In one of my favorite books, "Gut and Psychology Syndrome," Dr. Natasha Campbell-McBride states that there are 10 things that contribute to good health, and one of them is having pets. I couldn't agree more.

One of the things I've learned to do when I'm being challenged with life is to turn to my animals. My highly sensitive system is easily jangled when a lot is coming at me at once, and my animals have been such a help with this. Cuddling Pippin, my soft and oh-so-sweet little Havanese, is a balm for my soul. His cuteness makes me smile and brings me back into the moment. Same with my cat, Magic, who talks to me and lets me know when she wants to be picked up or when she wants “noogies”: and ear and belly scratches. For many years, my animals have helped me get centered, connected and back into my joy. There is so much love and joy in dogs and cats and I absorb that when I hug them. What a gift!

 

But it's only in the last ten years, since I've had horses, that I've experienced what my horse can do for my soul.

When I've had a challenging day and my nerves feel a bit frayed, I go to my horse, Leah, and put my arms across her back while I lean into her big strong body. It may sound strange, but I bury my face in her coat and smell her.

The first time I did this with my first horse, Stryder, I was shocked at what happened. Instantly, my whole system calmed down. I’m not really sure why, but there is something about the energy and smell of a horse that calms my system more than anything else I've ever experienced. It's not anything Stryder was doing – usually he was completely absorbed in eating and may not have even been aware of me at that moment. It was something about his being.

I know I'm not the only one who responds this way with horses. I shared my experience at an Intensive, and a participant who has horses said she has the same experience. Before the Intensive, two other participants dropped by to meet the horses and they also had a similar experience. There is a peace that exudes from horses who are well-loved that is beyond description.

 

Animals not only aid in emotional health, they also help with physical health.

Exposure to animals can bring in a variety of germs and bacteria that prompt the body’s natural immune system, strengthening our ability to protect against certain diseases. Children who grow up on farms rarely have the same allergies and illness problems that city kids have. That’s one reason Dr. Natasha Campbell-McBride recommends pets among the 10 things that contribute to good health.

Another way my dog Pippin contributes to my health is that every morning - rain, snow, or sun - he looks at me with yearning eyes and puts a picture into my mind – a picture of our morning walk. So every morning, unless it’s raining or snowing hard, I walk Pippin up and down hills for half an hour. He happily pees, poops, and sniffs while I huff and puff, but I’m grateful that his longing eyes urge me to have my daily exercise. I just can’t let him down.

It's true that animals take time, money and care, but they give back so much. If you don't have a pet in your life, you might want to reconsider your choice. It could be great for your physical and mental health!

Join Dr. Margaret Paul for her 30-Day at-home Course: "Love Yourself: An Inner Bonding Experience to Heal Anxiety, Depression, Shame, Addictions and Relationships."

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