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Shortly after I was born my parents purchased a Golden Retriever puppy and in an instant the course of my life was altered forever. I was now a pet person for life. However, it took over thirty years before I became a single pet parent (taking care of a pet without the help of other family members) and it was at that time that I first realized the true benefits of owning a pet.
By the way, I do say “Pet Parent” and not “Dog Parent” because I’m not strictly a dog person. In fact, as a kid I was a cat person (shhh…please don’t tell my boys) and throughout my life I’ve had the benefit of owning dogs, cats, guinea pigs, hamsters, turtles, fish, lizards, and birds.
Love my 3 doggies: Linus, Stetson, and Apache
5 Benefits Of Owning A Pet
I first brought home my very own rescue puppy, Linus nearly 8 years ago and since then I’ve enjoyed the many benefits of owning a pet. If you visit the PAL (Pets Add Life) website you’ll find a list telling why your days are brighter and life is just plain better with pets in it. Here’s the abbreviated version of their list:
- Pets Help To Reduce Stress
- Pets Help To Lower Heart Disease and Reduce Blood Pressure
- Pets Help To Fight Depression
- Add Joy
- Add Health
Check out the entire list with explanations at PAL (Pets Add Life) website.
My favorite benefit occurs nearly every day when I’m walking to the front door of my house after a hard days work I often ask myself (or whoever is with me at the time): “I wonder if the boys will be happy to see me?” Of course Linus always charges to greet me, grabs a plush doggy toy (if he can’t find a toy he grabs one of my shoes), and tries to get me to play with him. Now if that doesn’t bring a smile to your face then I don’t know what will.
How Pets Add To My Life
I tell this to almost everyone who asks me a question on this site: “Every puppy is different, every puppy will have a different personality. Don’t expect this puppy to be the exact same as your last puppy even if it’s the same breed or even from the same litter.” That brings me to my 3 dogs. They are each different and have their own personality. I love them all to death, but they each bring a little bit something special to the table.
Linus – The Australian Shepherd Mix
 Little Linus The Aussie Mix | Linus was my first puppy. We rescued Linus from the Carson Animal Shelter and you can actually read the entire story of how I adopted Linus…my very first blog post. Linus has changed my life in many ways. He was the reason I got involved in fostering and puppy raising. He’s always excited to see me. His enthusiasm and playfulness is infectious. I just love his daily greetings when I return home from a hard days work. Linus is also the one in tune with my emotions. He know when I’m happy and gives me plenty of wags and kisses and he know when I’m sad and gives me much needed affection and a body to hug. |
Stetson – The Black Labrador Retriever
 Stetson The Black Lab | Stetson was my first guide dog puppy in training. Stetson is a career changed guide dog and now lives permanently at home with me. Stetson has an enthusiasm for 2 things: food and sleep. He does love his sniffer training, but that’s all related to his love for food. Stetson teaches me every day to slow down and enjoy life. Do the things that make me happy! He doesn’t have the same energetic greetings as Linus, but he’s a great companion when you need a pup to snuggle up to on the couch while watching a movie. |
Apache – The Golden Retriever
 Golden Retriever Puppy – Apache First Dog Toy | Apache is my current guide dog puppy in training. It’s great always having a young puppy in your life as we puppy raisers always do. Apache definitely has a youthful outlook on life. He prances on walks, he sometimes gets overly excited, and he loves to play. He’s still a puppy and is constantly learning when he can be excited and playful versus when he needs to concentrate on work. Apache really brings out the kid in me and reminds me that we should always be learning and that it’s okay to act like a kid once in while. Of course he also has that endearing affectionate side found in most Goldens. |
I’d be remiss to not mention my other 2 dogs. Derby was my second guide dog puppy in training and ended up as a career changed too. He went into the guide dog adoption program and went to live with a loving family. He taught me that we’re not all made to do certain jobs. If you don’t like what you do then try doing something else.
Finally there’s Dublin who has an entire series of videos right here on the blog. Check out Puppy In Training TV. Dublin graduated and is a working guide dog. He taught me that if you work hard then you can reach your goals.
Pets add to all aspects of your life. If you have not already experienced the joys and benefits of owning a pet it is something I definitely think you should consider. If you have a moment I highly recommend you check out the PAL – Pets Add Life website or take a look at their Facebook Page. The PAL – Pets Add Life campaign is designed to demonstrate the joys and benefits of pet ownership, thus driving increased adoption of pets and responsible ownership of pets. Produced by the American Pet Products Association (APPA).
We’ve always been a fan of pet adoption and responsible ownership and plan on continuing to work with our local animal shelters and rescues as volunteers and fosters.
So how about you guys? How have pets added to your life? What benefits have you experienced while owning a pet? Tell us your story in the comment section below.
Disclosure: This post is sponsored by the Pets Add Life campaign and the American Pet Products Association. We are being compensated for helping spread the word about the benefits and joys of pet ownership.
Daisy says
PS~ I think it’s wonderful that you train Guide Dogs. We wanted to do that too, but we’d have too hard a time giving the pup back!
Colby says
Hi Daisy,
Yep, it’s very difficult giving them back. We actually put together a video with our last guide dog puppy, Dublin and his turn in day. If you haven’t seen the video yet then check it out: https://puppyintraining.com/puppy-in-training-tv-ep-18-puppy-turn-in-day/
Definitely a tough day in our lives and we have to do it again this Saturday with Apache.
Take care,
Colby
Leslie says
I agree with you 100% and I couldn’t imagine life without pets. I’d love to have more than one but Bella and my husband over-rule me. 😉
Colby says
Hi Leslie,
I have 3 dogs at home right now soon to be 2 after Apache goes to guide dog college. I’m almost positive the puppy department will ask me if I want another puppy immediately after I drop off Apache. It’s so tempting and I don’t have anyone to overrule me 🙂 We’ll see…
Thanks for stopping by!
Colby
Gloria says
Thank you so much for visiting my bloggie and leaving a comment! I have the best parents, and we love each other sooooo much!
Lovies, Miss Mindy
Colby says
No problem! We love stopping by to see other pet blogs. I’m so glad that your parents have you and love you so much.
Thanks for stopping by!
Colby
Kyley says
Our dog Maffy was such a joy for our family. I took hiim on runs/walks almost everyday and it was always a stress reliever as well as great exercise. We had him about 17 years and he loved going on walks until the very end, he was amazing. Now we have George and he needs a walk everyday as well and it helps the whole family get out into the environment for fresh air and exercise. We’ll be pet owners for life.
Kyley
Colby says
Hi Kyley,
We loved Maffy! and don’t forget Kiko! That’s a benefit I forgot to mention. Dogs get you out of the house for fresh air and exercise. I take all 3 of my dogs out on walks probably 2-3 times a day each. Without them I’d probably be stuck to my desk 12 hours a day.
Thanks,
Colby
Irene says
As soon as we bought our house, we got our first puppy, Miki. He was so much fun, we soon brought home our second puppy. They were our “children” for eighteen years. Soon after they passed on, we got Chibi. He was such a joy and when we had to put him down, we were all so heartbroken we didn’t want to get another puppy. After a few years we felt like our home was missing something, so decided to get another puppy. Now we don’t know what we would do without Yuki. She is a spoiled brat and is a very needy puppy but is so much fun to have around. I guess we will always be pet parents.
Colby says
Hi Irene,
Thanks for sharing! It’s great to hear the stories about other peoples experiences with their pets. It does sound like you’ll always be pet parents. By the way, I will have some pictures of Yuki wearing her Bret Michaels Pet Hoodie soon.
Take care,
Colby
KSO says
Owning a dog definitely helps reduce my stress, Betty is the best at making me feel better!
Colby says
I couldn’t agree more. As soon as Linus, Stetson, and Apache greet me my day is instantly better.
Thanks for stopping by!
Colby
Allison says
As an only child, the dogs were the closest things I had to brothers and sisters. They were great! We would play, get mad at each other, watch tv, sleep, etc…they would even walk me to elementary school (with my dad in tow). Now that I’m out of my parents’ house, they have Yuki (their little yorkie) to spoil. It’s fun to go to my parents’ house and see this little thing bolt around the corner sprinting to say hi and lick your face!
I currently live with three dogs and they are amazing. They are super lovable, caring, and entertaining! I love coming home to them everyday and they have a way of making me feel at ease after a rough day at work…just by laying next to me on the couch. 🙂
I’m a dog person…and will always be one!
Colby says
Hi Allison,
I think my sister thought our dog was a better sibling then her 2 brothers. I remember she used to dress up Maffy when he was a younger pup. Did you do the same with your dogs when you were a kid? By the way, those 3 dogs you live with sure are cool!
Take care,
Colby