How interacting with a pet helps you overcome mild depression

How does interacting with a pet help you overcome worry or mild depression?

When we are worried or stressed we are deeply focusing on our self. And the more we worry and focus inward on our self the worse things get. We create a downward spiral. We keep thinking about what our problem is and what we do not want. Our brains are programmed to give us what we think about. And therefore our brain gives us more of the very problem we have – because that is all we focus on and think about.

So by playing with your pet, by stopping the incessant negative thinking about yourself, by taking your mind off your problem, by having it on something positive, something loving outside your mind your brain relaxes. And when it relaxes it starts to figure out solutions to fix what ever it is that is worrying you..

Playing with, talking with, or petting your pet stops you from your inward focus. It stops you from digging the hole deeper. It allows the attention and love of your pet to magically pull you up and out of the hole you have dug.

How do I know this? From medical research studies, from talking with clients I coach, from talking with friends and from first hand experience. When I survived the operation that healed my disease I worried about it coming back. I worried if they got it all. That worrying about myself put me into a state of negative energy. It also made me mildly depressed. Medicine did not help. Anti depressant’s did not work. What worked was starting a non-profit animal charity that made me focus on others and not me. That worked almost immediately. And to this day playing with Australian Shepard, a dog I rescued personally from a death row shelter, the day before he was to be killed, and helping people and pets cured my self-centered worrying.

Pets really do save our lives. Pets and man & woman are bonded together – and together wellness happens

http://www.GPAcharities.us

Green Pets America – Kids School Education

We believe that the hope of a better future for our animals and indeed our whole world lies in the hearts and minds of today’s children.

Through our Green Pets America – Communities program we take our rescued dogs into our local middle school, high school and college classrooms and talk about animal care, homeless animals and how they can help make life better for animals in their community. It is much more that however. We want to have them learn how to work cooperatively, to learn empathy for animals and one another, and learn to be leaders. They love seeing and petting our rescue dogs and love to tell us about their own pet.

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Our Vision

We live today in a new world. A exponentially accelerating changing world. Since the 1800’s that rate of change has accelerated every decade and has now reached exponential rapid change.The old social paradigm was “repetition reinforces repetition” – Think assembly line production, manufacturing and even education of our children.The paradigm shifted dramatically in the late 1980’s s and the world is now suffering through this dramatic change. The new paradigm is the polar opposite of the old repetition, repetition. It is no longer building a better mousetrap, but having us and the mouse learn to live together…now change begets new change…rapidly accelerating change. In just 10 years from now people who cannot adjust and contribute to a constantly changing world and society will be marginalized and stuck in dead-end jobs.We are experiencing that already. We must immediately change the Pedagogy of how we educate our children, and the social skills they will need to thrive in this exponentially changing world. We believe we can help our children learn new skills and social interaction skills by tying it into fun animal education as well as social skills education.

Despite the rapid change issues we must deal with in the short-term, the long-term outlook is positive. The future will be a world in which every single person learns how to become a contributor and collaborator and learn the skills; social and functional, to drive change in an exponentially changing world where solutions and opportunities must outpace problems.

Kids 4 Pets at Cherokee Charter School — Green Pets at Cherokee Charter School

Our Mission

Teach and develop children through animals.

Compassion for animals
Responsible pet ownership
Ethical Leadership
Teamwork

At Green Pets America Charities “Green Pets School Program” we believe we must reach our future leaders while they are learning about life and while their minds and hearts are still hungry and open for knowledge. We believe we can reach them in a fun way via interacting with and learning from animals. Our Children are our hope for a better tomorrow. We are a proud “Partner in Education” participant with the Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce.

But don’t take my word for it, take a look at the results from the 2002 study, “Behavioral effects of the presence of a dog in a classroom.”

Children were less engaged in loud, conspicuous, or troublesome behavior.

They paid more attention to their teacher, cooperated better, and communicated more intensely with one another.

Improvements in social behavior were more pronounced in boys than in girls, perhaps because girls showed less boisterous, “rough-and-tumble” activity to begin with.

The teacher’s authority increased, particularly with respect to certain male students, in the presence of her compliant, obedient dog.

The teacher continued to bring her dogs to school the following year. She reported that the effects observed in the study were lasting and long-term.

Join with us and donate today so we can create a safer and better world for our children and animals to thrive in tomorrow ?

Paw it Forward

If you have been blessed this year then please help those who have not been so fortunate.

Please “Paw it Forward” so we can continue our work saving the innocents – homeless and abandoned animals.

Our Going Green Program Rescued – Recycled – and Reloved hundreds of Georgia’s abandoned animals in 2013.

We pay tens of thousands of dollars to do this: all self funded or with donations from caring people like you. We do not get grants or government money. You may have one or two dogs to care for; imagine having over a hundred to rescue, vet, give shots, spay & neuter… and repair broken bones and sooth broken hearts.

Green Pets America Charities Foundation via the Cherokee County Animal League, and GPA Going Green Rescue have been supporting animals via our food pantry kids education program, community programs and animal rescue since 2007. We have been recognized by the State of Georgia Senate and the City of Woodstock in this regard.

Our volunteers and Board work daily, without pay, to reduce suffering and create meaningful social change for animals in every way possible – from providing direct care and response in the field when animals are in crisis, to working with our leaders and lawmakers to adopt policies preventing animals from ending up in distress in the first place.

We rely on heroes like you to help us stop animal cruelty and create a more humane society for animals. We will continue to celebrate animals and fight against cruelty and abuse, but we cannot do it without you.

Be a hero for animals today and make a tax-deductible donation today.

DONATE

On behalf of the animals we work for every day, thank you,

Steve Monahan, Executive Director

Green Pets America Charities Foundation

Green Pets – Going Green Rescue

Meals 4 Pets Food Pantry

Kids 4 Pets School Education

Facts on Importance of Pets to Our Health

Our days are brighter and life is just plain better with pets in it.

Here are some interesting facts on the importance pets to our health, and our lives.

	Pets Help to Reduce Stress. Walking with a pet helps to sooth nerves and offers instant relaxation. Studies conducted worldwide have shown that the impact of a stressful situation is lesser on pet owners, especially males, than on those who do not own a pet
	Pets Help to Prevent Heart Disease and lower blood pressure. Because pets provide people with faithful companionship, research shows they may also provide their owners with greater psychological stability, thus a measure of protection from heart disease. (National Institute of Health Technology Assessment Workshop: Health Benefits of Pets)
	Pets Help to Fight Depression. Pets help fight depression and loneliness, promoting an interest in life. When seniors face adversity or trauma, affection from pets takes on great meaning. Their bonding behavior can foster a sense of security.
	Add joy. Pets are the best! They’re wonderful companions for kids and adults alike. Just think, no matter how bad a day you had, your dog will still love you, your cat will still cuddle you and your fish will still relax you buy swimming in graceful patterns. From canines to cockatoos, felines to fish, tree frogs to turtles, geckos to guinea pigs, owning a pet can bring immeasurable joy to your life.
	Add health. There’s nothing like a wagging tail or a friendly paw on your knee to lift your mood. Pets are therapeutic and we have scientific proof! Seriously, research shows that pets really are good for us humans. They help us fight depression, lower our blood pressure, reduce stress and prevent heart disease. All of which helps to lower health care costs. So there you have it, pets are a daily dose of good health and happiness.
	Add the right pet. Pets are big, small, furry and scaly. Some have lips, some don’t. The point is, every animal has specific needs for feeding, grooming, exercise and health care. You may have an idea of the type of pet you’d like to own. But your choice might not fit your lifestyle. It’s important to consider the demands of your career or your family before buying a pet. For example, if you’re single, work 12-hour days and travel frequently, a dog wouldn’t be the best choice for you. Before getting a pet, do your homework. Pet ownership is a huge responsibility! Don’t become a pet parent unless you’re prepared to take good care of your new baby.

Dog Clothes: Protection for Your Dog this Winter

Dogs are just like humans in that they do not like wet and cold weather and can suffer in winter time if they do not have the correct protection against the cold weather. Dog clothes are a wardrobe essential for your four legged friend that keeps them warm and most importantly happy no matter the weather.

Dog clothes are well designed garments that are designed with your dog in mind so that your dog can function in his everyday life whilst staying cozy and comfortable. Dog clothes are ideal for dogs that fall into the categories listed below;

Older/senior dogs
Injured or recovering dogs
Small dogs as they are closer to the ground and easily get wet
Dogs with thin or thinning coats
Working dogs
Dogs living or working in extreme climates
Puppies

A coat for your dog can provide extra protection and insulation whilst they explore the outdoors and most dogs love the fuss of getting dressed in the winter time. If your dog has been injured or has suffered from an illness they would benefit from an extra layer of dog clothes when they are out and about as they can reach full health again faster.

If your dog is hesitant about going outside they may be feeling the cold so it is important to notice the signs and dress them appropriately. You should always ensure that the clothing item works with the shape of your dog’s body and does not prevent him/her from doing anything they would normally do!

Visit our Logo Store for the dog hoodie shown

The Thanksgiving Cat

thanksgiving-cat-is-not-happy

Thanksgiving, for most of us, is a day for family and friends; a pleasant day with lots of great food and often a houseful of guests. However, for your cat, Thanksgiving can be a living nightmare.

With lots of people coming and going, the doorbell ringing constantly, and major changes in the household routine, Thanksgiving can be an extremely stressful time for your cat. Unfortunately, stress and cats do not generally go well together. Stressful situations can make your cat anxious and frightened. They can also cause your cat to become ill. There are many stress-related feline diseases, with interstitial cystitis (urinary tract disease) being among the most common and most well-known of these diseases. Other diseases that can be caused by stress include intestinal diseases, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and even respiratory diseases like asthma can be antagonized by stress. While it may not be practical to keep to your regular household routine on Thanksgiving, there are steps you can take to make your cat more comfortable and reduce the stress level for him.

Make sure your cat has a quiet, safe, private area that he can retreat to if he feels the need. This area should be restricted from your house guests so that your cat can rest undisturbed. An unused bedroom or bathroom will work for this purpose.

Provide your cat with a litter box and with a food and water station in his safe place. A bed or a soft towel or blanket which keeps your cat comfortable while resting should be provided as well. If your cat is acclimated to his carrier and feels safe there, consider placing his carrier in the safe room with him. Leave the carrier open so that your cat can enter and exit at will.

Play a radio, television or CD in your cat’s safe room to provide background noise and mask the sounds of the festivities in other areas of the house. Classical music is a good choice.

Feliway is a synthetic pheromone that can be used to reduce your cat’s stress level. It is available as a diffuser or as a spray. Either form is effective and can be used to help calm your cat during stressful periods such as Thanksgiving.

There are also other natural remedies, such as Rescue Remedy for Cats, which can be helpful in providing a calming effect for your cat. Never use any remedy for your cat that does not specifically say that is safe for cats on the label. Some medications, natural or pharmaceutical, are safe for dogs but not for cats.

If your cat becomes especially anxious or fearful, sedatives such as alprazolam (Xanax) can also be considered, particularly if the natural remedies prove to be ineffective or only partly effective. Talk to your vet about whether this would be appropriate for your cat.

Your cat will thank you for giving him the opportunity to escape from people and activity with which he feels uncomfortable. Of course, there are some cats that enjoy the added attention and the tempting smells that come with Thanksgiving and Thanksgiving dinner. If your cat is in this category, let him enjoy the festivities. Having his own private room or even an open carrier he can sneak away to will still give your cat the opportunity to take a break from the action if he finds it necessary.

Article Courtesy Dr. Lorie Huston

2013 Statistics – Cost to Care for a Dog or Cat

Wonder what it costs to care for a pet?

Buddy came up with these statistics.

He’s now looking for a job to pay his own way…good boy!

According to the 2013-2014 APPA National Pet Owners Survey, basic annual expenses for dog and cat owners in dollars include:

Dogs Cats

Surgical Vet Visits $621 $382
Routine Vet $231 $193
Food $239 $203
Food Treats $65 $36
Kennel Boarding $327 $337
Vitamins $64 $77
Groomer/Grooming Aids $61 $20
Toys $41 $23

Should You Give a Pet For Christmas?

dog christmas tree

Generally those of us in the animal rescue business discourage giving pets as a gift at Christmas. But research show we may have been wrong. We believed it is based on the fact of seeing pets dumped us, or the shelter just 30 or 60 days after Christmas, when the reality of taking care of a puppy or kitten overwhelms some people.

Some rescue groups and shelters also have a long-held belief that animals not specifically chosen by their new owners may be considered less valuable.

This belief, however, is actually counter to new research by the ASPCA and other experts in the animal-welfare field.

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Research

In 2013, the ASPCA surveyed people who had received their pets as gifts in order to learn more about their attachment to – and the retention of – that pet. They also explored the difference in those factors for those that obtained their gifted pet as a surprise. Research found there is no correlation between getting an animal as a gift and an owner’s love and attachment to the pet even if that pet was a surprise gift and no increased risk of relinquishment for dogs and cats received as gifts.

An earlier study, identified the source of approximately 2,600 dogs and 2,300 cats relinquished to 12 shelters in four regions of the U.S. They found that dogs relinquished to shelters had most frequently come from friends, shelters and breeders. Relinquished dogs infrequently came from pet shops, as gifts and from veterinarians. That study found that the odds of dog relinquishment were higher when acquiring an animal from a shelter, friend, as a stray, and from a pet shop compared to receiving an animal as a gift (and controlling for other factors such as gender, neuter status, length of ownership and purchase cost).

In addition, Scarlett et al identified 71 reasons given for pet relinquishment. “Unwanted gift” was listed as a reason for only 0.3% of dogs and 0.4% of cats entering the shelters surveyed, compared with “No time for pet” as a reason 10% of dogs were relinquished and “allergies in family” as a reason 18% of cats were relinquished.

And finally Patronek et al examined risk factors for dog relinquishment at one shelter and concluded that dogs that were received as a gift were at significantly decreased risk of being relinquished, compared to dogs who were purchased or adopted.

Bottom Line

These are exciting findings that may help open new adoption options for rescue groups and animal shelters, allowing more animals to be placed in loving homes. The ASPCA recommends however that the giving of pets as gifts be only to people who have expressed a sustained interest in owning one, and who have the ability to care for it responsibly.

2013 U.S. Pet Industry Statistics

According to the American Pet Products Association, Americans spent a total of $53.33 billion dollars on their pets in 2012; it is estimated they will spend $55.53 billion in 2013

83% of pet owners refer to themselves as their pet’s mom or dad

70 % of pet owners sign their pet’s names on greeting cards

18% of dog owners say they have included or would include their pet in their wedding

66% of dog owners say they would refuse to date someone who didn’t like their pet

21% of dog owners say their pet sleeps in their bed

At least 25% of cats are obese or likely to become obese

Between 25-40% of dogs are considered obese

63% of US households own a pet

45% of US households own more than 1 pet

40% of US households own a dog

There are 90 million cats in the USA and 73 million dogs

78% of dog owners buy their pets several gifts a year

51% of cat owners have bought their pet a gift within the last 12 months

60% of dog owners purchase chews for their dogs

30% of dog owners own dental care products for their pet. This includes toothbrush, floss, mouthwash and whitening products.

29 million dogs travel with their owners on trips.

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Estimated 2013 Sales within the U.S. Market

For 2013, it estimated that $55.53 billion will be spent on our pets in the U.S.

Estimated Breakdown:
Food                                                      $21.26 billion
Supplies/OTC Medicine                           $13.21 billion
Vet Care $14.21 billion
Live animal purchases                             $2.31 billion
Pet Services: grooming & boarding           $4.54 billion