In life, one of the biggest sorrows one faces is losing someone dear. Dealing with sadness, especially the grief of human loss, is massively difficult. After Life, a Netflix series starring Ricky Gervais, explores the subject of grief and similar emotions. It follows the story of a man who finds comfort in his dog after his wife passes away. The series, in its heart-warming manner, reminds us of the important role an animal’s love plays in our lives.
Dogs have an amazing ability to give us comfort and company when we’re feeling sad. They understand our feelings without us having to say anything. They aren’t just ideal pet companions; they know how to become our allies as we go through grief, sadness and pain. They bring stability and routine to our lives, guiding us towards happiness and giving us a sense of purpose even in our darkest times.
Says Sudha S Narayanan, founder trustee, Charlies Animal Rescue Centre, Bengaluru, “Dogs have a remarkable capacity to understand what you are telling them. So, use this power and pour your heart out to your dog. Speak out loudly and voice the reason for your grief and sadness—where it is stemming from. Believe me, you will feel like a burden has been lifted from your shoulders.” Many humans will vouch for this.
Interestingly, a special day is dedicated to celebrate the joy and comfort that dogs bring into our lives. National Mutt Day, celebrated on July 31st and December 2nd, encourages us to honor and love mixed breed dogs. It urges us to appreciate their unique qualities and loving personalities and in doing so, also consider adopting them.
On this special day, join us as we explore how dogs help us traverse through grief, sadness and pain in their unconditional and unique way.
Losing a loved one is a terribly traumatic experience. It can feel like the world has come crashing down, leaving us with a deep sense of loss and emptiness. During such difficult times, many of us struggle to find the strength to carry on. Our dogs can come to our rescue at this painful juncture.
Research has shown that dogs play an important role in helping individuals cope during difficult times like these. Their ability to sense emotions and consequently offer humans unconditional love at such a point has the power to alleviate feelings of loneliness. Whether through a gentle nuzzle, a comforting snuggle or simply by being by our side, dogs respond to our emotional needs in an unparalleled way.
Tough times can come in all forms; maybe a rough week at work, a misunderstanding with a friend or something similar can leave you feeling low. But dogs can brighten your day with their presence. Dogs aren’t just pets; they quickly become beloved companions who stick with you through life’s ups and downs.
Studies show that being around dogs tends to lower stress hormones and release oxytocin, a hormone that helps you feel connected and calm. Their love and loyalty remind you, time and again, that you’re not alone. In fact, even petting a dog can make you feel happy and at ease instantly!
When we’re feeling pain and grief, it’s common to want to stay indoors, go inside a shell or keep to ourselves. However, it is during such times of grief that getting out into nature with one’s furry companion can be life changing. In fact, one of the joys of having a dog is their enthusiasm for daily walks and strolls. Their infectious joy and excitement for exploring the world around them encourages physical activity, which in turn is great for one’s overall mental and emotional wellbeing.
According to Narayanan, “Having a dog brings a certain routine and structure to your day. This routine also gives a feeling of purpose and something to do daily. Walking the dog twice a day gives you exercise which is a mood booster. It also forces you to go out, get fresh air, meet other people and slowly get into a routine, which lessens the intensity of grief.”
A lot of us feel drawn to pet a dog when we see one out on a walk. And this simple act often leads to chatting with a pet parent or two. Indeed, our dear dogs are a great way to start a conversation or even make a friend—they attract attention and bring people together, especially when someone is feeling lonely or isolated due to grief.
Whether we’re at the park or walking around our neighborhood, dogs create chances aplenty for us to connect with others who love dogs. These social interactions can be a relief when we’re grieving, giving us moments of comfort and a happy distraction.
Have you ever seen anything funnier than a playful dog? Whether they’re chasing their tail, zooming around the house, playing with a toy or suddenly flopping over for a nap, our dogs never fail to make us laugh. And in moments of sadness, our dogs bring us much needed moments of joy.
Truly, the presence of dogs in our lives benefit us beyond mere companionship. They are sensitive buddies who understand our emotional needs, provide comfort, solace and even a sense of purpose. As we navigate the complex emotions of being a human, our dogs stand by us, offering support and reminding us that even in our darkest moments, we are just a tail wag away from happiness.
Dogs offer companionship and love, which can reduce feelings of loneliness. They can improve our overall mood.
Dogs encourage physical activity by making us go to daily walks with them. This promotes cardiovascular health and helps us maintain an active lifestyle.
Yes, interacting with dogs has been shown to lower cortisol levels in people. Their love and presence also increase oxytocin production, promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety in humans.
Yes, dogs are sensitive to human emotions and can provide comfort and companionship during challenging times such as grief or depression.
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