Aug. 17: International Homeless Animals Day

Today I celebrate the International Homeless Animals Day. How much nicer it would be if this day were not even necessary and all homeless animals found a loving home!

Let me travel down memory lane when I took my beloved Golden Retriever crossbreed Shams from the street. He was my strength and support in the most difficult times. Shams helped me to cross insurmountable obstacles and overcome major challenges and thus contributed to my success.

Following the Covid-19 pandemic in early 2020 that has led to millions of infections, hundreds of thousands of deaths worldwide, and generalized lockdowns, the basic human need for animal companions has been clearly visible in the increased numbers of adopted pets, who have helped people fight off social isolation, loneliness, and depression while offering support that leads to resilience.

But not only for lonely people, also for patients with high blood pressure, an adopted dog can do miracles. The American Heart Association regards dog ownership as a possible causal role in reducing blood pressure. Owners of adopted dogs showed significantly reduced systolic blood pressure compared with people who did not adopt dogs. This means that by adopting a dog you are doing a good deed for that happy lucky dog but for yourself, too!

Find more beautiful stories of Shams and other adopted pets in my new book Your Pet, Your Pill®: 101 Inspirational Stories About How Pets Can Lead You to a Happy, Healthy and Successful Life.

Available in September. Pre-order now - Visit Shop