The York Dispatch has been amazing in helping us share the story of our Mister Molson these past several months. This past week they published another article about our family.
The story highlights how much our pets bring us together and show we are “more alike than we realize” (York Dispatch, 2017). I am reminded of how many times while out walking Molson or Muddy, a stranger stops to say hello. Or, I stop to say hi to another family’s dog. We take a moment to pause and appreciate an innocent, adorable dog regardless of what personal struggles or overwhelm we may be facing. We seem to forget life’s burdens for a moment and just appreciate another living thing. Sometimes it is only a passing smile or a “hey buddy.” Other times we stop and get to know the pup’s name, breed, and background while offering a friendly scratching or pat on the head.
This moment, the fleeting pause, can sometimes be just what we needed in a difficult time. It can be a reminder to appreciate the small things and ignore the noise. Pets have been shown to help us “stave off negativity” and “help individuals facing significant life stressors” (McConnell, Brown, Shoda, Stayton, & Martin, 2011). While there are many scientific studies and scholarly articles written about this, I think everyone has an anecdotal story that provides personal proof.
For 6 years, Mister Molson came to work with me. For the past month, Mister Muddy has been coming to work. Some may think that a dog at work is a distraction. But for me, they have provided that reset, that deep breath, that reminder of priorities at just the right moment. I am extremely lucky to have a workplace that recognizes and appreciates what dogs bring to our lives. I know the dogs appreciate it as well as they help Larry eat his peanut butter and jelly sandwiches or visit Veda at the Credit Union for treats and affection.
The York Dispatch story reminds us how much of an impact a dog can make on the lives of those around him or her. Simply by being a dog, they can break down barriers, bring people together, provide purpose, and teach us to be mindful. Often times our pets love us even more than we love ourselves. It is easy to get wrapped up in what is happening at work, in the news, in personal relationships, or the everyday struggle of being an adult. But as this article states perfectly, life is better when “we remember what matters” (York Dispatch, 2017). So, maybe next time you see a dog, pause, take a deep breath, say hello, and remember what really matters.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1037/a0024506
York Dispatch (2017). Editorial: Relief from grim news.
Very well said Tim! I’ve heard that petting a dog can lower a person’s blood pressure too. Just having my dogs, Zoey and Daisy, sitting in my lap after a long day always makes me feel better. Thank you again for sharing Molson and Muddy with us! Those precious moments spent reading their stories are very much needed in this world that seems to focus too much on the negative. Please keep sharing!
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I have always said that there is no therapy like fuzzy therapy!!!! I work in a nursing home and the joy that the visiting therapy dogs bring to their faces…..maybe it helps bring back memories from their childhood. I was blessed to have grown up in a home where we were taught to respect and LOVE animals. I am not sure how my single mom did it some days…… a Doberman, 3 cats, hamsters, aquarium of fish and the occasional turtle. Her last words to me before she passed away were “I see him” and when I asked her who she saw she said Rusty. He was her beloved red tabby cat who had left this earth 2 years before her. What peace I felt knowing that her Rusty was waiting for her in the arms of Jesus. When mom and I would go to Codorus State Park she said say how we were at church. Her faith was how much closer to God can you get than through nature and animals. Animal lovers understand that the unconditional love of a pet is like no other. Joyous memories this holiday season as you remember Mister Molson and make new ones with Mister Muddy!!!
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Your mom sounded like a very wise woman!
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Some great points you made there Tim – and all true !
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