What fun! March 23 is National Puppy Day. Started in 2006 by author Colleen Paige and supported by other organizations, this day highlights the importance of adopting puppies in need and raising awareness about the abuses in puppy mills. It’s also a lovely opportunity to celebrate the joy puppies bring to our lives.

While National Puppy Day doesn’t mean your elderly loved one should run out and get a puppy, it’s a great chance to celebrate these furry companions. With the help of companion care at home, your loved one can enjoy the spirit of the day with some fun, puppy-themed activities.

 

Five Ways to Celebrate the Day That Don’t Involve Purchasing a Pup

Your loved one can make plans with her companion care at home provider to help her celebrate National Puppy Day in many fun ways.

1. Visit some puppies (but don’t bring them home). If you know of anyone whose dog has recently had puppies, ask if your loved one’s companion care at home provider can bring her over for a quick visit with the puppies. If the puppies are old enough, ask if your elderly loved one can sit in a chair and enjoy a pile of puppies on her lap, or if she’s more comfortable, she can just snuggle with one little guy and enjoy his warmth, and sweet puppy smells.
2. Go on a puppy hunt. While there’s no guarantee your loved one will find puppies, have her companion care at home provider bring her to the local pet store or dog park to see if there are some puppies that she can watch and perhaps pet.
3. Service some puppies. The local pet shelter is another place where many puppies who don’t have homes yet can be found. These puppies are often in need of lots of love and attention. Whether it’s a short visit to see them or signing up to volunteer at the pet shelter, your elderly loved one will get some wonderful puppy love.
4. Watch a puppy-based movie. Since cute puppies seem to be universally loved, there are plenty of sweet movies made about their antics. This can be a great activity if your loved one is not able to get out of the home easily. She can watch a movie with her companion care at home provider to get all the warm feels puppies provide.
5. Make some puppy-based snacks. A quick search of the internet can find fun cookies to make that look like dog treats or snack mixes that are named after pet snacks like “Puppy Chow.”

 

Health Benefits of Petting a Puppy

Petting puppies (or any other pet) can provide some great health benefits.

• It reduces stress levels. Petting a puppy can lower cortisol levels, otherwise known as the stress hormone.
• It increases positive emotions. Another benefit of petting a puppy includes the increase of oxytocin, which is known to increase feelings of happiness and contentment.
• It reduces depression. Petting puppies can help the brain stop its negative thought patterns for a bit, providing relief from negative thoughts and unpleasant emotions.
• It lowers blood pressure. Petting a puppy can slow blood pressure levels with the feelings of contentment and peace it brings.

 

These are some great ways to celebrate National Puppy Day without having to purchase a puppy with the help of companion care at home providers..

 

 

 

If you or an aging loved one is considering Companion Care at Home in North Hollywood, CA, please contact the caring staff at Nu Care Inc. today at. 800-505-6890