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Nationally, October is “adopt a shelter dog” month and here at Rugged Running we are using October to inspire you to get more involved in your community, your health, and your family! So what better way than to adopt, foster, or volunteer at/for your local dog shelter?
Did you know that adopting a dog can help:
Decrease your blood pressure
Decreased cholesterol levels.
Decreased triglyceride levels.
Decreased feelings of loneliness.
Increased opportunities for exercise and outdoor activities.
Increased opportunities for socialization.
Those that do have longer survival rates
Better psychological well-being
Increased self-esteem
Fewer doctors visits
More physical activity
And more… !!!
On the flip side, you will not only benefit from the adoption but of course, the pup will too! Each year, approximately 390,000 shelter dogs are euthanized.
I can personally say, with my 3 (and of course I’m trying to talk Wyatt into more :) rescue dogs, they certainly rescued me over the little I needed to do for them. Their love is always unconditional and you certainly don’t see my husband or kiddo waiting by the door wagging their tails every time I get home!!!
A few short stories about how awesome these dogs can be.
One time, Bo (my eldest dog) woke us up in the middle of the night. I thought he was sick because he NEVER needs to go out or bother us while we sleep. I opened the patio door and was hit with a big puff of smoke! Turns out, we were under code red and needed to evacuate because a wildfire had jumped the river and was on its way.
One time, Zoey (our middle, female dog), came into the bathroom where I was showering and going nuts! It took me a few minutes, but she was trying to tell me the water I had forgotten about on the stove...was boiling over everywhere.
Bruno, our youngest, sadly has seizures. But even with the extra cost of medication, he is worth every penny! He has an obscene amount of protection in him, and is the best backpacking dog ever! He can carry his sister’s food for her (as she is getting too elderly to do so and make the hiking trip) as well as extra water for all of us!
So as you know with all good things in life, they do take some work and effort. Not everyone should adopt a dog, however, you can get involved by temporarily fostering one, or even volunteering at the shelter. The dogs there need to be walked and played with daily and what a GREAT way to get your exercise in too?!!!
So I encourage you to reach out to your local shelters and adopt, foster or volunteer!
I can promise you it will be life-changing!