As someone who has experienced holiday depression in the past, today I want to talk about “the cure.” Yes, it’s a dog, and we all know what you get when you spell it backwards. Dogs are not only great companions, they give Prozac a run for its money when it comes to battling depression.
Much has been written about the healing power of humor. Dogs are natural comedians, in my experience. As I write this, my little Heinz-57 Mutt, two-year old Dora the “Explora”, who weighs 20 pounds, is playing tug-of-war with Jake, my sister’s 120-pound Australian Shepherd, using a little red rubber bone. They have been animatedly going at this game for the past four days, providing lots of photo op’s for our family Christmas celebrations. Jake usually lets Dora win. The laughs this new play ritual has brought us are priceless!
Jake & Dora
We have been a tad depressed lately for a variety of reasons, and whenever the negative stuff starts to get the best of me, I find myself going to the dogs – Dora and our five year old Corgi-mix, Bindi Sue. I grab a couple of Milk Bone cookies and call them from wherever they are hanging out. Watching Bindi Sue “shake hands” with her short, fat leg and big paw, in exchange for her cookie, makes me smile. And in case you don’t know, the mere act of smiling makes us feel better. Maybe that’s the deal with dogs and depression. Dogs often bring a smile when nothing else will. Dogs also need to be walked and going outside for a short walk is important when you are dealing with the blues.
If you are feeling depressed now as the New Year arrives, my advice is to get a dog. I know it’s hard to get a dog when you are renting; but sometimes landlords will allow you to get a small dog if you give them a cleaning deposit. If you or someone you know are suffering from depression, you might be able to get a doctor’s prescription for a service dog and with that, a landlord must accept the pooch. A good friend of mine who had been diagnosed with depression following the death of a loved one, was prescribed a service dog trained to handle psychiatric disabilities. A long-time apartment dweller, my friend had never owned a dog. She wasn’t keen on the idea suggested by the physician; but she wanted to feel better. So she adopted a beautiful Chihuahua. Within days, she and the dog had bonded and her life was turned upside down – or maybe downside up – with the challenges and joys of caring for her new companion. That was a couple of years ago and the pup still goes everywhere with her, for a good reason.
Bindi Sue
When searching for your dog, please start at the shelters or dog rescue groups. We adopted Dora as a companion for Bindi Sue. She came to us from a Corgi rescue organization. Turns out Dora hasn’t got an ounce of Corgi in her lineage, according to the doggy DNA test we did. She is part Chihuahua, Miniature Schnauzer, Collie, Schipperke, and Bull Mastiff, among other breeds. Maybe it’s the Bull Mastiff that makes big dog Jake her favorite playmate. Whatever. She’s our rescue puppy comedian and a great cure for holiday blues!
I’d welcome comments about your experience of a dog’s healing ways during a challenging time in your life! Happy New Year!
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I found my chocolate lab at a ranch in Warner Springs two weeks after my father passed away. It was just a visit to an old family friend, but there was a cage full of brown and black labs just six weeks old. I had to have one. I needed to channel that love from my dad to a dog. Shiner is going on 10 years old and has been the best companion besides my husband of 43 years. So, yes you should get a dog to get past the depression. They love you unconditionally and are always happy to see you when you get home no matter how awful your day was. Some love, walking, water and food is all they ask for., The reward is a thousand fold.
Thanks Pam! There is nothing like coming home to a happy, loving dog after a stressful day at work. Friends of mine lost a dog recently and haven’t gotten a new one yet because it’s so hard to get beyond the loss of such a beloved friend. But I must say, a new one is great medicine. No dog ever takes the place of one you have lost. It is simply a new friend who seizes a new spot in your heart. Appreciate your post!
There is no love as unconditional as the love from a pet…dogs and cats. This past holiday, I had a bad flu, which lasted more than 2 weeks – through the entire holiday season. Being single, I was totally alone – except for the company of my 2 great cats – Mr. Big Frankie and Tess. Somehow, they knew I didn’t feel well. They kept me company, kept me warm, made me laugh with their antics (one of their favorites is wrestling on the bed while I’m in it). And the laughter definitely helped me feel better. I totally agree about dogs, but would like to add our feline friends to this list as well. They definitely kept me out of the doldrums this past holiday. Ya gotta love the furry faces.
Thank you for your post, Victoria. My two cats are also entertainers! But they don’t get me outdoors the way the doggies do. However I agree that felines are equally wonderful!