Give Your Child Better Mental Health, Adopt A Pet

It's no secret that being a kid is hard. Probably even more so now in the current situation of the world. But there are things parents can do to help their child have better mental health. Including less screen time, more exercise and better diet. For me, it was having a dog.

Her name was Russia.  Always at our side, showering us in unconditional love. Russia was the best babysitter. She was always playing with my cousins and I. Always around, protecting us. And for me personally, she was everything. I will always remember her, even though I was only eight years old when she was in my life.  Russia was a Doberman Pincher. She was my first love.

Russia was the best dog and when she died, I was devastated. To this day, even as I type this I still feel the loss. I feel the pain of my first real heartbreak. I love dogs so much that I can't see them get hurt, even if its fake, like in the movies. In fact, I won't watch a movie if the dog dies. Marley and Me? Nope. I will never watch that movie. I can't.  

Related: How To Pick TV Shows Your Dogs Actually Want To Watch

I love dogs more than people in so many cases. And I’m not alone.  

Dogs are known to bring happiness and joy to their owners. I mean who doesn't love the feeling of someone being overly excited to see you come home after a long day at the office? My insignificant other never was. The unconditional love pets give is unmeasured. Besides love, cuddles and slobber-filled kisses, pets also bring powerful health benefits. According to helpguide.org, pet owners in general, are less likely to suffer from depression, high cholesterol and they may even have higher dopamine levels than those without pets.  

But as wonderful dogs are for adults, they are amazing for kids. Studies have shown that they bring better mental health to a child by helping with development, emotionally and socially. In fact, according to newsinhealth.nih.gov , one study showed how children with ADHD who read to therapy dogs showed better social skills. They shared more, were more cooperative and they had fewer behavioral problems.  Just merely being in the presence of dogs, can help reduce anxiety and depression in kids according to nationwidechildrens.org

I feel lucky that I grew up with dogs because they are a gift to the world. And one of the greatest gifts you can give your children.

Adopt. Dont Shop.

For more Mental Health Awareness Month resources, tips and stories, click HERE.

There's something truly special about having a close relationship with your pet. They say a dog is "man's best friend," and it's totally accurate. I have friends and family who truly feel like their pets are a member of the family. Pets will be there for you through thick and thin. Pets are also know for being loyal, which can be a really good feeling in this world. So, what are the most popular dogs right now?

Danspetcare.com has a great article out that names the most popular dogs in the world right now. In it, they describe that special relationship that one has with their pet. "From hunting to sled-pulling to herding and protection, dogs have helped us survive and thrive in countless ways," they explain. "One of the most important roles dogs play in our lives is companionship."

So, what do you do if you're in the market for a new dog? Danspetcare.com has some good advice on how to pick the right breed. They explain that finding the right breed is a big part of that decision. So, ask yourself, do you want a delicate breed or a more meaty, masculine breed? Also, what's the purpose of you wanting a pet? Do you want a pet for protection, or are you looking for a small buddy for some companionship?

Either way, when you're in the market for a new pet, make sure to have lots of questions and ask the right people before settling on your little guy or gal. I remember one of my friends buying the cutest little puppy ever only to see it grow into a huge dog that was almost too big for her apartment. She loved him, but it was quite a surprise. Read on to discover the most popular dogs right now and some more stats. Find more via Danspetcare.com here

According to Danspetcare.com, the most popular dog in the world is the Labrador Retriever. "They’re often used to provide comfort and reassurance for anxious humans," the study says. So true. No. 2 are Golden Retrievers and No. 3 are German Shepherds. Find more via Danspetcare.com here.

Dogpackapp.com has an article out about the most popular dog breeds right now. No. 1 on the list is the French bulldog. Those dogs are adorable, right? No. 2 is the Labrador Retriever and No. 3 is the Golden Retriever. Very popular, of course. Find the full list here.

What about the most common dogs? According to A-z-animals.com, No. 1, again are Labrador Retrievers, followed by Bulldogs and Rottweiler. The German Shepherd and Dachshund round out the top five. Find the full list here.

What if you want a small pup? The smallest dog breed, according to Forbes.com is the Pomeranian at 3-7 pounds. So cute. It's followed by the Toy Poodle and Toy Fox Terrier. Find the full list here.

What if you want a really big dog? According to Forbes.com, the largest dog breed is the Mastiff at 120-230 pounds. It's followed by the Boerboel and Tosa Inu. Find the full list here.

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