As the front door closes with a soft click, the house suddenly feels eerily quiet. The once bustling hallways echo with the memories of laughter and chaos. Your heavy heart is now faced with an empty nest, where the absence of your children becomes more palpable than ever before.
It's a bittersweet moment, a mixture of pride and longing, as you watch your beloved child embark on a new chapter of their lives. The familiar routines and daily commotion have come to a halt, leaving a void that yearns to be filled. Yet, amidst the nostalgia, there exists a glimmer of anticipation, a whisper of possibility, as this newfound quiet offers space for you to rediscover yourself and embrace the adventures that await.
This condition is called “Empty Nest” syndrome, where your children have moved out and now you feel very alone. We empathize with your emotions and want to offer some recommendations on how to move forward and find your own adventure. As your children discover who they are, you can also discover yourself again and continue on your own journey of self-exploration.
There are of course many different ways on how you can do this, but the best one we can offer you is by acquiring a different kind of child, a furry one.
Furry Companionship
For empty-nesters, a puppy can be a very welcome addition to a perhaps too quiet house. Adopting a furry baby has much to offer, and we’re excited to share just how the both of you can benefit from gaining a new companion! The American Kennel Club even outlined 10 science-based benefits of having a dog (we think there are countless more 😉).
Puppies love you just as much as you love them. Maybe even more, if that’s even possible. Puppies offer unconditional love and support and enjoy cuddling with you constantly. Who doesn’t love to hear the sounds of paws racing across the floor and a wagging tail thumping everything in sight as they come to see you first thing in the morning?
Health is Wealth
Adding a pet to your household can come with many health benefits, mentally and physically.
Mental Health Benefits
First, seeing your cute little puppy probably brings a smile to your face. But, there’s more to it!
Studies have shown that dogs reduce stress, anxiety and depression. They can ease loneliness while providing a reason to get out of our thoughts and focus on a sense of purpose. According to a study by the American Psychiatric Association, respondents noticed their pets provided a positive impact on their mental health.
Aside from the added physical benefits of taking your dog for a walk (we’ll get into that more later) these daily events can help you increase your social circle. Taking your dog out can help you meet new people, and if they’re doting on your doggy, then you know they must be good people too! You can thank us later for your new friends.
Simply petting your dog is good for both of you! Studies have shown petting your dog can lead to lower blood pressure, relieved stress, and lower anxiety. When you pet your dog, your brain releases oxytocin, otherwise known as the feel-good hormone. Give your dog a few pets on the back for us too!
Physical Health Benefits
The obvious physical health benefits like being more active and getting outside more are fantastic but that’s not all.
The human-animal bond has numerous physical health benefits. Research indicates that interacting with pets can enhance allergy tolerance and boost immunity.
Owning a pet, particularly a dog, increases physical activity levels significantly. Dog owners engage in more minutes of physical activity per week and are more likely to meet recommended activity levels. Having a dog in the family also reduces the chances of being overweight or obese.
Furthermore, pet ownership has been linked to a reduced risk of heart-related health issues. Heart attack survivors with pets, especially when paired with a social support system, have a higher one-year survival rate. Pet owners, in general, exhibit lower blood pressure, pulse pressure, mean arterial pressure, and a decreased risk of hypertension. Even the American Heart Association acknowledges that owning a pet, particularly dogs, is associated with a decreased risk of cardiovascular disease.
The Right Dog Breeds for Your Needs
As you consider bringing a dog into the family, you may want to look into other factors we haven’t covered in this article. Dogs aren’t impulse acquisitions and will be a part of your life long term. So, be sure to find the best breed to suit your lifestyle.
Conclusion
When the house falls silent and the emptiness of an empty nest settles in, filling the void becomes a priority. One solution that offers companionship, love, and countless benefits is bringing a furry friend into the family. Puppies, in particular, provide unconditional love and support, offering a reason to smile and a sense of purpose. Studies show that owning a dog can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression while combating loneliness.
A dog not only encourages physical activity but also helps expand social circles through interactions with other dog owners. The act of simply petting a dog can lower blood pressure and alleviate stress. As empty-nesters embark on a new chapter, consider the right dog for long-term companionship and fulfillment.
Don’t just take it from us though; try it out yourself!