With Jennifer Aniston’s new movie, “Marley & Me” in cinemas, I wanted to remind my readers that dogs and pets of all kind can absolutely help you heal and recover from depression. During the worst 18 months of my severe depression, my golden-retriever/chow mix Sarah, hopped on my bed and cuddled with me during those moments that I couldn’t talk to a human being.

Awhile back my neighbor who had just lost her stepmom two days prior came knocking at the door.

“Can I borrow one of your dogs?” she asked.

“Sure,” I said. “Why?”

“I just need a dog right now. I don’t feel like talking to anyone. I just feel like walking a dog. It helps me in a way friends and family can’t.”

I handed her Sarah’s leash, and thirty minutes later she came back looking much better.

“Thanks,” she said. “I really needed that.”

It made me think about all the readers who posted stories about their pets on my “Holy Dog?” post. These creatures can help us heal. Absolutely.

From Johns Hopkins Depression and Anxiety Health Alert:

Pets really do improve our mental (and physical) health. Here’s why. 

Pets are more than just furry friends and loyal companions. Yes, pets tug at our heartstrings, but they also improve our health, both mental and physical, helping us to live longer and happier lives. Studies over the past 25 years have shown that stroking a dog or cat can lower blood pressure and heart rate and boost levels of the mood-related brain chemicals serotonin and dopamine. Heart attack sufferers recover more quickly and survive longer when they have a pet at home, and children who are exposed to pets early in life may have a reduced risk of allergies and asthma.

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