April 11th is a dedicated day to appreciate and celebrate pets. It’s also a day to raise awareness about the plight of abandoned and abused pets and to advocate on their behalf.
If we’ve learned nothing else from isolation during the pandemic, we’ve learned that the Internet loves to see posts of people sharing their pets. Pets are the unsung heroes of mental health support and are our unwavering companions.
The Benefits of Having a Pet
Studies have shown that:
- Pet owners are less likely to suffer from depression than those without pets.
- Playing with a dog, cat, or other pet can elevate levels of serotonin and dopamine, which calm and relax.
- For aging adults, pets help maintain meaning and joy in life (empty nest, retirement), help you stay connected (meet new people while taking your dog for a walk), and boost your vitality (through playfulness, exercise and laughter).
CHV Staff Share Their Pets!
These photos are some of the unsung heroes of CHV who bring us joy, laughter, and help make online video meetings amusing.
Check out our posts on social media, and share a photo of your furry, feathery or fishy friends.
