I think about the power of dogs a lot. Mainly because I’m up close an personal watching them release their super powers to just about everyone they meet on a daily basis…

I’ve heard people say no dog’s ever met a stranger, but I’ve often pondered –

What’s the connection for the stranger?

In the past this was one of my private thoughts as I watched strange humans become overwhelmed with emotion petting Jaxson as we walked through the hospital…

Whether they were a patient, family member or staff – sometimes the display of affection baffled me. Remember, I’ve not been a dog enthusiast all my life. #anotherreasonwhyIknowGodworksinmysteriousways

I’ve gone down the Goggle rabbit hole plenty of times to unlock the phenomenon of how a dog –

• releases endorphins
• lowers blood pressure
• eradicates anxiety

However, it’s a different story when you get to experience it day to day with so many different humans. #ImblessedItellyou

PETTING OTHER PEOPLE’S DOGS –

even briefly, can boost your health – was the title of a fascinating article. It was as if this was written to somehow validate what I witness at work…

HERE’S WHAT I’VE LEARNED –

while working in the therapy dog field and spending what some may think is “WAAAYYY” to much time with Jaxson #pooponthem LOL

Dogs have taught me to live in the moment.

I’ve never seen Jaxson preoccupied about what he experienced earlier that day, nor have I ever seen him fixated with what’s about to happen later!

Although this seems like an uncharacteristic way for a human to live his/her life, when implemented in doses, this mindset can lead to having more simplistic and uncomplicated moments in our days…

MY OWN EXPERIENCE –

once showed me the magical power behind animal therapy. Since then, I now understand how strange dogs make people coo, giggle, and sometimes cry openly to release emotional stress. My epiphany was finding out it happens to all of us – even me! #yougottoreadmystory

Dr. Gee said it best –

Pets are not a panacea; they’re not necessarily going to be great for every single person. But for people who really get it, who really connect with the animals, they really can make a big difference.

Nancy Gee, Professor of psychiatry and director of the center for Human-Animal Interactions at VCU

ANY DOG –

whether he’s solely for the family or a working therapy dog, can impact our nervous system in a beneficial way with the slightest physical touch.

This is my new personal physician, he was meeting me for the very first time – like a meet and greet – nice to get to know you sort of thing. I doubt seriously if he heard a word I said… #helikesdogsthereforeIlikehim

Dogs really can connect with us, they do it without the ability to use words – they have this incredible way of speaking to our hearts.

Enjoy this short 4-minute listen by NPR: Petting other people’s dogs, even briefly, can boost your health.

Thanks for reading, come back again soon ❤️