Loving Mickey

Mickey is such a lovable dog. My mother constantly mentions that Mickey is like a gold bar to my father, in other words, Mickey means so much to him.

I came upon this website called Dogster http://www.dogster.com/

The blogger had an interesting write-up on the Advantages of Dog Ownership http://www.dogster.com/guides/dog_health_and_care/choosing_a_dog/selecting_the_right_dog_breed/advantages_of_dog_ownership

“The psychological benefits of owning a canine are well known. A carefully trained animal companion can offer fellowship, unconditional love, and often a friendship as intimate as any human bond. Dogs can also become an integral part of the family. Indeed, most adults, when asked to recall their earliest memories, will usually mention an encounter with their dog.

Canines also assist us during crises by helping to bear our emotional and psychological baggage. This function has important physiological benefits as well. Studies show that owning a dog—or even being near one—lowers human blood pressure and decreases stress levels. Over the long term this can prevent heart disease and lower health care costs, because dog owners make fewer doctor visits. A good-natured dog can also help fight depression and loneliness—one of the reasons they are used extensively to visit nursing homes and hospitals. Considering the benefits, the relatively nominal cost of keeping a dog seems like a wise investment."