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Quick Summary
- Your furry friend is a constant source of joy, love, and empathy, which can be a morale booster during a period of heartbreak
- Taking time to grow your bond with your dog is more rewarding and beneficial to your physical and mental health than engaging in a rebound. Not to mention, it will make your pet happy.
- Dogs always know how to make you laugh (even without trying), so you should always look to them for a small pick-me-up when you’re feeling down due to a heartbreak
Sure, realistically we know that they aren’t the end of the world. But how do we bounce back from a broken heart, when it’s so tempting to fall immediately into the usual break-up go-tos — eating, starving, isolating, listening to those same depressing songs over and over again? Luckily, your dog is here to help you through a break-up!
Some recommend a change — take a class, or a fun vacation to take your mind off things. But there’s a much easier, and more lasting solution just within reach — maybe even curled up at your feet right now.Your close friends are your best resource during stressful situations, and your furry friend is no exception. There are many ways that your dog can help you through a break-up, such as helping you to stay active by making you go into the great outdoors at least twice a day; something which reduces anxiety and imporves sleep quality! Here are five ways your dog can help you though a break-up.
1. Peer Into Those Puppy-Dog Eyes
If there’s one thing pet owners know, it’s that puppy-dog eyes can be very dangerous weapons! Just try saying no to an extra treat when your pooch turns on the charm.
But when your pooch comes over, tugs at your sleeve and looks up at you with those eyes, the pain from the break-up will seem less, as you focus on the unconditional love your dog provides.
Focus on nurturing that relationship by getting your dog their favorite treats, taking them for a jog, playing with them or simply having a snuggle.
Your dog’s energy, vivaciousness and devotion is infectious, and will help your hurt over your break-up start to heal.
2. Rebounds Can be “Ruff”
When you’re nursing a broken heart, jumping into another relationship might seem like a comforting and appealing idea. But how long do most of these rebounds last? Are they worth the time, energy and — let’s face it — money?
Invest a fraction of that in your relationship with your dog, and the rewards can be cherished forever. Plan dates with your dog at the park, beach or around town. Rent a dog-friendly cabin for a weekend getaway to help ease your mind and bond with your pup!
Anybody who has ever owned a pet knows that with a dog around you will never feel unloved. They will cuddle you, kiss you, hug you with those adorable paws and let you know that, to them, you’re the most important person in the world!
With that kind of love and comfort in your life, who needs rebounds? You can also take your dog for a small trip and then you will see how easily they can help you recover, mentally and physically.
3. Dogs Understand and Empathize
Ever feel like nobody understands you like your dog? There is truth to it, actually. Dogs aren’t just loving — they are extremely perceptive, too. They can sense when you are in pain, whether physical or emotional. If you’re stressed or upset, your pet’s stress will likely grow to reflect your own stress. Pet ownership is a two way street; you make your dog’s life as good as possible and they do the same for you!
A study done by Goldsmiths College showed that dogs are more likely to approach and comfort someone who is in pain than someone who is perfectly happy. I have direct experience with this; whenever I was having a rough day mentally or physically, my dog Howie would always be there to cheer me up and comfort me with many kisses.
Your dog empathizes with you, and will do everything possible to make you smile and feel happy again. When you are feeling happy and healthy, it is rewarding for you and your four legged friend!
With a furry happiness generator as your best friend and closest confidant during turbulent times, you won’t stay in the doldrums for long.
4. Dogs Will Always Make You Laugh
Even when they don’t intend to be (maybe especially when they don’t intend to be), dogs are hilarious.
Every pet parent knows that even the strongest and most fierce-looking dogs have some super-cute and funny characteristics.
Just watching them in their element — playing, eating, trying to catch a bug, or even being silly while they sleep — can give you some unanticipated reasons to laugh, even if you have a broken heart. Once, I caught Howie sleeping with his tongue out and it was so cute that I couldn’t stop laughing with joy. Such natural laughter automatically generates endorphins, the mood-boosting hormone, and will lift any drooping spirits.
Having a particularly rough day? Create some sillies. Putting a spot of peanut butter on the top of your pooch’s snout will undoubtedly unleash a host of antics that will have you cracking up immediately! You can also take them on a playdate and see what hijinks they get up to when your dog is with their friends!
5. Dogs Will Keep You Healthy
Break-ups aren’t just emotional — they can have physical ramifications, too. Are you drowning your sorrows in comfort foods? Ice cream and pizza might seem like a good idea at the time, but all that junk food can leave you feeling crappy, physically and mentally, thus making the break-up more painful. Your dog is the antidote for this, too. Your dog loves to play and run — they will keep any pet parent moving to help them stay physically active and happy during this rough period. Perhaps it’s the time to walk more with your dog!
Or maybe, instead of having you reaching for the ice cream, break-ups kill your appetite. Skipping meals can lead to low energy levels, which tends to compound crankiness during difficult times. Taking your furry friend out for some fresh air and exercise will not only perk up your mood but stimulate your appetite, too, making it much easier to bounce back from sad times.
You can also relieve your stress by grooming your pet by yourself and making them look prettier and happier.
These ways your dog will help you through a break-up demonstrate why your dog is your perfect post-break-up partner. Break-ups are difficult, but with your furry friend around, love takes on a whole new meaning. So, should you find yourself with heartache over heartbreak, turn off the stereo, put down the ice cream, and let your dog help you ditch the doldrums [1].
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