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Stress blog

With Mayo Clinic oncologist Edward T. Creagan, M.D.

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September 25, 2007 2:30 p.m.

Pets, reaction to stress important

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By Edward T. Creagan, M.D.

Good day fellow pilgrims:

If ever we doubt the role of stress, just "Google" it. I found 242 million citations today.

The theme of pets is so important. They provide unconditional love and affection no matter how bad was our day.

And even if we are in a funk, Fido the puppy has to be fed and walked and Spot the cat needs care. We have a purpose. They depend on us.

But if we do not take care of ourselves with rest, exercise, proper diet and time alone, it is very difficult to keep up the pace of life.

We each have limits. A list of what I need to do today has been a survival tactic. But when I lose the list, the demons of stress and pressure again knock on the door. It is not stress that does us in, but how we react to it.

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25 comments posted

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May 10, 2008 10:00 a.m.

Being the care-giver for my husband who has cancer, the one thing that helps me thru the day is taking my dog for a walk. It helps me unwind and I get some exercise, and some me time.

- San

May 10, 2008 9:28 a.m.

My little dog Bunny has been a lifesaver for me. Recently someone disappointed me greatly. But when I came home that day, Bunny was waiting and eager to see me. I can't think of a time that she ever let me down. All she lives for is to love me. It's a cliche, but I really do wish I were as good a person as my dog thinks I am.

- No name given

January 4, 2008 7:54 p.m.

I lost my husband last month. I don't know what I would do without my little rescue PWC Corgi. It is so comforting to have her jump up in my recliner and snuggle next to me. I think she understands my grief. Her cheerful, playful nature gets me up and moving and out of the house for walks. Keeping her combed and brushed and picking up after her are good for me too. If I go out somewhere, I don't have to return home to an empty house or go to sleep at night alone. She is such a comfort. -Gertie

- Gertie

December 13, 2007 10:36 p.m.

Oops, that was me about the purr therapy. I've also heard that merely looking at pictures of your beloved pets induces positive mood hormones to flow through your body. So take those pictures with you to work!

- Sylvie

December 13, 2007 10:27 p.m.

I have the most affectionate Turkish Angora kitties ever! When they snuggle up against me or sit in my lap and just purr, I call it "purr therapy". It relaxes me and lifts my spirits.

- No name given

December 11, 2007 5:09 p.m.

my pets help me when i feel like no one cares. they are there and just manage to lift my spirits and make me realise life is worth living.

- samantha

December 10, 2007 8:11 a.m.

Janet, the best thing you can do to reduce shedding is to brush or comb your dog often. Unfortunately there's no "cure" for shedding, but I think the sweet, furry little creatures are worth all the hair we have to deal with. :-)

- Jillian

November 21, 2007 8:17 a.m.

"Bean" a gift from my grandaughter after my husband's death and I would have never gotten a dog myself but she has been a life saver and worth all of the many dollars I have spent on her. However I am hopeing some of you pet lovers have a solution for SHEDDING!!!! Thank you Mayo for giving us the opportunity to post a comment!!!!!

- Janet Yontz

November 18, 2007 7:56 a.m.

I have three weiner dogs....the best pups in the world. I had my first one for 13 years, he has passed now, but when I had cance 2x, he was my all and all! The pain, the worry.......and he was all love, kisses all of the time. I miss him with all of my heart. I continue to be healthy now, but even with the stressors of a "normal" life,these guys are 100 % there for me, every single day....they want love, kisses, touches, and of course, food! Pets are more my friends than many people are!

- Nan

October 26, 2007 2:51 p.m.

My husband and I have 2 dogs, 2 cats, and a tarantula. A lot of times the stress is so bad that our pets seem to be all that keeps us sane. We rescued the cats (they were abandoned outside our home), the dogs we adopted from family and friends and the tarantula we bought from an exotic pet shop. I love them all. The puppy Nibbler and I were in our towns' Christmas parade last year.

- laura