Got a pupper (or two)?

A study out of the University of Brighton looked at the ways having a DOG can positively impact your life:

• Structure and routine  Getting up in the morning to feed them, or going on walks that you might otherwise let slide if your dog wasn’t depending on them.
• Companionship  Having a dog by your side can ward off feelings of loneliness.  Some people even use their pets as sounding boards, or to spill secrets they don’t trust anyone else with.
• Mood boost  A lot of dog owners say they feel joy from interacting with their dog.  Some say they get happier just by LOOKING at their dog…it doesn’t even have to be DOING anything.
• Connection  Dogs can help you meet and connect with other humans, too like on your daily walks or at the dog park.  It’s an easy icebreaker. 

And even though the study focused specifically on dogs, a lot of these things can apply to pets in general…yes, even cats!