Why do pets come into our lives?
How did you find your pet? Bought it? Adopted it?
There’s always a reason why a pet comes into your life. It can be a spiritual or human. Maybe you felt a need for compassion or a companion in a tough phase of your life. Very less often, a pet comes into your life on its own when you were not expecting him, and it just happened. That was a spiritual intervention in your life.
Just like the way you are connected to several people in life’s matrix, you too are connected with these furry (or scaly or winged) souls. There is a moment in time when it will happen, and there is a departing point in time to it, too. However, if you force a pet in your life when you were not meant to, you could see undesirable signs: sickness, gloominess, and even death. You must have heard that in few houses, fish die as quickly as they come, no matter how much care they receive. There is no ‘connect,’ and animals cannot survive where they cannot connect with your energy.
Have you seen people who draw animals wherever they go, even strays? Dogs walk behind them wiggling their tails, birds sit on them fearlessly, cats purr affectionately at them, and even so-called dangerous animals are very calm in their presence. What makes these people different is a gracious aura. Such people do not get repulsed by any animal licking or rubbing up against them, even if they are strays. Animals sense this aura. Most of us carry a threatening aura–our fears, our despised attitude towards them and more–and animals will therefore either fear us or be indifferent to our presence.
You might have seen dogs appear from nowhere and sit next to someone meditating, and it’s for the same reason. A person’s aura becomes clarified, non-threatening, and loving–and therefore inviting.
Pets also come into our lives to help us ascend our consciousness. They serve us by raising our subconscious, by making us better human beings. They are our spiritual guides and our soul companions.
They teach us the purest form of love in a way that nothing else in this universe can. They do not expect anything from us. They are happy to see us, they are happy to love us. They give us an opportunity to know our own capability of love. Over time, we will realize the circle of love with them is unfathomable and indescribable.
They are forgiving. They remember your kindness and love and forget your reprimanding and bitter words.
They warn you about future adversities. You may have heard about the woman whose dog, Henry, pawed and nipped at her right breast. She was diagnosed with breast cancer. Cancer causes the body to release certain organic compounds that only dog can smell, and he was a protecting angel in her life.
Have you heard of the black cat superstition? Well, the truth behind it is that it’s not the cat which is evil; she is a messenger to warn you of possible danger. She appears to slow you down, to adjust your pace, making you continue on a bit later so that you will escape the unseen. Not everyone gets to see these messengers at the right time!
They heal our lives. We heal quickly in the presence of our loving pets as the power of the love they have is the antidote to any disease. When we are enveloped in sadness, our pets always lift our spirits.
They tell us how each and every day is exciting. They look forward to their walks and their playtime with you. Everything is full of wonder for them. They live in the moment and ask you to do the same.
They teach us to be real to ourselves. Your pet doesn’t have a false side to him, and he thinks the same of you. You say “coochie-coo” and pet him, and he will feel loved. He knows only one side of the coin. That’s why you should essentially try to be the person your pet thinks you are.
Life without dogs… We don’t think so!
We all know how cute dogs are and how much fun they are to play with. But they also eat a lot, poop a lot and get into all kinds of mischief. They are expensive, and require a lot of time and attention. So do you really need a four-legged friend? YES, you do! And here are the Top 10 reasons why you need a dog to jazz up your life:
1. Dogs increase your mood dramatically!
Spending just 15-30 minutes with your dog can help you feel more calm and relaxed, reducing stress and increasing happiness. Playing with your pup increases your brain’s levels of dopamine and serotonin, both of which are neurotransmitters associated with pleasure and tranquility. So the next time you’re feeling down, grab a toy and spend some time with your pup! That wagging tail will be sure to put a smile on your face.
2. Humans with dogs recover more quickly from illnesses.
Dog owners have a much higher rate of recovery from being sick than non-dog owners. In fact, humans with pooches who suffer from heart attacks are twice as likely to fully recover as those without! So start cuddling your dog!
3. Having a dog improves your physical well-being and encourages a healthy fitness.
Of course! Your dog requires daily exercise, and so do you! Dog owners carry the responsibility of playing with and working their dogs, so it only makes sense that dog people tend to be more active.
4. Dogs help increase social interactions.
Not only do dogs need care and playtime with their humans, but they need time to socialise with other pups too! This means that their humans will have a chance to socialise while they oversee the puppy playdates. Even going on a walk in the neighborhood can bring many new friends around and start many conversations!
5. Having a dog makes YOU more awesome!
The responsibility, patience, selflessness, and commitment that come with having a dog make us stronger, all-around better people.
6. Owning a dog could make you more attractive to potential love matches.
According to a study conducted by Dog’s Trust, out of 700 surveyed people, 60 percent said that owning a dog can make others more attractive, while 85 percent think people are more approachable when they are with a dog.
7. Because they live to protect their little mates!
And children can learn a lot of their fur friends! Remembering to feed, provide water, and clean up after a dog can give children a sense of importance and satisfaction.
Dogs also teach children about socialisation. Like most of us, dogs are social animals who enjoy and need attention and affection. By learning how to interact with a dog, children can learn how to better socialise with new faces and other children.
8. Because they give the best kisses
Cold and damp… But still so cute! Your dog licking your face is a sign of affection and respect – communicating that Fido acknowledges you as the dominant pack leader.
Pups also use licking when curious about how you are feeling. Dogs have special receptors in their nose and mouth which they use to process and interpret the scented molecules found in human sweat. By licking your face, your dog may be able to determine whether you are happy or feeling stressed. And sometimes a human just tastes good!
The act of licking also releases pleasurable endorphins in dogs and often gives them a sense of comfort and security. Your dog may lick your face simply because it feels good (and we like it too)!
9. They are a reflection of your personality!
The kind of dog you have tells people a lot about your personality. A study in England found a very clear correlation between people’s personalities and what type of dogs they owned. For example, people who owned toy dogs tended to be more intelligent, while owners of utility dogs like Dalmatians and bulldogs were the most conscientious. But be careful: Dogs also take on their owners’ personality traits, so if you fly off the handle all the time, your pooch may wind up with aggressive tendencies.
10. Do we need to say more?
Why Does My Dog Follow Me and No One Else?
Dogs are smart animals and will often single out one person to follow, sometimes even to the exclusion of others. This usually indicates that this person fulfills whatever the dog is looking for.
Sometimes, this person is the primary caregiver who feeds, walks, and plays with the dog. Other times, it is the person who gives out snacks most frequently. Or it could just be the “most fun” person. Dogs get everything they need from people, and they will generally follow the person who takes them to the things they want most.
A Brief History of Dogs – How We Domesticated Dogs
We love spending quality time with our pups. But there may be days when we wonder, “Why does my dog follow me everywhere?” The answer has to do with your dog’s animal instinct, pack mentality, and a few other variables.
Canine companions that follow their humans everywhere are often referred to as “velcro dogs” because of their desire to be attached to your side. “Dogs are pack animals, and we are their pack,” says Sally Morgan, author and holistic physical therapist for pets and people.
While having your dog follow you everywhere might seem cute and lovable, it can be an indication that something else is going on. According to Dr. Rachel Barrack, licensed veterinarian certified in veterinary acupuncture with Animal Acupuncture in New York City, there are scientific reasons behind dogs’ clingy behavior. “Young puppies (anywhere from birth to 6 months of age) can often imprint on their owners and look to them as they would their mother,” says Dr. Barrack.
Another reason your dog might stay close to your side is positive reinforcement. “If every time you are with your dog, he gets affection or treats, he’s likely to follow you around more often,” Dr. Barrack says. If you’re flattered by this affection, and reward your dog for being clingy, you’re sending him a message that the behavior is welcome.
Because dogs respond to their owners’ behavior, it’s important to examine your relationship. For example, if your dog sleeps in your bed, you might be creating a dependency and reinforcing his need to be close to you at all times.
In households consisting of multiple people, there’s a good chance your dog will become fixated on one person in particular. Sometimes it’s the primary caregiver who provides food and walks or the fun-time human who plays tug-of-war, a game of catch, or hands out endless amounts of treats.
“Look at it from the dog’s point of view,” says Erin Kramer, a professional certified dog trainer and owner of Tug Dogs in Northern California. “You might think you’re the cool one, but the person your dog is attached to is the road to everything wonderful and magical. The focus is on that person because of what they give access to.”
A dog’s life experience before entering your home can play a big part when it comes to being fixated on one person, especially for dogs who have been rescued. What was their life like before they came to live with you? “Those previous experiences have an impact on a dog and can contribute to the lingering fear of abandonment,” says Dr. Barrack.
It’s not uncommon for certain breeds to over-attach to their owners, particularly dogs in the working or herding groups that are bred to work side-by-side with their humans. “It’s a trait that’s prized and bred into their genetic history,” says Kramer.
If your dog is overly attached, it’s important to figure out whether this velcro behavior is part of his personality and breeding, or if something more serious is going on. For example, an older dog may be losing his sight or hearing, becoming more fearful of the environment and dependent on having you near.
“A dog that suddenly becomes very clingy may be suffering from a physical ailment and keeping you in reach for comfort. A checkup by the veterinarian is a good idea if this happens,” says Dr. Jerry Klein, AKC chief veterinary officer.
Could a dog who is attached to you at the hip be showing signs of separation anxiety? While they’re both associated with not wanting to be away from an owner, there are some distinct yet subtle differences between these two forms of behavior.
The big difference between separation anxiety and being a velcro dog is anxiety itself. While velcro dogs prefer to be glued to their owners, dogs with true separation anxiety actually panic when they’re away from their owners.
Velcro dogs may be more susceptible to developing separation anxiety, but it doesn’t automatically mean they will. However, it should serve as a wake-up call to address the behavior before it reaches the point where your dog can’t function without you in the picture.
There are various approaches owners can take to help a dog who exhibits these traits. What is best is a dog who loves your attention and being close to you, but is fine when you’re not around.
Many of us get a dog so we will have a constant companion. Your dog deserves your love and attention, and it’s up to you to find a healthy balance for time together and apart. https://www.akc.org/wp-admin/admin-ajax.php Get Your Free AKC eBook