Wow, Mother Nature decided we need some drastic changes. She is doing a fantastic job of making the holiday season come early. Walking Hobbes in the single digits helped me focus on gratitude.

Let me explain. For the past month, I start my day with a gratitude walk. When Hobbes and I walk, I list 10 reasons why I am grateful. As I mentally say “I am grateful for …,” I feel a smile grow bigger. It doesn’t matter if it is raining, snowing, or freezing with wind chills below zero. I smile.

Some days it seems so hard to start. I laugh when we are headed home and I haven’t started. Opps. So I start then. I may be in the driveway heading out, half way on the Hobbes directed walk, or almost home – I start.

“I am grateful for the amazing sun rise. I am grateful for my amazing clients and business. I am grateful for a warm home and warm clothes. I am grateful how Hobbes makes me laugh. …”

Of course we all know pets give us more than unconditional love and companionship. Even fish calm us! Scientific studies show pets:

• Keep you more physically active.
• Are natural mood enhancers and decrease your stress.
• Improve your blood pressure, heart rates, and cholesterol.
• Help people stay independent longer.
• Give unconditional love that helps fight depression and loneliness.
• Are great conversational starters. Who doesn’t love talking about your pet.

In my search of how animal companions improve our lives, I found The Healing Power of Pets by Dr. Marty Becker, DVM, often called “America’s Vet.” Dr. Becker discusses the Bond of animals and people. The stories are heartwarming and include the science.

The book is full of stories of companion animals helping their pet parents with types of medical issues. The stories also include the medical personnel observations and how it changed their work.

Watch Dr. Becker talks about “The Healing Power of Pets.” He demonstrates how to touch and talk with your pet. It is worth watching to the end.

What are you grateful for?  Why are you grateful for your cat, dog, guinea pig, horse, ferret, etc?

Please share your story of gratitude for you pet  in “Leave a Comment” above. I’d love to read your stories!