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Peyton a three-month-old Beagle pup with owner Jenny, and Mike Sawyer in Alabama

Dogs - and especially puppies - are excellent antidepressants. In fact,
they are more than that, they bring sunlight and joy into the lives of
all they meet.

I would qualify this by saying "well-trained and well-socialized" dogs.
Puppies are of course usually still in training, but are so cute and by
nature so lovable that this more than makes up f/ the occasional puddle
on the floor or muddy pawprint on one's clothes.

When I feel depressed, nothing cheers me up like taking a walk in an
area where I know dog owners go to walk their pets. Even just watching
happy dogs playing is a joy.

The uplifting impact of animals is well-recognized. Many hospices, old
folks' homes, children's hospitals, and other institutions have pet
owners bring their charges in to bring joy into the lives of the
institutionalized. I have read about prison programs in which prisoners
are given responsibility f/ an animal.

The only downside of pets is f/ those w/ allergies, altho I know many
people who believe that their allergic symptoms are worth the joy of
having pets. Another reason to squelch smoking - one of the most
significant risk factors for developing allergies is maternal smoking
during pregnancy and growing up in a smoking household! Apparently the
best way to protect your child from asthma and allergies is to avoid
smoke and secondhand smoke and have animals in the house, so their
immune systems grow healthy and strong.

I'll bet Peyton is every bit as sweet and lovable as she looks.

Cheers,
Sera

Please return Home with Compassion for All