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?

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. 

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?

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. 

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?

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?

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. 

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?