How a Dachshund Improved My Quality of Life

Summary

The author shares how adopting a dachshund named Odie has significantly improved their quality of life, bringing love, companionship, and health benefits.

Abstract

The article "How a Dachshund Improved My Quality of Life" details the author's long-standing desire for a dachshund and the joy of finally adopting one. Odie, the dachshund, has become a cherished member of the family, providing unconditional love and companionship, especially beneficial for the author who works from home. The physical health benefits are also notable, as Odie encourages regular breaks and physical activity. Citing a Habri survey, the author highlights the mental and physical health improvements reported by pet owners, reinforcing the positive impact of pet ownership. Odie's presence has increased the author's mindfulness, reduced anxiety, and contributed to a calmer, more present lifestyle, supported by findings from a Harvard study. The article concludes with the author's wholehearted recommendation to consider adopting a dachshund, or any dog, to enhance one's life.

Opinions

The author believes that dachshunds, like Odie, are particularly loving and cuddly, contributing to a sense of relaxation and well-being.
Working from home can be lonely, but having a dog around provides comforting company.
Regular interaction with Odie, such as playing and petting, has made the author more mindful and less anxious.
The author values the physical health benefits of dog ownership, including increased physical activity and lower blood pressure and heart rate.
The author cites scientific research to back up their personal experience of the positive effects of dog ownership on mental and physical health.
There is a strong conviction that Odie has brought a new level of love and joy into the author's family life.
The author is somewhat biased towards dachshunds but also acknowledges the general benefits of owning any dog.

Canines and happiness

I’ve always wanted a dachshund, for as long as I can remember. In fact, it used to be an almost strange obsession. Back in college, I bought a book on how to care for dachshunds although I didn’t even have a dog, let alone a sausage dog. My then-boyfriend (and now-husband) bought me a sausage dog-themed mouse mat twenty years ago. And whenever I saw a dachshund on the street, my heart would fill with complete and utter joy, and I couldn’t help myself but would have to run up and pet it.

Fast-forward twenty years, to 2019. It’s September, and I spotted a sign by the highway on the way home from school drop-off: ‘Dachshund puppies for sale’. My heart skipped a beat. That afternoon after school pick-up, I told my kids we’re going to make a detour and pulled into the car park of the dog place. Sure enough, there was a cage with just one puppy left!

Needless to say, he was adorable, we all fell in love, and — whoops! — we took him home a couple of days later!

His name is Odie, and I can honestly say he’s changed our lives for the better. My son constantly tells me that ‘life is better with Odie in it’, and I agree.

First of all, dachshunds are very loving and cuddly. Very often, Odie will come and try to jump up on my lap until I let him, and then he promptly goes to sleep. It’s very relaxing having a tiny creature snuggle up to you and give you nothing but unconditional love.

As a freelancer working from home, life can get lonely at times. Having a dog around makes you feel less alone, and you always have company!

Of course, he also wants to be let outside regularly. This is ideal to make me get up from my desk and stretch my legs every once in a while. Otherwise, I’d be in serious danger of not moving at all for hours and just keeping on working. So having a dog is undoubtedly good for your physical health too.

A Habri survey among pet owners in 2016 has produced some amazing results:

74% of pet owners reported mental health improvements from owning a pet

75% of pet owners reported a friend’s or family member’s mental health has improved from them owning a pet

54% of pet owners reported physical health improvements from owning a pet

It’s clear that I’m not alone when I say that having a dog has improved my life. I have definitely found that having Odie around has increased the level of mindfulness in my life. Sometimes he wants to play. And I focus 100% on engaging with him, throwing his toys, running with him and so forth. Other times he wants to cuddle or sleep on my lap. Again, I take in the full experience and seize these moments to clear my head and focus on being in the present. I study his smooth brown fur, feel his chest rise and fall, and pet him. The repetitive motion is also very calming.

I believe taking regular breaks to fully focus on Odie has made me more mindful. This isn’t surprising, because according to a Harvard study, 87% of respondents reported that they felt less anxious after interacting with a pet. What’s more, the simple act of petting a dog can lower a person’s blood pressure and heart rate. No wonder I feel so calm whenever I pet little Odie as he’s snoozing on my lap!

It’s also interesting that owning a dog can lower our levels of cortisol — the stress hormone that keeps us on edge — in just three months! Again, research is on my side and my personal experience is perfectly explained by science.

All in all, I wouldn’t want to miss having Odie around for the world. Every day is a treasure and an experience. Odie has brought a whole new level of love into my family’s life — and he’s just so darn cute!

So if you want to improve your life and add a whole new level of love, get a dachshund! (Or any dog for that matter — it’s true, I might be slightly biassed!)