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Pet Power

Pets and their affection can be an important part to a healthy lifestyle. Taking care of pets teaches responsibility and maturity, in addition to creating a personal connection between yourself and your new furry friend. This week, we learn how to care for pets at home and how the bond can benefit the mind and body while teaching responsibility.

Featuring…

For centuries, people have found love and companionship in animals. Pet owners give so much to their animals, and they receive endless love, affection, and more in return. This short YouTube video, by the popular channel Psych2Go, explains how there's many benefits to establishing a bond with your pet(s), including reduced anxiety and depression, as well as encouragement to be more active.  



We know about the mental health benefits of having a pet in your life, but what about the physical benefits? This 2012 article on animal-related health benefits, from animalhealthfoundation.org shows that there are real physical benefits to bonding with your pet. Benefits like reduced blood pressure, lower stroke risk, and better moods are all attributed to pet ownership.







Our final resource for this week is a list of 21 activities for all the dog owners out there. Dog-friendly activities provide physical and mental stimulation for pet dogs and help strengthen your bond. On care.com, there's an article listing a bunch of unique activities to do with your pet dog. These activities provide several benefits for owner and pet alike.


Do you have any pets? If so, are there any activities that you like to do with them? Let us know in the comments below! 


Resources...

Link to SPAN's website: www.spanadvocacy.org
Link to SPAN's Youth in the Know Resource Page: Youth in the Know
We're here for you! Call SPAN if you need assistance: 1-800-654-7726

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