Everyone Needs A Buddy
I have always loved dogs. I love everything about them. I love their soft fur coats, their little ears, their smiling faces and their little wagging tails. I love coming home to a beautiful animal that is as overjoyed to see me as I am to see them.
18 years ago I was not entirely on board with the prospect of leaving my family and friends in Canada and moving to Mexico, but moving into a house in the village that came with a doberman named Norma who just had 5 beautiful puppies changed my outlook completely and certainly helped ease the transition. I had never had a dog before, much less 6. I was overjoyed. We kept Norma and one of her puppies and found good homes for the rest of the litter. I eventually fell in love with Mexico and my family and I have been rescuing dogs ever since. Some we have kept and some we have either taken to a shelter or found loving homes for. Each and every pup that has come into our lives will remain in my heart forever.
Unfortunately, we see a lot of homeless animals here at lakeside and it can be quite heartbreaking. There are so many of them that it seems hopeless. I always wished I had a huge ranch and could take them all home, which is why I am so grateful to all the people at Lakeside who have dedicated their lives to helping as many of these animals as possible. Geoffry Kaye of the animal shelter in riberas, the Lucky Dog Rescue and Adoption Center, Anitas animals, the Ladron vets, Gudrun Jones and the volunteers at the Lakeside Spay and Neuter Ranch & Adoptions center and the founder of Conciencia animal, my new friend Gladys Stojko Orozco and her husband Elvis among many others. I have nothing but admiration and respect for these amazing, kind, caring and selfless human beings. They are an inspiration to me and have helped me realize how we can all make a difference.
Recently Gladys of Conciencia Animal, (a wonderful organization founded in April of 2013 dedicated to pet adoption, pet and owner education and special focus on extreme cases) introduced me to the Lakeside Spay and Neuter Ranch & Adoptions Center and two special Conciencia Animal cases. Maja and Princess. Maja an incredibly gorgeous and loving pit bull who lives a very lonely existence in a cage by the gas station, and Princess, a severe burn victim chihuahua min pin mix. The day I met princess I broke down in tears when I arrived home later that day. She could barely lift her head. She had lost all her fur, her skin was badly burned, she was so thin you could see every bone in her little body, and her eyes so cloudy and sad it seemed there was a slim chance this poor little girl was going to make it. I am so happy to report she is making a spectacular recovery thanks to Gladys, her amazing and dedicated vet Luis who never gave up on her for one second, and all of the donations to Conciencia Animal that went towards her medical care. Just to see her walking filled my heart with joy but when Gladys brought her to my office the other day to play with my min pin Holly well that just sent me right over the edge. She was playfully running around, happy as a clam and crawled into my lap for a snug and a nap. I just about died. We are currently looking for loving homes for these two beautiful doggies and I am hopeful that we will.
Tomorrow I will be volunteering at the Lakeside Spay and Neuter Ranch & Adoptions Center. I know it will be difficult to see all those little faces waiting for someone to love them but I know this isnt for me, its for them. Just to have someone to come take them for a walk and give them a bit of love and affection makes a huge difference in their lives. To learn more about this wonderful organization that has saved the lives and helped thousands of animals and how you can help please visit their website at http://www.lakesidespayandneutercenter.com To find out more about Conciencia Animal please visit their facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Conciencia-animal-Mexico/503439746382044?ref=ts&fref=ts
Adopting a dog is a commitment, one that can seem daunting at times. I can understand that. There are many responsibilities and expenses involved, so what is it exactly that makes it so worth while?
Friendship, loyalty, affection, health benefits, protection, and above all, unconditional love.
Most dog owners already know the joys that come from adopting a new best friend, but are unaware of the mental and physical health benefits that come with it. Not only can our dogs ease loneliness, reduce stress and anxiety while providing us with unconditional love and affection, but they can also affect our mood and health. Recent studies have scientifically proven how beneficial the human-animal bond can really be.
For example: Pet owners are less likely to suffer from depression than those without pets. People with pets have lower blood pressure in stressful situations than those without pets. Playing with a pet can elevate levels of serotonin and dopamine, which calm and relax. Pet owners have lower triglyceride and cholesterol levels (indicators of heart disease) than those without pets. Heart attack patients with pets survive longer than those without. Pet owners over age 65 make 30 percent fewer visits to their doctors than those without pets. One of the reasons for these therapeutic effects is that most pets fulfill the basic human need to touch. Stroking, holding, cuddling, or otherwise touching a loving animal can rapidly calm and soothe us when we’re stressed. The companionship of a pet can encourage healthy exercise, which can substantially boost mood.
So what are you waiting for? Adopt your new best friend today and enjoy every moment of companionship and joy you bring each other. There is a pup out there waiting for you to love them and to love you right back with all their little hearts. If you are not in a position to adopt a dog at the moment please visit the websites to find out the many other ways you can help. Collins Real Estate also accepts donations for Conciencia Animal and The Ranch which will go straight to the dogs in need.
Scientific studies stated in this article were found on http://www.helpguide.org/.