What Our Pets Teach Us About Friendship

How’s Your Social Life? 

During Covid, my social life went kaput. Still, I consider myself lucky. I met many people while hiking in Santa Fe’s open trails during the shelter-in-place order, something that wouldn’t have happened if I hadn’t adopted a dog, who after living in a hoarding situation, needed socialization even more than I did.

For three years, Grace and I motivated each other to get up and move our bodies. Together, we kept our sanity intact. Nurturing close family ties is a secret of the Blue Zones – where the world’s healthiest and most long-lived people dwell. Since Grace is an integral part of my family, nurturing our bond of love, friendship and respect is vital for keeping both of us living our very best lives.

The Power of Friendship

Just like a plant-based diet and exercise, positive friendships have countless benefits. Among them are reducing stress, boosting emotional resilience, improving confidence, and diminishing loneliness.

In my book, Dog as My Doctor, Cat as My Nurse, I shared the story of Danny, a 6’7 lanky cowboy and his loyal rescue Chihuahua Finn. During Danny’s year-long harrowing journey through cancer, Finn never left his side. According to Danny, “Animals give you unconditional friendship and joy. No matter how you feel, whether happy, mad, sad, or frustrated, they just sit there with a face full of joy, looking back at you. It’s so healing.”

The Gift That Keeps on Giving

Yesterday morning, Grace and I drove to my friend Rae’s house in Glorieta, NM, a forested retreat sprawling across 38 acres. There we met another friend, Stephanie. Five rescue dogs joined us as we wound our way upward along the shady trail. Perhaps we would’ve formed a friendship without our dogs. But watching Rae cuddle Norman, a wiry sprite rescued on the streets of Mexico, and Stephanie coax her gentle giant, Gambit, to not fear the unknown, I realized our friendship blossomed from a love for our animal friends. And I’m certain that over time, our devotion to them will strengthen our connection to one another.

The Secret of Friendship

Communicating regularly is one secret of a strong and healthy friendship. It’s no different with your dog or cat. Rather than the typical “sit, down, come, fetch…” consider expanding your vocabulary. Instead of communicating through your mouth, let your connection come from your heart. Pets know when you are paying them lip service. They are also aware when your intention towards them is heartfelt, purposeful, and meaningful. If you don’t believe me, ask your human partner. Don’t they know when you are phoning it in versus really trying to connect with them? Our canine and feline companions are no different.

Imagine life from your beloved pet’s perspective. Sit with them in silence. Take a few seconds from your busy human day to wonder what they may be experiencing. Imagine life through their paws.

Friendships matter, whether we are two or four-legged. Together, we are stronger. Together, we can be extraordinary.

Stay healthy and stay pawsitive,

Carlyn MDO 💜

PS: Our pet’s companionship saved a lot of us during the Covid era. What can we give them in return? How about supporting the Street Homeless Animal Project? If you are looking for a unique and beautiful item crafted by talented Santa Fe artisans, reasonably priced, and whose proceeds will support animals in need—click here! These items make lovely gifts. At least take a peek…you won’t be sorry!