And the beat goes on…bark!

Tonight we got our new dog! His name is Jed (Jedidiah) and he’s a Boxador. I’d never heard of Boxadors before this weekend. It’s a cross between a Labrador and a Boxer. Both wonderful breeds.

Jed is two and a half. He’s black and very handsome.

We’ve been without a pet for about three years now and I’ve missed the company of a four-footed friend immensely. We chose to find a full grown dog rather than a puppy because, although puppies are incredibly cute and can melt your heart in an instant, they can be quite destructive. We also wanted to know exactly how big the dog would end up and what it would look like. All puppies are cute. Not all dogs are.

Jed comes from a loving home and he’s been well treated and cared for. He’s great with children and other dogs – both important factors for me because I have grandchildren and granddogs that visit regularly. He’s well trained and calm.

Having a dog has many benefits. Not the least of which is an impetus to get out and get regular exercise.

When I was recovering after multiple bouts in the hospital with heart problems, I was advised to get a dog to ensure I’d get out walking every day, and to help me from sliding back into my workaholic tendencies of staying at the office too late. You can’t stay late at work when your canine friend has an urgent appointment with a fire hydrant!

We started our relationship tonight by going for a 30 minute walk. We learned two things. 1. Jed backs up to a tree to dump. 2. One should always take two plastic bags on a walk. Jed marked just about every tree in the neighborhood to establish his new territory.

So it took a while to get a dog, but the time is right now.

Another benefit of having a dog (or any pet) is a potential reduction in blood pressure. Studies have shown a correlation between pets and a lowering of blood pressure. For more about high blood pressure and ways to manage it, see smart-heart-living.com

Of course all of this is assuming your pet doesn’t have soiling or behavior issues. Then it could be a case of increased blood pressure! Then you’ll really need to check out the blood pressure tips on smart-heart-living.

But there are even more benefits! Pets can lift your spirits and improve your mood when you are feeling down, sad, or grumpy. It’s difficult to stay in a bad mood when your pet loves you unconditionally and you can see it in their adoring gaze. When you are greeted at the door at the end of a hard day by a loving pet, all your stresses melt away.

Pets can be your confidante – they won’t spill the beans to anyone. They don’t talk back, or give unsolicited advice. They are great listeners!

I found a great website that lists a bunch of health reasons to have a pet. Check out Pet Therapy

So tonight, Jed is feeling a bit restless – he looks out the front window for his former master every once and a while. But he’s got his own bed (it came with him) and we’re giving him lots of love. I think we’ll all do just fine.