Working dogs. Service dogs. Facility dogs. Therapy dogs. Pet dogs. What do all of these have in common? That dogs play an invaluable role in our lives and bring us joy when we need it most.

Let’s give thanks to our dogs while reflecting on the top ways they help us all.

Working Dogs

There’s nothing more impressive than seeing a dog with a working drive. Let’s give thanks to these incredible dogs that perform the following tasks:

  • Police Dogs
  • Service Dogs
  • Military Working Dogs
  • Search and Rescue Dogs
  • Scent Detection Dogs
  • Facility and Therapy Dogs
  • Emotional Support Animals

Psychologists and therapists have also integrated animal-assisted therapy with dogs in helping their patients. Additionally, therapy dogs have played a significant role in reading programs for children who feel a sense of calm reading to a dog.

The Human-Pet Dog Bond Experience

There is an unmistakable bond between people and dogs dating as far back as the Ancient World. Fast-forward to today, studies have revealed the numerous benefits that a pet dog places on their human counterparts, such as the following:

  • Reduce stress
  • Decrease depression
  • Provide companionship
  • Lower blood pressure and pulse rate
  • Calm and relax
  • Increase happiness and laughter

Dogs Promote a Healthy Lifestyle

People who own a dog can attest that they have the uncanny way of encouraging movement and increasing their cardio workouts. Be it a walk, run, or outdoor hike, dogs are the perfect piece to the daily exercise puzzle.

Not only are these activities helping dogs, but it’s placing pet parents on the healthy track, too. Pet parents can lower their cholesterol and blood pressure, which results in a healthier heart.

Social Life Spark

When out and about, dogs are a catalyst in striking up a conversation. Other ways they can help bridge new relationships are by joining dog-related activities. These springboard of happenings include but are not limited to the following:

  • Dog Walking Groups
  • Agility
  • Barn Hunt
  • Flyball
  • Dock Diving
  • Lure Coursing

And more….

If you have a dog that was bred “to do something,” such as a Border Collie or Australian Shepherd, go ahead and give herding a try… you’ll be amazed at how their instincts emerge.

But most of all, have fun with your dog and be thankful for those great and memorable moments.