Happiness Is Shared

Having a bad day?  Hate your job?  Sick of yucky winter weather?  Several studies have found that owning a pet (in this case a dog) not only enhance mood but also helps reduce stress.

1. Playing with your pup increases your brain’s levels of dopamine and serotonin, both of which are neurotransmitters associated with pleasure and tranquility.
2. Studies show that talking to and petting your pooches are often accompanied by lower blood pressure, and that means a lowered risk for a myriad of different illnesses.
3. Dogs protect children from skin conditions and allergies.
4. Having a dog encourages physical activity, which thus enhances endorphins.
5. Households with children and a dog are generally less tense and less stressful.
6. Talking to a dog after a difficult day actually calms heightened nervousness.

We got our dog Kasia five years ago.  She is literally, my saving grace on some days.  

The day we brought Kasia home from the orphanage

Always up for an ear rub, and a pretty decent partner in "catch," Kasia Lokelani Willis is a great companion.  I would love to get her a sibling, but Chris is very against that idea.