Play Dog Games - Your Dog Can Keep You Young

Several years ago, I was paying my way through college by delivering Chinese food in the city where I was going to school.  It paid pretty well, and the hours were flexible, but one of the things I liked best about it was that I got to interact with so many people.  You’d see such contrasts. 

For example, there were two nursing homes whose residents ordered from us all the time.   But one place I loved going to, while I didn’t enjoy going to the other one.  At the first one, most of the residents were happy and lively, while at the other, they were gloomy.  For a long time I couldn’t figure out why.  What was the difference?  Then it hit me - at the first nursing home, people were allowed to have pets, and most of them had a cute little dog in their room.  The second one didn’t allow pets.  And it made all the difference in the world.

And it’s not just my imagination.  Research has shown that people who have dogs live longer, and stay active longer, than those who don’t.  And they think it has to do with two things - companionship, and playing with your dog.  Play dog games with your pooch and live longer?  Yes, that’s what the experts say.  When you play dog games, you’re involved with another living creature.  And you’re physically active, too, even though you don’t have to play anything stressful.  Just tossing a ball across the room, or “fighting” him for his favorite toy gives you some exercise.  And the interactions helps to keep your mind sharp, too.  And these benefits aren’t just for senior citizens - it’s been shown time and time again that people with dogs in their homes tend to be healthier than those without, no matter their age.  There is certainly a strong bond between dogs and humans, and no other animal comes close to having relationship like this with human beings.  People love horses, and cats, and bunnies, but only dogs really give that love back.  And no other pets can play like dogs.  So if you want to stay happy and healthy, play dog games with your own Dr. Rover.