One Health

As a continuation of my last thread discussing how our pets comfort us, I wanted to talk about how pets can aid us in regulating our emotions. Spending quality time with animals, domestic or otherwise, actually replace the stress-related hormone, cortisol, with dopamine and serotonin–which puts us in a relaxed and peaceful state. Various studies focusing on the human-animal bond found that this relationship is essential in coping with stressful life events through promoting emotional regulation, emotional stability, and stress management. In single-person households, pets can help fulfill a sense of comfort, connectedness, and regularity. The study of the human-animal bond is still relatively new, and there is still so much more to be discovered about how we benefit from our non-human companions!

Emotional regulation skills include: pausing and creating space for ourselves, noticing and naming how we feel, accepting the feeling, then practicing mindfulness/living in the here and now. How have your pets or others helped you in building these skills?

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

We recently conducted a focus group with people in recovery who are living with pets and their discussion corroborates this. When talking about her dog, one woman said "She stabilizes my life!" What further testimony is needed when talking about the importance of pets for our overall health and quality of life? 

As a continuation of my last thread discussing how our pets comfort us, I wanted to talk about how pets can aid us in regulating our emotions. Spending quality time with animals, domestic or otherwise, actually replace the stress-related hormone, cortisol, with dopamine and serotonin–which puts us in a relaxed and peaceful state. Various studies focusing on the human-animal bond found that this relationship is essential in coping with stressful life events through promoting emotional regulation, emotional stability, and stress management. In single-person households, pets can help fulfill a sense of comfort, connectedness, and regularity. The study of the human-animal bond is still relatively new, and there is still so much more to be discovered about how we benefit from our non-human companions!

Emotional regulation skills include: pausing and creating space for ourselves, noticing and naming how we feel, accepting the feeling, then practicing mindfulness/living in the here and now. How have your pets or others helped you in building these skills?

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

I just came across this article about a new study from the National Center for Healthy Ageing. "We found that both older adults and international students experienced a significant decrease in feelings of loneliness and a significant increase in their health," said Dr Em Bould, a senior research fellow at Monash's School of Primary and Allied Healthcare."

They had real dogs and 1 robotic dog in this study.  When it comes to healing and "the power of the fur" we feel, the robot proved... READ MORE. ;-) 

We recently conducted a focus group with people in recovery who are living with pets and their discussion corroborates this. When talking about her dog, one woman said "She stabilizes my life!" What further testimony is needed when talking about the importance of pets for our overall health and quality of life? 

As a continuation of my last thread discussing how our pets comfort us, I wanted to talk about how pets can aid us in regulating our emotions. Spending quality time with animals, domestic or otherwise, actually replace the stress-related hormone, cortisol, with dopamine and serotonin–which puts us in a relaxed and peaceful state. Various studies focusing on the human-animal bond found that this relationship is essential in coping with stressful life events through promoting emotional regulation, emotional stability, and stress management. In single-person households, pets can help fulfill a sense of comfort, connectedness, and regularity. The study of the human-animal bond is still relatively new, and there is still so much more to be discovered about how we benefit from our non-human companions!

Emotional regulation skills include: pausing and creating space for ourselves, noticing and naming how we feel, accepting the feeling, then practicing mindfulness/living in the here and now. How have your pets or others helped you in building these skills?

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

As a continuation of my last thread discussing how our pets comfort us, I wanted to talk about how pets can aid us in regulating our emotions. Spending quality time with animals, domestic or otherwise, actually replace the stress-related hormone, cortisol, with dopamine and serotonin–which puts us in a relaxed and peaceful state. Various studies focusing on the human-animal bond found that this relationship is essential in coping with stressful life events through promoting emotional regulation, emotional stability, and stress management. In single-person households, pets can help fulfill a sense of comfort, connectedness, and regularity. The study of the human-animal bond is still relatively new, and there is still so much more to be discovered about how we benefit from our non-human companions!

Emotional regulation skills include: pausing and creating space for ourselves, noticing and naming how we feel, accepting the feeling, then practicing mindfulness/living in the here and now. How have your pets or others helped you in building these skills?

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

The emotional and physical health benefits of spending time with pets are well documented. Thanks for sharing the recent research and insight. At our shelter, The Humane Society of Hobart, we felt that that prioritizing time in the community with pets would boost mental and physical health, increase adoptions, and create a space for giving. We saw our agency as a part of the whole process it takes to keep communities healthy. This connection inspired us to create a pilot program called Paws and Recharge where we connect onsite in the community with schools, businesses, hospitals, and public spaces with our "Cuddles to Heal" "Kissing" and "Hissing" Booths to bring mental and physical health benefits to both humans and pets! We customize the day with each individual organization to include plenty of cuddle time, dog walking, employee give back days, donation drives, peer to peer contests, and onsite adoptions. The program has grown with the business community in particular. Employers have really enjoyed offering their staff time to cuddle and heal and take an extra hour for lunch (provided by the employer) and support an organization like ours. We have an incredible resource right at our very fingertips to change the lives of humans and improve quality of life. This is also an incredibly easy and cost-effective program. I have attached our program flyer! Feel free to reach out with questions! We just show up and share the love! The pets, once again, are the magic. 

------------------------------
Jennifer Webber
The Humane Society of Hobart, Inc.

Original Message:
Sent: 09-06-2024 12:54 PM
From: Kayla Anderson
Subject: The Impact of Pets on Emotional Health

As a continuation of my last thread discussing how our pets comfort us, I wanted to talk about how pets can aid us in regulating our emotions. Spending quality time with animals, domestic or otherwise, actually replace the stress-related hormone, cortisol, with dopamine and serotonin–which puts us in a relaxed and peaceful state. Various studies focusing on the human-animal bond found that this relationship is essential in coping with stressful life events through promoting emotional regulation, emotional stability, and stress management. In single-person households, pets can help fulfill a sense of comfort, connectedness, and regularity. The study of the human-animal bond is still relatively new, and there is still so much more to be discovered about how we benefit from our non-human companions!

Emotional regulation skills include: pausing and creating space for ourselves, noticing and naming how we feel, accepting the feeling, then practicing mindfulness/living in the here and now. How have your pets or others helped you in building these skills?

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

Oh thank you for posting this @Jennifer Webber! I started smiling just reading the names, "Cuddles to Heal" "Kissing" and "Hissing" Booths, picturing happy humans and pets. The power of the fur, is strong! :-)  

I was sent a link to this video about https://youtu.be/fmSoD7KSRpk?si=0VX9S2Z-YJzi6VQD  

Oh thank you for posting this @Jennifer Webber! I started smiling just reading the names, "Cuddles to Heal" "Kissing" and "Hissing" Booths, picturing happy humans and pets. 

I wanted to share the link to this video, "Companion dogs help kids, families living with autism."  

Canine Companions, based in Santa Rosa, trains dogs to help kids living with autism. Again, the power of the fur! 

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T' Fisher, Director of Operations
Program for Pet Health Equity

Original Message:
Sent: 04-30-2025 06:37 AM
From: Jennifer Webber
Subject: The Impact of Pets on Emotional Health

The emotional and physical health benefits of spending time with pets are well documented. Thanks for sharing the recent research and insight. At our shelter, The Humane Society of Hobart, we felt that that prioritizing time in the community with pets would boost mental and physical health, increase adoptions, and create a space for giving. We saw our agency as a part of the whole process it takes to keep communities healthy. This connection inspired us to create a pilot program called Paws and Recharge where we connect onsite in the community with schools, businesses, hospitals, and public spaces with our "Cuddles to Heal" "Kissing" and "Hissing" Booths to bring mental and physical health benefits to both humans and pets! We customize the day with each individual organization to include plenty of cuddle time, dog walking, employee give back days, donation drives, peer to peer contests, and onsite adoptions. The program has grown with the business community in particular. Employers have really enjoyed offering their staff time to cuddle and heal and take an extra hour for lunch (provided by the employer) and support an organization like ours. We have an incredible resource right at our very fingertips to change the lives of humans and improve quality of life. This is also an incredibly easy and cost-effective program. I have attached our program flyer! Feel free to reach out with questions! We just show up and share the love! The pets, once again, are the magic. 

------------------------------
Jennifer Webber
The Humane Society of Hobart, Inc.

Original Message:
Sent: 09-06-2024 12:54 PM
From: Kayla Anderson
Subject: The Impact of Pets on Emotional Health

As a continuation of my last thread discussing how our pets comfort us, I wanted to talk about how pets can aid us in regulating our emotions. Spending quality time with animals, domestic or otherwise, actually replace the stress-related hormone, cortisol, with dopamine and serotonin–which puts us in a relaxed and peaceful state. Various studies focusing on the human-animal bond found that this relationship is essential in coping with stressful life events through promoting emotional regulation, emotional stability, and stress management. In single-person households, pets can help fulfill a sense of comfort, connectedness, and regularity. The study of the human-animal bond is still relatively new, and there is still so much more to be discovered about how we benefit from our non-human companions!

Emotional regulation skills include: pausing and creating space for ourselves, noticing and naming how we feel, accepting the feeling, then practicing mindfulness/living in the here and now. How have your pets or others helped you in building these skills?

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

The emotional and physical health benefits of spending time with pets are well documented. Thanks for sharing the recent research and insight. At our shelter, The Humane Society of Hobart, we felt that that prioritizing time in the community with pets would boost mental and physical health, increase adoptions, and create a space for giving. We saw our agency as a part of the whole process it takes to keep communities healthy. This connection inspired us to create a pilot program called Paws and Recharge where we connect onsite in the community with schools, businesses, hospitals, and public spaces with our "Cuddles to Heal" "Kissing" and "Hissing" Booths to bring mental and physical health benefits to both humans and pets! We customize the day with each individual organization to include plenty of cuddle time, dog walking, employee give back days, donation drives, peer to peer contests, and onsite adoptions. The program has grown with the business community in particular. Employers have really enjoyed offering their staff time to cuddle and heal and take an extra hour for lunch (provided by the employer) and support an organization like ours. We have an incredible resource right at our very fingertips to change the lives of humans and improve quality of life. This is also an incredibly easy and cost-effective program. I have attached our program flyer! Feel free to reach out with questions! We just show up and share the love! The pets, once again, are the magic. 

As a continuation of my last thread discussing how our pets comfort us, I wanted to talk about how pets can aid us in regulating our emotions. Spending quality time with animals, domestic or otherwise, actually replace the stress-related hormone, cortisol, with dopamine and serotonin–which puts us in a relaxed and peaceful state. Various studies focusing on the human-animal bond found that this relationship is essential in coping with stressful life events through promoting emotional regulation, emotional stability, and stress management. In single-person households, pets can help fulfill a sense of comfort, connectedness, and regularity. The study of the human-animal bond is still relatively new, and there is still so much more to be discovered about how we benefit from our non-human companions!

Emotional regulation skills include: pausing and creating space for ourselves, noticing and naming how we feel, accepting the feeling, then practicing mindfulness/living in the here and now. How have your pets or others helped you in building these skills?

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

I have a dog rescue and it's the best therapy in the world! I get out there and spend time with the dogs after work. I enjoy watching them interact, run around and have fun!

The emotional and physical health benefits of spending time with pets are well documented. Thanks for sharing the recent research and insight. At our shelter, The Humane Society of Hobart, we felt that that prioritizing time in the community with pets would boost mental and physical health, increase adoptions, and create a space for giving. We saw our agency as a part of the whole process it takes to keep communities healthy. This connection inspired us to create a pilot program called Paws and Recharge where we connect onsite in the community with schools, businesses, hospitals, and public spaces with our "Cuddles to Heal" "Kissing" and "Hissing" Booths to bring mental and physical health benefits to both humans and pets! We customize the day with each individual organization to include plenty of cuddle time, dog walking, employee give back days, donation drives, peer to peer contests, and onsite adoptions. The program has grown with the business community in particular. Employers have really enjoyed offering their staff time to cuddle and heal and take an extra hour for lunch (provided by the employer) and support an organization like ours. We have an incredible resource right at our very fingertips to change the lives of humans and improve quality of life. This is also an incredibly easy and cost-effective program. I have attached our program flyer! Feel free to reach out with questions! We just show up and share the love! The pets, once again, are the magic. 

As a continuation of my last thread discussing how our pets comfort us, I wanted to talk about how pets can aid us in regulating our emotions. Spending quality time with animals, domestic or otherwise, actually replace the stress-related hormone, cortisol, with dopamine and serotonin–which puts us in a relaxed and peaceful state. Various studies focusing on the human-animal bond found that this relationship is essential in coping with stressful life events through promoting emotional regulation, emotional stability, and stress management. In single-person households, pets can help fulfill a sense of comfort, connectedness, and regularity. The study of the human-animal bond is still relatively new, and there is still so much more to be discovered about how we benefit from our non-human companions!

Emotional regulation skills include: pausing and creating space for ourselves, noticing and naming how we feel, accepting the feeling, then practicing mindfulness/living in the here and now. How have your pets or others helped you in building these skills?

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

Best medicine out there!

I have a dog rescue and it's the best therapy in the world! I get out there and spend time with the dogs after work. I enjoy watching them interact, run around and have fun!

The emotional and physical health benefits of spending time with pets are well documented. Thanks for sharing the recent research and insight. At our shelter, The Humane Society of Hobart, we felt that that prioritizing time in the community with pets would boost mental and physical health, increase adoptions, and create a space for giving. We saw our agency as a part of the whole process it takes to keep communities healthy. This connection inspired us to create a pilot program called Paws and Recharge where we connect onsite in the community with schools, businesses, hospitals, and public spaces with our "Cuddles to Heal" "Kissing" and "Hissing" Booths to bring mental and physical health benefits to both humans and pets! We customize the day with each individual organization to include plenty of cuddle time, dog walking, employee give back days, donation drives, peer to peer contests, and onsite adoptions. The program has grown with the business community in particular. Employers have really enjoyed offering their staff time to cuddle and heal and take an extra hour for lunch (provided by the employer) and support an organization like ours. We have an incredible resource right at our very fingertips to change the lives of humans and improve quality of life. This is also an incredibly easy and cost-effective program. I have attached our program flyer! Feel free to reach out with questions! We just show up and share the love! The pets, once again, are the magic. 

As a continuation of my last thread discussing how our pets comfort us, I wanted to talk about how pets can aid us in regulating our emotions. Spending quality time with animals, domestic or otherwise, actually replace the stress-related hormone, cortisol, with dopamine and serotonin–which puts us in a relaxed and peaceful state. Various studies focusing on the human-animal bond found that this relationship is essential in coping with stressful life events through promoting emotional regulation, emotional stability, and stress management. In single-person households, pets can help fulfill a sense of comfort, connectedness, and regularity. The study of the human-animal bond is still relatively new, and there is still so much more to be discovered about how we benefit from our non-human companions!

Emotional regulation skills include: pausing and creating space for ourselves, noticing and naming how we feel, accepting the feeling, then practicing mindfulness/living in the here and now. How have your pets or others helped you in building these skills?

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

As a continuation of my last thread discussing how our pets comfort us, I wanted to talk about how pets can aid us in regulating our emotions. Spending quality time with animals, domestic or otherwise, actually replace the stress-related hormone, cortisol, with dopamine and serotonin–which puts us in a relaxed and peaceful state. Various studies focusing on the human-animal bond found that this relationship is essential in coping with stressful life events through promoting emotional regulation, emotional stability, and stress management. In single-person households, pets can help fulfill a sense of comfort, connectedness, and regularity. The study of the human-animal bond is still relatively new, and there is still so much more to be discovered about how we benefit from our non-human companions!

Emotional regulation skills include: pausing and creating space for ourselves, noticing and naming how we feel, accepting the feeling, then practicing mindfulness/living in the here and now. How have your pets or others helped you in building these skills?

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

As a continuation of my last thread discussing how our pets comfort us, I wanted to talk about how pets can aid us in regulating our emotions. Spending quality time with animals, domestic or otherwise, actually replace the stress-related hormone, cortisol, with dopamine and serotonin–which puts us in a relaxed and peaceful state. Various studies focusing on the human-animal bond found that this relationship is essential in coping with stressful life events through promoting emotional regulation, emotional stability, and stress management. In single-person households, pets can help fulfill a sense of comfort, connectedness, and regularity. The study of the human-animal bond is still relatively new, and there is still so much more to be discovered about how we benefit from our non-human companions!

Emotional regulation skills include: pausing and creating space for ourselves, noticing and naming how we feel, accepting the feeling, then practicing mindfulness/living in the here and now. How have your pets or others helped you in building these skills?

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