How My Dogs Helped Me Heal

Last August, I experienced a devastating chain of events that changed my life forever. Thirty-six hours before I was scheduled to have a full hysterectomy, I lost my job. I spent four days in the hospital. When my husband brought me home, I was looking forward to a long recovery so my body could heal, and was optimistic about devoting the time I spent on the “other” job to focus on growing my pet-sitting and dog-walking business, full-time. Instead, I received a phone call, and the voice on the other end told me that my brother had died suddenly, leaving behind three small children and a devastated family.  The days leading up to his funeral were a blur – supporting my family, making funeral arrangements, visitation with caring folks that I hadn’t seen in years – and then the terrible day I had to bury my 42-year-old brother.

While I still have days of sadness, hope has replaced despair and something akin to happiness has replaced the feelings of immense sadness and loss. Peace has replaced anger – and I owe much of it to my fur-kids, Riley, Maddie and Biscuit.

You see, animals (mine and all those that I care for with Paws Pet Care Pet Sitting & Dog Walking every day) give me a reason to get out of bed every morning. They need to be walked.  They need to be fed. They need to see the vet. They need to be cared for. They need ME.

But, to be perfectly honest, their need for me is not the only thing that has helped me cope and heal in the last few weeks. I need them. I need to see their wagging tails and their smiling faces (of COURSE they smile!), greeting me at the door every day.  I need to feel their unconditional love and their complete and total happiness at seeing me, no matter how bad I look, no matter how sad I am or what shape I’m in, emotionally or physically.

I can’t tell you how many times in the past months I have held or stroked my own pets, and even my clients’ pets, and just sobbed. And you know what? They have let me. Without judgement. Without speaking. Without that awkward, “what do I say now to help this person” silence. Their eyes speak volumes. Their gentle nudges, their paws on my shoulder and their tongues licking away the tears say louder than any spoken words, “I understand, and I love you.”

We sometimes forget how much animals help people, and even when we greatly love the pets and animals we care for, it’s all too easy to take them for granted. We can forget that they, too, care for us. And even scientists know that our pets have actual healing powers. When you stroke a cat or pet a dog, you experience a surge of healing hormones and chemicals that produce feelings of peace and serenity.

Healing relationships come in many sizes. Some have two legs, some have four legs and some even have fins or feathers. Do you have a Riley, Maddie or Biscuit in your life?

– As Seen In The Voice Tribune
Written by Beth Green, Owner
Paws Pet Care Pet Sitting & Dog Walking