Pages

▼

Sunday, 26 November 2017

Better than a husband??


Bouncing Bertie Boffin here!

A couple of weeks ago I came across such an interesting article in the newspaper. Researchers in Sweden have found that owning a dog reduces the risk of death from heart disease. For single humans like Gail, it's a whopping effect. My presence in the house makes it at least a third less likely she will suffer a heart attack.

Oh yes and it turns out that of all the breed types, it is terriers, retrievers and scent hounds who have the most positive impact.

Now you might think that Gail would be pleased to read about this, wouldn't you? Perhaps a more empathetic owner might even believe their dog deserved a treat or two for conferring such spectacular health benefits.

But no.

Gail scanned the article with eyebrows raised and said she didn't think it applied to owners of wire-haired fox terriers. And then pointed out that I was directly responsible for her very nearly having a heart attack that time I jumped off the train at Newcastle Station... She also referenced (irrelevantly, I thought) the evening at puppy class when I tried to savage 'make friends with' Daisy the miniature dachshund and she came close to nervous collapse.

There's no pleasing some folk, is there...
Early morning walks on frosty mornings are particularly beneficial, I feel...

https://www.theguardian.com/science/2017/nov/17/owning-a-dog-cuts-risk-of-heart-attacks-and-other-fatal-diseases-study-shows

at

16 comments:

  1. Bella Roxy & Macdui26 November 2017 at 06:40

    Bertie, we think the occasional heart jump starts, keeps them in good order. Gail should live for a long time!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Kinley Westie26 November 2017 at 08:23

    I'm wif Bella, Roxy, and Macdui - da "almost heart attacks" keep da peeps in good shape!

    ReplyDelete
  3. MOPL26 November 2017 at 08:23

    Absolutely Bertie and agree with the Terrier and Hound results. By the way all the walks you take her on are good for the heart and general health. The more brisk and chill the better for the human. I no longer have any dogs but I am with you on this point Bertie

    ReplyDelete
  4. Angus26 November 2017 at 10:32

    Bertie - Jumping off trains is just the way of providing a good cardiovascular workout for your owner. You should get macaroons for your thoughtful diligence.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Gus26 November 2017 at 13:03

    Just put us in the line of folks who BELIEVE in this research.

    Teka Toy
    "Keep 'em jumping for Joy!"

    ReplyDelete
  6. Yamini MacLean26 November 2017 at 15:01

    Hari OM
    As there has been much research on the psychological and stress-reducing effects of owning a pet (any pet) over recent years, this conclusion does not altogether surprise me - though am always a little wary of disease-specific claims where the variables are potentially so random; and your Gail rather proves my point! Before you even mentioned, I had thought aloud to the stuffies within hearing that these particular breeds could come with hazards also! I was not, of course, casting aspersions upon your own darling self. Regardless, life is better with anipals in it. The End. Hugs and wags, YAM-aunty xxx

    ReplyDelete
  7. My Mind's Eye26 November 2017 at 16:05

    MOL MOL MOL Bertie what this says to me is that if a female person can survive being owned by WFT....they can surely be equipped to handle a Man...cause you know they are from Mars!!
    Mom still gets a tingly spine when she recalls your mad dash on the train platform.
    Hugs madi your bfff

    ReplyDelete
  8. Leigh26 November 2017 at 16:32

    Sounds good to me - and having ten dogs may mean the peeps get to live ten times longer BOL Nose licks and love from Moth xx

    ReplyDelete
  9. Coppa's girl26 November 2017 at 17:22

    That's good news Bertie, I'm glad you and Gail will be around for a long time yet.
    I hope me and my hooman will be, too.

    Love
    Inca xx (the Yellow Labrador Retriever)

    ReplyDelete
  10. Ruby26 November 2017 at 19:11

    Oh Bertie, I gets the same thing! Ma says there is no way this study (and those like it) refers to TERRIERIST! So, I've done a 'few things' that get her heart a pumping/stopping ~ I still don't gets her thinking. sigh. I thinks I am very good for her health! (I haven't killed her yet....☺)
    Kisses,
    Ruby ♥

    ReplyDelete
  11. Murphy26 November 2017 at 21:30

    It sounds to us like Gail is just being way too picky about things that you are handling just fine!

    Your Pals,

    Murphy & Stanley

    ReplyDelete
  12. LBJ26 November 2017 at 23:28

    My Mom was on her own for 20 years before she met Dad and she said Barkley kept her from feeling sad lots of times. Dogs ARE good for the health!

    Abby Lab

    ReplyDelete
  13. The Adventures of the LLB Gang27 November 2017 at 03:29

    We think that speeding the heart rate up improves the peeps cardio! Good job, Bertie!
    xoxo,
    Jakey, Arty & Rosy

    ReplyDelete
  14. Matilda the Boxer27 November 2017 at 16:56

    Momma always says I'm the man of her life! I'm all she needs. Well, and Jessie and Pigeon, but we all know who the main attraction is.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Idaho PugRanch28 November 2017 at 05:08

    Our mom says we keep her motivated!
    And Bertie I must tell you that I was just the same with the teeter. I was very scared of the one at class. Then a lady offered us the one you saw in our yard. At first it took both mom and dad to coax me onto it with treats. It took a bit but now I have no problem with it.
    hugs
    Mabel

    ReplyDelete
  16. Ojo30 November 2017 at 00:41

    Hi hi hi! Ojo here! Hm. I suspect a husband would give more heart attacks. Just saying... Clearly you are a health benefit, of course you are!

    ReplyDelete