Catalyzing Happiness: The Impact of Animals in Our Lives

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“Happiness is a warm puppy.” ― Charles M. Schulz

The pleasure felt by pet owners has been quantified by researchers, who say $3 billion is saved on health spending in Australia due to the benefits of pet ownership.

“We know the health benefits of animals can include a reduction in blood pressure, reduced risk of heart disease, increased sense of well-being, and an increased feeling of connectedness to their community,” says Master of Philosophy student Maggie O'Haire, from The University of Queensland's Centre for Companion Animal Health and School of Psychology. She and her fellow researchers have estimated the annual savings to the Australian health system for people living with pets to be $AU3.86 billion [$US3.23 billion].

Christine Carter, Ph.D., shares information about a study that tracked “hypertensive stockbrokers” who adopted a cat or dog; caring for their new animals lowered their blood pressure more than prescribed medicine!

Another study proves dog-owners tend to get more exercise than folks without a dog.  As I explored in a previous Catalyzing Happiness blog [‘Putting The Fun Into Fitness’], exercise is a sure way to boost health and happiness. But what if your current situation doesn't allow for you to own a cat or dog of your own? Maybe you live in an apartment or with folks who have allergies? There are tons of other ways you can still benefit from the therapeutic properties of animal interaction:

• Visit the zoo!  Sure, you can't pet the bears or tigers, but many zoos have creatures you can interact with, either through workshops or at scheduled feeding times.
• Offer to walk with a friend who has a pup.
• Opt for a smaller pet that requires less daily care, perhaps a fish, hamster, or bird. Keep in mind, though, that these animals still need and deserve your love and attention, so only adopt if you can commit!
• Volunteer at a local animal shelter or wildlife rehabilitation center. Many of these organizations are always on the lookout for friendly, happy people to walk dogs, socialize with cats, or even help clean up!
• If all else fails, there's always the Animal Planet TV channel!

Since animals increase our happiness, it’s only fair that we return the favor.  Here are a few ways of catalyzing our own happiness by making life better for animals, according to PETA President Ingrid E. Newkirk in her book Making Kind Choices:

1. Spruce up your yard: Bushes with edible berries not only look attractive but also provide a food source for wildlife. So you'll be filling your yard with flora and fauna.
2. Stop smoking: Tobacco companies conduct painful invasive and skin corrosion tests on animals, so kicking this bad habit helps kick animal testing, too.
3. When the occasion calls for a gift, bring cruelty-free products or sponsor an animal at a sanctuary in the name of the new baby or couple.
4. Establish a plan for emergencies: Plan ahead to keep your animal companions safe in an emergency situation by filling a carrier with leashes, bowls, veterinary records, medicines, a photo of each animal, and a list of hotels that accept animal guests during natural disasters. 

About the Author

Stacey Hall

Stacey Hall, L.S.H., C.N.T.C., is the CEO and Founder of the Hall Institute of Intuitive Wellness and the best-selling author of 'Chi-To-Be! Achieving Your Ultimate B-All.’ ( http://www.chi-to-be.com/blog).  While recovering from a debilitating illness that left her physically exhausted, emotionally drained, and mentally numb, Stacey Hall made a declaration to herself, “I would devote my life to healing my heart. And, as I learned what made my heart happy, I would share what I learned with others to help them heal their hearts, too.” She joins us to share her insights along this journey.

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