New Study About Petting Random Dogs Is a Breath of Fresh Air
I'm the sort of person if I see you out and about I am going to ask if I can pet your dog. Unless you look mean. Or are on your phone. Or enjoying a meal. But other than that all bets are off. And a recent article published by NPR says that even petting random dogs is good for your mental health.
The levels of the stress hormone cortisol drops and stress hormones are reduced after interacting with any pup after five to twenty minutes.
Now you have a total valid excuse to be a weirdo like me and exclaim "Oh my gosh, may I pet your pupper?" There are actually a lot of people who feel as I do and @Stacey comments, "I knew it! I don’t own a dog but I love to see and pet (only with owners’ permission) the lovely pooches walking their people on local trails. It really makes me happy." @Nancy replies, "I never pass up the opportunity to flirt with other people's dogs (with permission, of course)." @Rich makes an excellent suggestion with, "For those who may want just a little more but not a total commitment. The rescue / shelter near me encourages people to come take a shelter dog out for a walk. It lets the dog get some quality time outside the shelter and quality time for the human. Might have that near you."
Most animal shelters welcome volunteers willing to take a dog out for a run or walk. Contact your local animal shelter and see if they offer a program like this.
If you do see a random dog out and about that you wish to pet, you should always ask the owner's permission and never approach a service dog to pet them without asking first. Petting dogs is not only good for your health and your stress levels but it exposes dogs to different people and helps with their own socialization.
Plus, petting dogs is the best!
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