One of my favorite movies (and probably one of yours if you have a love of dogs) is the 2008 Owen Wilson/Jennifer Aniston flick, “Marley and Me”. The movie followed the adventures of a yellow lab, “Marley” growing up in the household of the characters played by Wilson, Aniston and their children. Marley, especially in the energetic puppy years, was a handful, constantly getting into mischief. Marley became the best friend to all of the family members and the saddest part of the movie was the end, when due to age, the family had to put Marley down. Owen Wilson’s character gave a poignant speech that included the following: “A dog has no use for fancy cars, big homes, or designer clothes. A water log stick will do just fine. A dog doesn’t care if your rich or poor, clever or dull, smart or dumb. Give him your heart and he’ll give you his.”
Well, Nataliya and I are now giving our hearts to Jax, a 3 month old Weimaraner. Our yellow lab Jake had to be put down 3 years ago due to age and as all of you dog lovers out there know, your heart breaks when you lose your beloved pets.
Having a new puppy in our home, I am now realizing/remembering just how much more exercise is occurring for us. In addition to my basement exercise routine on the elliptical, we are now walking the dog a bunch of times a day. This breed of dogs, similar to labs and other prey-type dogs, need LOTS of exercise and if you do not give them lots of activity, they will go crazy inside the house when you want them quieter.
The point: Having a dog will enforce much more aerobic activity for YOU and as opposed to lounging on the couch, snacking on your favorite weight-derailer and watching a mindless TV show, being out and about with your dog will improve YOUR physical health. In addition, the mental health improves as well as our pets are great in helping alleviate feeling lonely, being anxious and experiencing sadness. SO, if YOU do not have a dog but do have the time and space to have a dog, please consider obtaining your new best friend.
And here is a scene in Marley and Me that made me cry more that I have ever cried at a movie theater. Listen to the words. Anyone that has a dog will relate to this.
