Nourishing the Heart of Your Pet

“I am the rug beneath your feet that buffers you from all the harshness of life.” – Dog

I have had the gift of four dogs, a cat and two horses in my life. I fed them, groomed them and loved them. I cared for them in a multitude of ways, going to great lengths to make sure they were healthy, and I worried when they were not. Perhaps I cared so much for my pets because they cared so much for me. My pets have been my close companions, providing me with love, warmth, happiness, laughter and friendship. They have taught me unconditional love, to be more patient with life and to enjoy the simple moments.

A lot has been written about the benefits of having a pet, but there’s more to that relationship than many of us realize. A lot of pet lovers surely will appreciate the results of an experiment that Institute of HeartMath Director of Research Dr. Rollin McCraty conducted with his 14-year-old son and 15-year-old dog.

Institute of HeartMath had already found that heart-rhythm entrainment, or synchronization, occurs between people when they are feeling love and care for each other. Rollin wanted to see if the same thing happened between people and their pets. So he put electrodes on his son Josh and his dog Mabel.

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Sara, from Institute of HeartMath

Sara Childre is President and CEO of the non-profit Institute of HeartMath. Since 1991, Sara has helped oversee and develop HeartMath trainings, educational products and scientific programs. She was appointed vice president and CFO of the institute in 1992, then president and CEO in 1998.

also by Sara, from Institute of HeartMath

Karen F.

3:15AM PDT on Aug 7, 2012

The love of a good animal - priceless!

August 7
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Dale O.

8:25AM PDT on Jul 31, 2012

Nothing surprising here. Having grown up with cats since a baby, they have been intertwined in my life and have been externally grateful.

For many children facing trauma such as sexual abuse or other things/being bullied a pet is a lifeline and a companion.

For many single people and families one can't imagine life without a loving pet. It is said that one lives longer having a companion animal.

Have also had two dogs and lived with dogs and at the moment am owned by a 16 year old blind cat that is marvellous.

Many touching stories here about pets and animals who have touched us all. We would be poorer in spirit without them.

July 31
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Maggie C.

8:56PM PDT on Jul 26, 2012

I love the statement on top, the one from the dog...it's just beautiful, I'm stealing it and sharing it with everyone I know...or don't :) :)
And the picture of Josh and Mabel is beautiful! Look at those faces, the expressions, they just scream "LOVE"

July 26
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Maggie C.

8:54PM PDT on Jul 26, 2012

Wonderful scientific research, but all of us who love animals and are the proud parents of them already know that there is a special connection and like I've said so many times...pets love you unconditionally, never asking anything in return.
I definitely feel that connection with my pets, I know when they're down and need a little extra TLC and they know when I need it. They (cats and a dog) just follow me around every where when they somehow know that I'm down.
I have seizures and every time I have one, when I wake up all of them are around me, licking me or putting their paws on me like saying "it's ok, you'll be ok, we're here for you" I JUST LOVE THEM TO DEATH!

July 26
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dj j.

6:53AM PDT on Jul 26, 2012

great article. My dog (Tater ... a yorkie) has heart disease and it is getting worse. We have to keep him as calm as possible but its difficult ... especially when one of us have to leave. He gets very distressed and coughs a lot. On the other hand, when we spend a lazy afternoon on the couch brushing him, he breaths much better.

Keep up the research Dr. Rollins. There is definitely something to it.

July 26
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Vanessa W.

8:59PM PDT on Jul 25, 2012

These are amazing science based studies, it''s what we as animal owners do instinctively but for those who have not had the privilige will now be able to see, hopefully.