They say that pets have a calming and even therapeutic effect on our lives. Some research suggests that they help lower blood pressure, release endorphins which help us relax, and even help with mental health, i.e. anxiety, depression, etc. 

We got a puppy over the summer, Beesly (Pam Beesly Reese to be exact). We brought home this 12lb, 10 week old puppy who was a ton of work including middle of the night potty runs, chewing, training, zoomies, etc. She flipped our lives upside down. But I'll say that she's totally been worth it. 

Ever day I take her for a long walk in the morning, and in addition to helping me get my steps in, those walks really slow down my anxious and racing mind. I watch her sniff and enjoy all the nooks and crannies of our neighborhood. I stare at the squirrels along with her, smiling at how silly they are. We take afternoon naps and I sleep much less than she does as I can't stop staring at her while she snores and wiggles.

Some may scoff at the loads of attention that a puppy requires. This isn't a perfect relationship. Good god, housebreaking was hard (and gross). We can only leave her alone for a few hours at a time, making our family routine limited. But in the end, she's worth it. My mental health is worth it. I'm grateful to her for slowing me down, making me get outside, and forcing me to stop and smell the roses. 

Thanks Beesly. We love you!