Nearly everybody has heard the phrase “money can’t buy happiness” at least once in their life and for the most cases it is true. Having good people around you and living a life that makes you happy as an individual is much better than focusing on the materialistic things. Diamonds and jewellery won’t make every woman happy, just as golf trips and sports cars won’t make men happy. But there is something that can be bought that will bring joy and laughter into everyone’s life, and that is a dog.
Whether you want to buy a puppy or an older dog, spend hundreds of dollars or give a donation and adopt, there is nothing better than spending money on an animal that will give you unconditional love. There are so many benefits to owning a dog and science has even proven that people who own dogs suffer from fewer ailments and medical problems, as well as having a more fulfilled life. If you are looking to spend your hard-earned cash, look no further than adopting or buying a dog.
Never feel sad again
It is hard to look at a happy dog’s face and not want to break into a smile when you see them. All they want in life is to give and receive love from their humans, which often comes in the form of an enthusiastic tail wag when you walk through the door after work and a lot of licking on your face when you give them attention. A study that was conducted in 2009 by Miho Nagasawa at the Azabu University in Japan found that people’s level of oxytocin was heightened after interacting with their dogs. Oxytocin is a neurohormone released in the body that make you feel happy, so just a few minutes petting your dog could make your day a whole lot better.
As well as this, playing with your puppy or dog can increase the amount of dopamine and serotonin in the brain, which are associated with pleasure and tranquillity. Not only will you feel good, but you can imagine how happy your dog will feel after a lovely belly rub and chewing on the new toy you bought them.
Helping with your health
Believe it or not there are some great health benefits to owning a pet as well. Not only do you and your beloved pooch get to experience unconditional love, but the bond you share can go a long way to lowering blood pressure. This in turn reduces the risk of different illnesses that you could be susceptible to without a dog to help calm you down after a stressful day. Something that is interesting to note is that children who grow up around dogs lower their risk of developing eczema later on in life. The study also found that the opposite it true if you own cats, with children 13 times more likely to develop the skin condition. So, if you were deciding between a cat or a dog, it is better to go for the latter.
Aside from that, dogs can also help to boost the amount of exercise you do, which means you can lose those last few stubborn pounds. Dogs need walking everyday and it is an inexpensive hobby to have. A study took place that found those who walk their dog participate in more physical activity than those who don’t, walking an average of 300 minutes per week compared to the 168 minutes of people who don’t own a dog. Why not make things more interesting for the both of you by riding a bike alongside them or even try skateboarding? Just be sure that they don’t pull you off if they see a squirrel on a tree.
They will become your best friend
As it turns out, dogs don’t need to be able to talk to become your best friend. Buying a dog means that you are committing yourself to a friendship that will last as long as the dog stays by your side. For some breeds it may be eight years, and, in some cases, it has been in the late teens! Once you have a dog in your life that gives you love it is hard to imagine it without them and not hearing the patter of feet on the floor boards. Dogs will certainly be the most loyal friends that you have and will do anything to give you the affection they think you deserve, even if it means crawling over you when you’re trying to watch a movie on the sofa. Although it may become a bit much when they want to go to the bathroom with you as well.
Becoming the owner of a dog opens up a whole new world where the two of you can take trips to the dog park to socialise with other dogs and humans, as well as exploring the countryside on day trips out. If you’re feeling extra adventurous, then you could always take them backpacking with you around a country of your choice and get back to nature. Forget about the world of technology, leaving behind the emails and texting, and go back to a simpler mode of interaction.
Most people say that buying a dog or adopting one is the one thing that made them appreciate life more. It is the little moments that count, and you can’t forget about how exciting life becomes when there’s a creature that is dependent on you and wants to give you all their love. If you are looking to invest in anything, then invest in a life long friendship that you are sure to remember forever.
