It's pretty safe to say that we Americans are obsessed with dogs. Our comic strips and cartoons are full of them - Snoopy, Scooby Doo, and the Paw Patrol, to mention a few. Favorite television shows and movies feature dogs as the stars - Rin Tin Tin, 101 Dalmatians, Lassie, and many more. Retailers are well aware of our love for our four-legged friends. For example, every coffee drive-through offers some version of the Pup Cup, and our furry friends know that, too! We dog owners take pride in giving them a good life. Our best efforts to treat them well pales in comparison to what they do for us.

Physical benefits: Many dog owners can relate to the feeling of wanting to put our feet up and relax, only to be stared at and have our companions look at us intently and give a subtle (or not so subtle) whine. OK, no relaxing, let's go for a walk! Over 60% of dog owners get the recommended weekly amount of exercise, which is 150 minutes of moderate exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise each week. All of that exercise reduces blood pressure, blood sugar levels, triglycerides and cholesterol, and helps control our weight. Additionally, walking with our dog strengthens our muscles, bones, and joints.

Another interesting physical benefit of pet ownership is that they may help prevent allergies. Some studies suggest that growing up with dogs can lower the chance of having certain allergies by strengthening the immune system, though researchers noted that more investigation is needed.

Mental benefits: Dogs are also good for us mentally, too. Research shows that spending time with dogs can help reduce stress and anxiety. Time with dogs lowers the stress hormone cortisol and boosts the "love" or "cuddle" hormone oxytocin, which makes us feel calmer and happier. Benefits occur even in short interactions with dogs, such as a visit from a therapy dog. This is why "comfort" or "therapy" dogs are so helpful in hospitals, senior living centers, and helping people who recently experienced a traumatic event. One study from Washington State University found that petting a dog for just 10 minutes can help significantly reduce the stress hormone cortisol.

Having dogs in our world can help improve our brains. When children practice their reading to dogs, or when we teach them new tricks, it helps us remember things, increases our attention span, and problem solve. Having a dog can also increase motivation to learn new tasks, which may lead to improved academic performance.

Dogs can be especially beneficial for children. One study found that having a dog in the household can help children learn to be kind and caring, get along with others, manage emotions, teach responsibility, and have a better appreciation for animals overall. These benefits help children interact with people better and grow up having good self-confidence.

They help us battle loneliness. Dog owners interact more with other people and are less likely to experience depression. Did you know that our dogs make us more attractive?! A dog's presence may make people appear more likeable and attractive. Studies show that men were more likely to get a woman's phone number when they had a dog with them! This also holds true in social media platforms. Both men and women swipe right more often in dating apps on profile photos with dogs!

Lastly, dogs also benefit our senior population. One study found that pet therapy can improve the cognitive function of people in long-term care with mental illness. Another study showed significant decreases in agitated behaviors in seniors with dementia, as well as improved social interactions. Truly, dogs enrich our entire life span.

As I sit here on my couch with Rudi, my 2 ½ year old German Shepherd, napping at my side, I smile as I look at her contently sleeping. She gives me so much - companionship, exercise, safety, silliness, adventures, and so much more. Like many of you, I feel so lucky to have such a wonderful animal. She is a constant and patient teacher. She teaches me the sheer joy of an early morning or evening walk. She teaches me we are never in too much of a hurry to stop and sniff something interesting. She teaches me to literally jump for joy for a simple little thing, such as a new ball. She teaches to savor each lap of a Pup Cup at the coffee drive-through. She teaches me the restorative goodness of a Sunday afternoon nap. She teaches me to value each day.

There are so many dogs waiting for their forever homes at our local shelters. We have three things we can donate: time, money, and resources. Many shelters have "wish lists" - check it out. And who knows? You may find that one of those dogs ends up in their forever home - yours!