Grateful for Our Dogs: How They Heal, Help, and Inspire Us

October isn’t just a time for pumpkin spice and cozy sweaters. As we pause to reflect on the many things we’re thankful for this season, our dogs naturally top the list. Whether it’s the wag of a tail or the quiet comfort of their companionship, dogs bring joy into our lives in ways that defy measurement. But beyond happiness, science reveals that pet ownership plays a powerful role in our physical and emotional well-being. 

Daily walks, trips to the park, or even a quick game of fetch help us stay active without it feeling like a chore. According to the American Heart Association, dog owners are more likely to meet recommended daily activity goals than those without dogs. That extra movement supports heart health, lowers blood pressure, and helps both humans and pets maintain a healthy weight. 

Quality time with pets doesn’t require elaborate effort. Just sitting together on the couch, sharing a snack (pet-friendly, of course), can shift our brain chemistry. Interactions with animals have been shown to lower cortisol, the stress hormone, and increase oxytocin, the bonding hormone, leaving us calmer and more connected. Puppy dog eyes are real: locking eyes with your pet releases oxytocin for both pet and human. 

The daily rhythms our dogs inspire - mealtimes, outdoor play, walks - bring structure, responsibility, and purpose. These routines are linked to stronger mental health. Studies show pet owners often report lower levels of depression and anxiety, with the simple act of petting an animal releasing serotonin and dopamine, boosting mood naturally. 

Since the early 1900s, when Florence Nightingale observed the calming effect of small pets on children, the therapeutic value of animals has been well documented. The creation of Therapy Dogs International in the 1970s formalized this connection. More recently, the clinical use of robotic pets in dementia care has shown measurable emotional benefits: reducing stress, anxiety, and even the need for psychoactive medications in elderly patients. 

We must also recognize the extraordinary dogs whose work goes far beyond companionship. From K9 officers who protect communities and detect threats, to Search and Rescue dogs who brave disaster zones to find missing persons, and Guide Dogs who offer independence and safety to those with visual impairments, these working dogs embody loyalty, intelligence, and courage. Their training is rigorous, their roles demanding, yet their devotion never wavers. 

One of the most powerful ways we can show thankfulness for all our dogs do is by prioritizing their health. Just as we thrive on fresh, nutrient-dense foods, so do they. A raw diet, rich in unprocessed proteins and natural nutrients, supports strong immune function, lean muscle, better digestion, and healthier skin and coats. Feeding raw isn’t just about mealtime - it’s about giving our companions the building blocks for long, vibrant lives. A diet aligned with nature can reduce inflammation, improve dental health, and support mobility as they age. 

Whether they’re curled up beside us or working tirelessly in service, pets enrich our lives in ways both seen and unseen. This season, let’s celebrate their presence, honour their contributions, and commit to giving them the best life possible - because they give us everything. 

The Utilization of Robotic Pets in Dementia Care - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27716673/ 

Oxytocin-gaze positive loop and the coevolution of human-dog bonds 

https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.1261022