This week’s pet is Maggie, a super-senior. Courtesy photo
In recognition of National Mental Health Awareness Month this May, Best Friends Animal Society, a national nonprofit organization working to save the lives of dogs and cats in America’s shelters and make the country no-kill, is highlighting the powerful role pets can play in supporting people’s emotional well-being.
As stress, anxiety and loneliness continue to impact millions of Americans, pets offer companionship, routine and comfort, all of which can positively influence mental health. From reducing stress to encouraging social connections, dogs and cats can make a positive difference in people’s daily lives.
“The benefits of pets are endless and one way they can help us is by boosting our overall wellbeing,” said Julie Castle, CEO of Best Friends Animal Society. “Whether it’s a walk around the block, a quiet moment on the couch or simply knowing a pet is waiting for you at home, dogs and cats can help improve our moods and bring joy to everyday life.”
Here are a few ways pets can support mental health:
Built-in companionship: Pets offer companionship and emotional support, which can help reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation. This can be especially beneficial for people who live alone or work remotely.
A daily routine powered by pets: Caring for a pet creates daily structure and responsibility. Feeding, walking and playing with pets can provide a sense of purpose and stability. If you don’t have a pet of your own, fostering or volunteering offers many of the same benefits while helping dogs and cats in need.
Movement and time outdoors: Dogs, in particular, encourage regular exercise and outdoor time, both of which are known to support mental health and reduce stress.
In addition to mental health benefits, pets also improve physical health, including encouraging activity, lowering blood pressure and supporting heart health.
For people inspired by the benefits of pet companionship and considering adding a pet to their family, adoption is a great way to save a life and support a local shelter. According to data from Best Friends Animal Society, seven million households will acquire a pet this year, and if 6% of those households chose to adopt from a shelter rather than purchase a pet, the entire nation would reach no-kill and end the unnecessary killing of dogs and cats in shelters.
If adoption isn’t a fit right now, consider fostering, volunteering, donating or advocating for homeless pets in your community.
Best Friends Animal Society works locally with the Farmington Regional Animal Shelter and the Aztec Animal Shelter.
Each week, the Tri-City Record highlights a Pet of the Week to keep adoption top of mind and maybe help someone discover a new best friend. The featured pets rotate between the Aztec and Farmington shelters.
This week’s pet is Maggie, a super-senior, 12-year-old owner surrender at the Aztec Animal Shelter.
A yellow German Shepherd mix, Maggie weighs about 86 pounds.
Shelter staff report that she is super sweet and likes other dogs. She is calm on a leash, and even if she is a little on the older side, she really likes to “go, getting a real spark in her eyes,” shelter staff report.
She is food motivated and also loves a soft, squishy bed. Meet this lady and help give her a soft landing in her retirement years.
The Farmington and Aztec shelters have a great of valuable information on their websites. To find out more, visit www.aztecnm.gov/animalshelter or www.farmingtonnm.gov/173/Animal-Shelter.
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