Welcome Bo Obama! The Wonderful Benefits of Animal Companionship

[babylonsister]

Dr. Patricia Fitzgerald
Posted April 12, 2009 | 01:35 PM (EST)

Welcome Bo Obama! The Wonderful Benefits of Animal Companionship


The cat, er, the dog is out of the bag. The "top secret" arrival of the First Dog is finally here! His name is Bo and he is a 6-month old Portuguese water dog.

I have been on Obama Garden Watch for the past few weeks, as those who have followed my recent blogs may know. Well, I have simultaneously been on Obama First Dog Watch, anxiously awaiting the day I could get details on the Presidential Pooch.

Michelle Obama tapped into my passion for nutrition and wellness when she decided to promote healthy and delicious eating with her organic garden. Now as a dog lover and animal shelter volunteer, I can share the enthusiasm of the Obama Family's first dog -- the First Dog.

Many of us know that animals add to our emotional and spiritual well-being. Since we live in a day where just about anything can and is often researched, many studies have demonstrated that having a pet is good for our physical health as well! Apparently, while we are taking care of our pets, our pets are taking care of us.

Studies abound showing that sharing our lives with animals benefits our stress levels, our blood pressure, cholesterol, triglycerides, moods, immunity, fitness levels, the length and quality of our lives, and can even reduce health care costs.

Here are a few highlights of the hundreds of studies showing the amazing benefits of animal companionship:

Cardiovascular Health

Karen Allen, PhD, a medical researcher at State University of New York at Buffalo, reported that dog guardians with hypertension had lower blood pressure readings in response to stressful situations than those who did not have a dog.

Pet guardians were found to have lower levels of cardiovascular disease risk factors, such as blood pressure, triglycerides, and cholesterol levels in a study reported in the Medical Journal of Australia.

Having a feline companion could reduce your heart attack risk by nearly one third, according to researchers at the University of Minnesota's Stroke Institute. Queen's University researcher Dr. Deborah Wells reported that dog guardians were 8.6% more likely to be alive one year following a heart attack than those without a pooch pal.


more...

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dr-patricia-fitzgerald/welcome-bo-obama-the-wond_b_185981.html

[rvablue]

1. Though they got the dog for the girls

how much you want to bet Bo will often be found napping at the President's feet in the Oval Office?

Can't wait until Tuesday! I know I should mind my own business and it's a private family moment but I hope we get to see some pics of the homecoming!

[babylonsister]

4. You know that dog will be all over the prez.

I noticed in the one pic that was released that he's the only one touching the little cutie.

That too shall change. ;)

[firedupdem]

5. I noticed that too! Reminded me of when my husband brought

my dog home. I wouldn't touch him and the boys wouldn't either. We had never had a pet. It took a minute to finally stop running to wash my hands every time he licked me. We were such goobers.

[firedupdem]

2. So true, my little Rocco came into my life at the most depressing

time for me. He keeps me sane! I can't imagine a day without him. I'm hoping Bo gives this family much deserved love and happiness! Here's my baby

[babylonsister]

3. Awww....

I haven't had a dog in years because we travel a bit, but I sure do miss a furry friend. :(

[SPedigrees]

6. Couldn't live without my two shadows

although they are 2 of many creatures (canine, feline and equine) to spend their lives with me over the past 6 decades. My life would have been a sad empty shell without them all.

[babylonsister]

7. Your pups are gorgeous, as is that picture! nt

[Spazito]

9. Your Rocco reminds me of the two Shi Tzus I once had the honor of...

being their servant, lol. They are both gone now but not my fond memories! I now have a cat that doesn't even let me pretend I rule my roost, lol.

[firedupdem]

10. Awww..sorry they are gone. Yes, he does rule me. That tail

is flipped over his back, and he prances down the street taking me for walks!

[Spazito]

11. LOL re walking you! They certainly do have a way...

of doing that, don't they. They might be small in stature but, in their minds, they are giants, lol.

[spooky3]

8. Pets are wonderful.

k&r

[roguevalley]

12. I have had dogs all my life and dachshunds for over fifty years.

My gang was five, two brothers and three others. One bro. died and his brother, Andrew, had a bad eye this week and almost died. So did I. God, they can crush your guts with a blink of their eyes and save you the same day. Our dogs saved my dad after his strokes. I live my life around my boys
and don't regret it.

[spooky3]

14. Awww, I know just what you mean. They give us so much.

[Joe the Liberal]

13. Wow I gotta get a pet then.........

I've never in my life had a dog, not even a cat, I hope to one day have one or both.