Puppies = Prozac!
Psychologists at Miami University and St. Louis University say the emotional benefits of pet ownership can be equal to those of human friendship.
In part one, 217 questionnaires teasing out variables such as self-esteem, loneliness, illness, depression and activity level found that pet owners scored far better overall, demonstrating less lonely tendencies and higher self-esteem.
In section two, 56 doggie owners answered identical questionnaires to part one, plus offered information about how they related to their dogs. In cases when the pet “complemented rather than competed” with human companions, animal owners experienced the greatest emotional returns.
This study also found that pet owners experienced greater physical fitness and exercise, perhaps because they are walking their dogs.
Now go get a dog!!!
[Image via WENN.]
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