National Pet Day: 5 Dog Moms Share How Pets Transformed Their Lives

Unconditional and unfiltered love, abundant happiness, a sense of peace and calm—sounds like a dream, right? Well, it's not an unattainable dream though. Ask dog parents, and they’ll tell you how real this is. Dogs are a bundle of positivity, joy, and love. No matter how bad your day is, they can brighten it with just their presence. No one—literally no one—could love you more than your dog. If there is someone who will truly take a bullet for you, that's your dog! I've never had a pet of my own, but the time I spend with the dogs in my neighbourhood and at my friends' houses is one that I cherish the most.

Fur babies are the best therapists you could ever go to! Researchers say that interacting with dogs boosts oxytocin, feel-good hormones and lower stress levels.

National Pet Day: Reasons To Adopt Pets

Let's hear it from five dog mommies who share how parenting a dog has made their lives more beautiful.

"I'm a single woman in my 40s. My parents are no more, and if there is one thing that really adds meaning to my life, it's my five adorable fur babies! They sense my emotions and make sure I never feel sad or alone. I've grown up with dogs, and I honestly don't know how I would have survived all the challenges that life had thrown at me if not for them," says Parameshwari, an academician.

"Adopting pets is the best decision I’ve made in my life. I grew up around dogs at home, and I’ll tell you that they understand you as no one else does. They love you more than you ever will. Adopting rescue pets can be helpful in many ways. We learn to care for each other, and in the process, we transform ourselves into very nurturing individuals. It certainly helps people with anxiety and depression; they will always know to calm you down and be with you always," said Anne Jacob, an entrepreneur and mom of four dogs.

Prabhleen Malhi said, "Adopting my dog has made me a better person. His unconditional love has taught me so much about life. He made me realise that dogs too feel many emotions, just as we do, and that homeless dogs deserve equal love and care. Being around one makes you understand and be considerate towards the whole species. It's truly magical how these beautiful souls are capable of changing lives."

“Every day for me is a pet day; in fact, I hold every minute and second spent with them as lovely and magical, the same as when I first met them, or, in the case of my two rajapalayams, when they were born into my hands. Many people are quite sceptical about adopting Indian breeds. But whether you have a German Shepherd or an indie, they would show their owners the same amount of love, undoubtedly. But that’s not the same as their DNA and their immune systems. This is mainly because they are not native breeds of our soil, and after generations of breeding, they tend to have major health complications due to unhealthy practices followed by breeders to keep up with the demand and supply of a particular breed of dog. It's high time we wake up to the fact that it's pure torture to want a foreign breed because they cannot adapt to our environment," said Niveditha Sreenivasan, an MNC professional and mom of three indie dogs and three cats.

Shruti Joshi’s pet did not just change her life emotionally but also physically. She shares, “I am more responsible now. I know that the most important aspect of my life, irrespective of what day it is waking up on time because I am responsible for my pet, Cooper. My furry boy gives me the zeal to come out of bed and take a walk, ultimately convincing me to work out. It is really true, pets bring discipline into your life and make you more responsible and more humane.”

Snehal Mutha, a Journalist said, "My best friend gifted me my fur baby and my life has changed in a lot of ways since then. For instance, earlier I wouldn't feel like going home sometimes but now, I know that Ocean (my dog) will be waiting for me. She's the only reason I feel homesick when I'm travelling. After Ocean came into my life I have someone who really wants and loves me unconditionally."