Studies have shown that dogs can have physical and mental health benefits.  Pets, especially dogs and cats, can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, ease loneliness, encourage exercise and playfulness, and even improve your cardiovascular health. Caring for an animal can help children grow up more secure and active.  Pets are a great motivator for people.  Dogs especially are great at encouraging owners to get exercise, and studies show that dogs can also have calming effects.  Just by stroking, sitting next to or playing with a pet can gives owners a chance to relax and calm their minds. Caring for a pet also gives your day purpose and reward, and a sense of achievement. It also helps you feel valuable and needed.  Perhaps most importantly, though, a pet can add real joy to your day and gives unconditional love. 

Pets have evolved to become acutely attuned to humans and our behaviour and emotions.  Dogs, for example, are able to understand many of the words we use, but they’re even better at interpreting our tone of voice, body language, and gestures. And like any good human friend, a loyal dog will look into your eyes to gauge your emotional state and try to understand what you’re thinking and feeling (and to work out when the next walk or treat might be coming, of course).

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Milo has become an invaluable member of our school family.

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