"I think that dogs are the most amazing creatures; they give unconditional love. For me they are the role model for being alive."---Gilda Radner

  For centuries' humans has been referring to dogs as man's best friend. Many factors contributed to the coining of this now universal saying, but all factors originate from a conclusion beginning with the same knowledge, that dogs give nothing but an abundance of unconditional love. Dogs love regardless, and this love can overflow into other aspects of the owner's life, such as how the owner socializes. This love has had a tremendous impact on humans for ages, but it was never explored as to why such a bond transpires between dog and owner and what particular benefits this bond may possess. Now recently these beliefs have been looked at scientifically, and a definite correlation has been found linking the owning of dogs and the positive psychological and physical benefits that can stem from this ownership.

   The main psychological benefits that dogs can offer are themselves. The simple act of petting a dog can provide humans with "comfort and relief from the demands of human relationships" (Humphries,1995). This ceaseless comfort to know that someone will always be there no matter what your particular faults may be, can have significant advantages. In a study done in 1995 by the Urban Animal Management Coalition, it was reported that among Australians those 58% of pet owners were less likely to feel lonely as compared to non-pet owners because of the fact that they met and made friends through having their pets. This occurrence presents itself for various reasons. One of the main reasons for this would be that pet owners are more affectionate because of all the time they devote to caring for their pet. Pet owners "treat their dog or cat with affection and as a member of the family" (1995). This affection is more than likely to overflow into the owners other non-pet relationships and allow them to be more responsive to others. Another reason is that owning a dog for example, places the owner in situations was other pet owners are present and similar interests can spark a friendship. For instance, an owner may walk a dog through a park that they normally would have never entered otherwise and as a result of this they have exposed themselves to others and allowed themselves to assemble friendships. Because of this exposure to relationships dog owners are less likely to feel the common symptoms of isolation and depression (1995).

   Other psychological benefits include the fact that pets such as dogs can become "surrogate companions, siblings, workers, caretaker-guards, and so on" (Shepard,1996). Although this might not sound as if it is as significant as it is in reality, many people find that simply having something there to love them is an invaluable asset. In the study done in Australia it was found that people look at their pets as 'security blankets' because they can be unquestioning confidantes and a source of undying love. Just having someone to talk to even if that someone happens to be a dog and can not offer verbal advice, the simplistic routine of venting one's frustrations by confiding worries and frustrations can be remarkably beneficial. Although this claim may appear to be moderately far-fetched in the 1995 study it was found that among Australians questioned, pet owners had higher levels of self-esteem than non pet owners (1995). This higher self-esteem could have absolutely been instituted by this ability to vent frustrations and by the knowledge of someone always loving you.

   The psychological connection can be seen in almost all aspects of the dog-human relationship as the ones mentioned above, but perhaps this can be seen the most clearly when the subject matter of death appears. When the bond between owner and pet is broken the loss can almost be unbearable. The owner will experience usually four stages of grief denial, bargaining, anger, and resolution. These stages are extremely close to the stages that are dealt with when a close human friend dies. This demonstrates the closeness of the human-dog bond. For example when the first stage of grief is reached the owner will feel a great deal of denial, "denial is the initial response of many pet owners when confronted with a pet's terminal condition or sudden death" (Rosenberg, 1986). This stage is almost identical when compared to if the owner had lost a friend or family member. This shows how much a pet such as a dog is regarded as a close member of the family and this again reflects the strength of human-dog bond.

   Also examples of positive benefits of caring for a dog can be depicted through both young children and senior citizens. Young children can learn about "responsibility, gentle handling, animal behavior and death from living with a pet"(1995). Due to these characteristics developed from owning and caring for a pet it was reported that these children are less likely to be criminal offenders when they grow up. In addition it was found that these children show better social skills and empathy as contrasted to children that did not grow up with pets (1995). When observing senior citizens similar results can be encountered. In nursing homes it was found that dogs that were placed there produced a substantial impact on the residents. "The psychological and physiological impact that these animals have help to reduce medical problems such as hypertension, anxiety and help with post cardiac patients. They also give unconditional love and affection and evoke a feeling of need and responsibility" (Jeff, 1996). This example was tested in a nursing home in Massachusetts. A six year old Springer Spaniel was placed in this nursing home and he helped to keep the patients active, he sparked long term memory and he also gave the residents much needed exercise. After this experiment was completed The Harvard University's Medical School's Gerontology Division looked at this instance and did a scientific study on the findings. The results of this study found that pets including dogs, do yield therapeutic effects on the patients who suffer from Alzheimer's disease or other negative effects of aging (Jeff, 1996).

   Because of this definite benefit of having a dog in a nursing home like setting many suggestions have been made to further this breakthrough. Pets have now become part of the pharmacology of medicine. In the presence of pets those who are incarcerated, handicapped, getting old, impoverished, stresses or lonely have been shown to become happier and live longer (Shepard, 1996). In extreme measures it has been demonstrated that extra longevity is shown among cardiac and cancer patients. It has even been suggested by Professor Leo Bustad of Western Washington University's Department of Veterinary Medicine that wards in hospitals should be constructed where patients can keep pets. This can also serve an equally important function by allowing terminally ill patients to get these animals from these hospital wards on "loan" so they to can receive their benefits (Shepard, 1996).

   As shown above, yet another benefit from owning a dog is the physical benefits from this relationship. As shown in the study done in Australia, it has been proven that owning a pet can reduce blood pressure as effectively as eating a sensible diet (Humphries,1995). It has also been shown that pet owners go to the doctor less and take less medicine as compared to non pet owners. This healthier atmosphere can come from the fact that "companion animals encourage healthier lifestyles, with more exercise and quiet, stress free times" (Humphries, 1995). Because of these healthier lifestyles the risk of a heart attack is reported to be 4% among pet owners. This because it was confirmed that pet owners have lower cholesterol levels due to the lower triglyceride fats in their blood. These benefits are the direct result of the dog owners exercising more with their animals such as walks and jogging that are performed. Therefore "dogs may offer owners the longevity edge by being four-legged exercise routines. Doing laps with Spot breeds all kinds of health bonuses: to the heart, mind, lungs and maybe even the bones" (Munson, 1996).

   For the last 70 centuries of human relations with dogs (Shepard,1996) humans have constantly referred to their dogs as some of their closest companions. Although at the time they could not have realized the actual reasons for this they knew that their feelings were strong and that their dogs could never be replaced. This bond is something that, in spite of the fact that it is not 100% understood, is an everlasting one that can produce positive psychological and physical benefits. In conclusion this bond is so tremendous and powerful because "it is the giving that is mutual, a repines to a real otherness, the return of a gift of loyalty and affection" (Webb, 1995). The gift of this relationship is a dynamic one and it unleashes an abundance of love that will effect the owner in a way nothing else in their life is capable of.

Works Cited