A dog at the door

There are times when what you desire doesn’t work out. It’s important to remember that even though it may feel like a lifetime, it really is just a moment in time. If you keep moving, more opportunities will arise.

But if you find yourself feeling a little down and tired — and you happen to own a dog — you can come home to more than just cuteness. You can come home to a genuine mental health boost.

We made the decision to bring a dog into our home two years ago, and truthfully, it does seem to make a difference. Turns out, science agrees. A Harvard study published in JAMA Network Open titled “Pet Attachment and Mental Health Outcomes” found that the more emotionally attached you are to your dog, the lower your risk of depression and anxiety. And the key word is attached. Simply owning a pet isn’t enough — it’s the bond that makes the difference.

Somewhere in the middle of my commute, I shift from replaying my concerns to picturing the little dog at home — the way she lights up the moment I walk through the door. That alone is an adrenaline boost.

What unexpected source of comfort has helped you get through a difficult stretch?