Pets are not just adorable creatures that people play with; they are actually very therapeutic to people. Reports show that “man’s (or women’s) best friend” may actually help people live longer because they bring joy to our lives by decreasing cortisol (stress hormone) levels! Pets are also beneficial for young children, in that they prevent many allergies. Pet owners are much more happier, have lower blood pressure and pets can actually help with seizures and prevent hypoglycemic episodes in Diabetic patients. What’s not to love about this adorable soul?!

I have been autonomous for the last 32 years. Even after being married, I have remained fairly independent and partly selfish. That probably also stem the fact that I grew up in a family of four kids and I had to share everything! So, when it was time to do my own thing after I left the nest, I became very self-sufficient which could be a good and a bad thing. I rely on myself, and I do what I need to do to get things done. I’m fortunate for my family’s support but getting my new cockapoo really has opened up my world!

Making me more responsible
Having Pyrite “Py” has made me even more responsible than I already am. Mainly because I’m taking care of another life. Not to say I don’t take care of my patients, my husband or family, but this little baby actually really NEEDS me. He is my alarm clock and wakes me up without fail every morning regardless of how much I want to sleep in, even on the weekends! He forces me to have good habits and maintain a healthy schedule and lifestyle.

Teaching me unconditional love & forgiveness
No matter how many mistakes Py makes and I’m sure he will make some more, I have a huge heart and I am very forgiving. It’s hard to be mad at this little guy forever when he doesn’t do what he’s supposed to. He’s young, and very loving and that’s all he wants in return. He makes me more compassionate and affectionate. This is what unconditional love truly is.  He shows us how we are all actually supposed to love each other.

Working on my flaws!
I’m used to do my own thing all the time especially when my husband is working so now I have to think twice about everything I do. This has been very therapeutic and healing for me. This forces me to be more mindful which is something I’m always striving for. He also teaches me to be more patient, which is one of my vices that I am constantly working on as well as teaches me to control my frustrations I may have.

Getting over fears!
Even though I’m a physician, I hate poop, looking at it, smelling it, touching etc. Py has helped me get over that fear of the whole “poop” anxiety.  On the other hand, my sister who has been deathly afraid of dogs her whole life is now been playing with the puppy and actually enjoying him. So he’s actually helped her get over her fear of animals as well.

Keeps us active
Py keeps us all active when we play with him, take him for walks and wakes us up early. I am definitely running after him more than I thought I would as well is my husband. However, we wouldn’t have it any other way! He’s playful, nurturing and constantly in our face begging for attention; we love it!

Keep moving forward!
Life doesn’t always go according to “plan.” Sometimes, there’s unexpected mess that you have to clean up. So instead of getting irritated, annoyed or upset, so you just got us get on your hands and knees and scrub it on out! You have to find the harmony in a discordant world and just keep going! When my plans have changed or I’m spending more time doing something else for Py, I remember this and the bigger picture and I’m calm about it all. You can take this concept one step further and relate it to your every day life, making you an overall, well rounded and better person!

From our Family to yours, Merry Christmas! -Dr B