One Health

A major benefit of the human-animal bond is how it gives us the space to step back and look at the bigger picture. Living with pets encourages us be present in the moment, as they aren't terribly concerned with what happened in the past or what lies ahead in the future like we are. They are only interested in whether or not the thing you are holding is edible 😁

Daily rituals like feeding, petting, and dog-walking help us designate time out of each day to care for ourselves. What are some ways we can incorporate pets into our self-care practices? Any activities you are already engaging in with your pet?

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Kayla Anderson
Veterinary Social Worker
Program for Pet Health Equity
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Well for myself, I have to take medication twice a day and so does on of my rescue dogs. So it not only reminds me to take mine because I seem to never forget her medication as she reminds me, since it gets wrapped in a piece of cheese and she looks forward to her treat.

For myself, especially during lock down of Covid, the only place we were free to go was to a park or beach and the dog park became a refuge during that time. I went almost daily to the dog park. I know dog parks can be a hot topic. However, if you find the right time of day where many of the same people come to do the same, it not only was and still is a place for the dogs to run unleashed and exert a lot of energy, but also a place where human interaction helped with mental health for many. During the lockdown I met more people at the dog park, many who have rescue dogs. It had been difficult meeting new people living in a new area and being older without kids at home. It became a community that I still enjoy being a part of today and never would have ventured to it if it hadn't been for the lock down. 

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Heather Hoffmann
Volunteer
SoCo Animal Rescue
GA
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Heather, thank you for sharing about your experience with this mode of self-care and the lasting impact it had! :-) I can definitely relate to having a hard time meeting new people after moving, especially surrounding the lockdown. It's great how you were able to meaningfully engage with the community and continue to do so!

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Katy Carpenter
Administrative Assistant
Program for Pet Health Equity
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Original Message:
Sent: 08-09-2024 12:45 PM
From: Heather Hoffmann
Subject: "Pets always remind us that whatever we're doing, it's not important."

Well for myself, I have to take medication twice a day and so does on of my rescue dogs. So it not only reminds me to take mine because I seem to never forget her medication as she reminds me, since it gets wrapped in a piece of cheese and she looks forward to her treat.

For myself, especially during lock down of Covid, the only place we were free to go was to a park or beach and the dog park became a refuge during that time. I went almost daily to the dog park. I know dog parks can be a hot topic. However, if you find the right time of day where many of the same people come to do the same, it not only was and still is a place for the dogs to run unleashed and exert a lot of energy, but also a place where human interaction helped with mental health for many. During the lockdown I met more people at the dog park, many who have rescue dogs. It had been difficult meeting new people living in a new area and being older without kids at home. It became a community that I still enjoy being a part of today and never would have ventured to it if it hadn't been for the lock down. 

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Heather Hoffmann
Volunteer
SoCo Animal Rescue
GA
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Thank you for sharing, Heather! It makes me smile to hear how your rescue dog brings her own little excitement to daily medication. 

I can very much relate to the dog park becoming my saving grace during lockdown. If it weren't for my regular dog walks, I may not have gone outside much at all during lockdown! I am so glad to hear that you were able to make those long-lasting connections with fellow park goers. There's just something magical about the way pets bring us all together, especially during those very daunting times!

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Kayla Anderson
Veterinary Social Worker
Program for Pet Health Equity
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 08-09-2024 12:45 PM
From: Heather Hoffmann
Subject: "Pets always remind us that whatever we're doing, it's not important."

Well for myself, I have to take medication twice a day and so does on of my rescue dogs. So it not only reminds me to take mine because I seem to never forget her medication as she reminds me, since it gets wrapped in a piece of cheese and she looks forward to her treat.

For myself, especially during lock down of Covid, the only place we were free to go was to a park or beach and the dog park became a refuge during that time. I went almost daily to the dog park. I know dog parks can be a hot topic. However, if you find the right time of day where many of the same people come to do the same, it not only was and still is a place for the dogs to run unleashed and exert a lot of energy, but also a place where human interaction helped with mental health for many. During the lockdown I met more people at the dog park, many who have rescue dogs. It had been difficult meeting new people living in a new area and being older without kids at home. It became a community that I still enjoy being a part of today and never would have ventured to it if it hadn't been for the lock down. 

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Heather Hoffmann
Volunteer
SoCo Animal Rescue
GA
------------------------------

Kayla, love how you open with how the bigger picture is easier to see when bonding with pets. I can definitely relate to that when I break away from other things to spend time with the cats (all 3!). It's interesting how much mindfulness sets in while playing, giving treats, and any other time their companionship sprinkles joy on the moment. When exploring related ideas to enhance a self-care practices, it dawns on me how reflexive it is to want to make time to spend with family. 

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Katy Carpenter
Administrative Assistant
Program for Pet Health Equity
------------------------------

Pets sure do have their own special way of pointing us to the things that truly matter! I also greatly appreciate how effortlessly they bring out that desire to bond with our loved ones. A lot of times, it can be hard to tell who looks forward to those daily breaks the most–us or them? 😁

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Kayla Anderson
Veterinary Social Worker
Program for Pet Health Equity
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Original Message:
Sent: 08-13-2024 07:31 AM
From: Katy Carpenter
Subject: "Pets always remind us that whatever we're doing, it's not important."

Kayla, love how you open with how the bigger picture is easier to see when bonding with pets. I can definitely relate to that when I break away from other things to spend time with the cats (all 3!). It's interesting how much mindfulness sets in while playing, giving treats, and any other time their companionship sprinkles joy on the moment. When exploring related ideas to enhance a self-care practices, it dawns on me how reflexive it is to want to make time to spend with family. 

------------------------------
Katy Carpenter
Administrative Assistant
Program for Pet Health Equity
------------------------------