Humans may have domesticated dogs two separate times, taming wolves both in Europe and Asia thousands of years ago. A major international research project may have cleared some of the controversy surrounding the origins of the domestication of dogs, which has until now remained a mystery with two primary hypotheses. The first holds that humans domesticated dogs for the first time in Europe more than 15,000 years ago. Opposing researchers believe the domestication happened approximately 12,500 years ago in Central Asia or China.
Regardless of when and where they were first domesticated, dogs have been companions to humans for a very long time and there is much evidence of the mental health benefits of dogs. Pet owners are less prone to depression, and have lower blood pressure, lower triglyceride and cholesterol levels, and higher levels of serotonin and dopamine than those without pets. Dogs seem to be man’s best friends primarily because they fulfill the basic human need to touch.
Even hardened criminals in prison have shown long-term changes in their behavior after interacting with dogs, many of them experiencing mutual affection for the first time. Stroking, hugging, or otherwise touching a loving animal can rapidly calm and soothe us when we’re stressed or anxious. The companionship of a pet can also ease loneliness, and most dogs are a great stimulus for healthy exercise, which can substantially boost your mood and ease depression.
This week, if you don’t (or can’t) have a dog, offer to walk the dog of a friend, visit an animal shelter, or go for a walk in a nearby park that allows dogs. Seek out opportunity to spend some time with a dog and notice how good that makes you feel.
Tips from 5 April 2010 to 6 August 2012 are here: Archived Tips
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Rev. Debra Basham
Voice or text: (269) 921-2217 Email: debra@scs-matters.com http://DebraBasham.com http://ImagineHealing.info http://SurgicalSupport.info Small Changes … Infinite Results™
“If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other.” ~ Mother Teresa |