I am all about helping people, which is why I became a Doctor of Nursing and a Home Helpers® franchisee. I am also all about rescuing animals, which is the perfect lead into my sweet story about Cooper.
Eight years ago, my family relocated to a new home in Elgin, and we had the space in our new home and our hearts that we wanted to fill with a rescued furbaby.
We searched rescues near and far in search of the “purr-fect” dog that would complete our family and fill our home with unconditional love! After all, when you rescue an animal, who rescues who? The animal is forever grateful to have a furever home filled with love, and the heart of the adopter is rescued by the unconditional love and companionship they receive from their new four-legged, furry family member!
As I was scrolling the internet searching animal rescue sites, I saw so many animals in need of homes, but one pair caught my attention. They had come from deplorable conditions and were suffering from mange and horrible skin infections. My husband, our children, Lauren, Ethan and Nolan, and I had a heart-to-heart discussion and decided to adopt the male dog. We made arrangements with volunteers at Almost Home Animal Rescue in Bloomingdale, IL, and they brought Cooper for a meet and greet with us.
Our hearts melted when we met the precious pup. After our successful introduction, we sealed our commitment to provide Cooper with the healthcare he needed to heal and the best possible home we could provide for the remainder of his life!
It’s now been eight years since we adopted Cooper – or Cooper adopted us – and we could not love him more! He’s a fantastic companion, a faithful friend, a trusted confidant, and along with my husband and children, he holds a very special place in our hearts!
Cooper has become a great mascot for Home Helpers® too! After all, he rescued the hearts of my family eight years ago, just as our team of compassionate caregivers strives to rescue the hearts of seniors in need every day.
Pets, especially dogs, make a significant contribution to our lives, not only as our companions, but for our overall health, well-being and quality of life. After all, we have all encountered people while shopping or traveling who bring emotional support animals along to reduce their stress and anxiety in uncomfortable situations.
Harvard Medical School published a report that cited a study conducted over 12 years in Sweden. During this research 3.4 million residents, ages 40-80, participated in the study, and it was determined that dog owners had fewer instances of heart disease and an overall healthier life.
“This benefit was especially evident in people who lived alone. Single dog owners had an 11% lower risk of having a heart attack and a 33% lower risk of dying during the study compared with single people who didn't own dogs. Dogs may ease stress, loneliness, and depression and inspire people to be more active and socially connected — all things that seem to foster heart health,” the article stated.
The same is true in America, too. Obviously, the majority of dog owners get more exercise by taking their canine companion on regular walks; they experience reduced stress having a furry friend for company, and dogs are a great way to be more socially engaged when you take them to dog parks, the vet’s office, the groomer, etc.
Dogs have an amazing impact in our lives, because they love us no matter what. In light of Heart Health Month and Valentine’s Day, I encourage seniors living alone to consider adopting a dog (or two) from a local shelter to avoid isolation and depression and experience unconditional love and companionship for a happier, healthier heart and life!
If pet adoption is not an option, but you or a senior you know would benefit from the warm, loving compassion of a Home Helpers® caregiver, I would welcome the opportunity to schedule a FREE CONSULTATION to tell you more about Home Helpers and the in-home care services we provide, which includes companion care!
Home Helpers® Naperville & Wheaton is proudly Making Life Easier℠ for veterans, seniors and those with disabilities, illness, or recovering from injury or surgery in Aurora, Bartlett, Bloomingdale, Hanover Park, Hoffman Estate, Roselle, Itasca, Medinah, Naperville, Plainfield, Schaumburg, Warrenville, West Chicago, Wheaton and Winfield. Our team is honored to have received the Home Care Pulse – Best of Home Care® Leader in Experience, Provider of Choice and the Employer of Choice Awards 2022, as well as the 2022 Super Star Award from Caring.com. Contact our award-winning team today if we can help make life easier for you or a loved one: 630.800.3837
Source:
Harvard Medical School
