City Dogs and The GOOD LIFE
Living in the hustle and bustle of a city often comes with a fast-paced lifestyle and unique challenges for all living things. But having a dog in the city brings forth a plethora of benefits and joys that can enhance your urban experience. After years of working with dogs in the most intense environment, New York City, I have seen how a concrete jungle can make for an incredible place to live and thrive with a canine companion.
Companionship, Love and Connection
In a city life can quickly seem chaotic, so much to do and see all the time. Having a dog by your side provides a constant source of companionship and a partner to help navigate not only daily tasks but new and fun experiences. Dogs are known for their loyalty and affection, offering you a genuine connection that can alleviate feelings of loneliness and isolation. Starting your morning routine with puppy kisses or ending a long commute with a snuggle from your pup can help put your life into perspective.
Once you start onto a busy sidewalk with your dog, the city opens doors to countless opportunities for social interactions. Everyone suddenly smiles at you! It is like a superpower. Dogs are a great social lubricant sparking conversations and connections you might not have made otherwise. Soon you will know your neighbors, (whether you want to or not) and fellow dogs and their guardians as well as which coffee shop houses the best doggy biscuits. Dog parks and pet-friendly events in the city provide a place to meet up and a form sense of community.
Active Lifestyle and Adventure
City life often involves walking and exploring, and what better way to embrace this than with your dog? Dogs need to go out several times a day, which encourages you to step out for daily walks, runs, and adventures. Most mammals thrive on exercise and movement, plus a cute face begging to go out (or aggressively whining at the door) will force you to get out even on cold or rainy days.
Plus outdoor adventures are way more fun with a dog by your side. You'll discover hidden parks to run around, scenic routes to sniff, and picturesque spots that you might have overlooked otherwise. Don’t forget the city has constant mental stimulation! The urban environment is an ever changing landscape providing a variety of sights, sounds, and smells that keep your pup curious, excited and engaged. Walks are not just for the purpose of peeing but actually enjoying the constant chaos.
Mental Health, Routine and Stress Relief
The soothing presence of a dog can be a great stress reliever in the midst of urban chaos. Anyone with a dog with say the same. Research shows that spending time with dogs releases oxytocin (the "feel-good" hormone) and lowers cortisol levels (the stress hormone), contributing to improved mental well-being and mood. Taking breaks from being on zoom meetings during the day to spend quality time with your pup can have a calming effect and help you recharge.
In addition to the love of a dog, the responsibility and routine required by regular feeding, exercise, and engagement creates structure amongst the chaos of daily life. If you have ever struggled with mental health, you might know how helpful structure can be. Caring for your fur baby provides a sense of purpose. So on dark or sad days, those wet kisses, snuggles, and playtimes with can really change your whole outlook.
Dogs, no matter where you are, will change your life. Having a dog is the city is a unique opportunity to enrich both your lives and bring more heart and soul to place you call home.
