone he meets. It's nice having something to take care of who showers you with love and affection <3 Another favorite companion is the family dog Poseidon(shown in picture)who used to go along with me on my long hikes and walks. The bond between humans and animals has been proven to increase levels of happiness, which is just one of the reasons why keeping a community pet in assisted living communities has impacted the residents overall well-being and longevity. Interacting with animals has shown to reduce stress, fear and anxiety in humans and reduce levels of blood pressure, heart rate and promote overall well-being. Interacting with animals has also shown to promote an increase of maternal care in mammals, as our care for animals can increase our ability to care for ourselves and those around us. With all these benefits of human-animal interaction (HAI), there have also been studies suggesting that these benefits increase even more when a dog interacts with its owner versus a stranger. It's no wonder that dogs are referred to as "mans best friend." How have animals impacted your life? Are you planning on spending the holidays with a favorite pet? Comment below and share your story!

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Melissa Robbins
Melissa Robbins
Nov 21, 2020

When I was 10 years old I thought it sounded like a good idea to marry the family dog Buster, because he was always a sweetheart 😊 Always unlucky in love, it still doesn't sound like a bad idea Lol I was a sensitive kid

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source16
Nov 21, 2020

Last month I broke up with my boyfriend and I was so upset and my sweet dog, Poseidon, would not leave my side. I would lay on the couch and he would come sit by me and put his head on me while I was laying down and if I got up he would follow me. Sometimes your most loyal companion isn’t someone you can’t vent to or have a conversation with but an animal who will just be there by your side no matter where you go.. sometimes animals make you feel the most loved.

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Melissa Robbins
Melissa Robbins
Jul 26, 2020

My little piggie Pincus will follow me around my apartment and squeak at me whenever I come home. It's as though she thinks I'm always doing something noteworthy. It's nice to feel special even if just in the eyes of a pig ❤🐹

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oilsofolympia
Jul 15, 2020

I had a favorite pet and her name was Lizzy!

She was half Chow & half Golden Retriever.

I remember coming home to see her everyday after school as a kid. I was in the 4th grade.

I remember sitting in class and someone pointed out that a dog is outside the door. I forgot to mention prior, Lizzy loved to run away from the house lol

Yes, outside of the classroom waiting by the door was my dog Lizzy!

I walked to school every day& I believe our bond was so close that she smelt my scent and ran to me!


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