Posted by backseatdriver on February 19, 2009, at 19:35:11
Hi Babblers,
Not sure if you've seen it, but here's a link to some recent research on pets and happiness. In an earlier thread, I'd asked about therapists who stare intensely, and the discussion turned to dogs and how they are wonderful for us. I'm not surprised by the direction the thread took -- this research suggests that sometimes our pets can be great co-therapists.
Can you see the bumper sticker: Dog Is My Cotherapist.
But enough nattering. The practical upshot: looking into your pet's eyes for a minute really boosts levels of oxytocin, the "cuddle hormone" that makes for secure attachment in babies (and, I would venture to add, the rest of us).
Off to snuggle my shepherd. Wishing you peace (and loads of puppy love),
BSD
poster:backseatdriver
thread:881167
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20090214/msgs/881167.html