Puppy therapy.

As an avid animal lover and dog fanatic, I cannot deny the notion that dogs create a feeling of inner ease. Once brought into your family (however small or large your family may be) a dog becomes much more than just a pet. They provide true companionship and a sense of self-fulfillment, not to mention how utterly loyal and, well, adorable dogs can often be.

Which is why I connected with this article on self-growth.com, entitled "Fighting Depression with Happiness: How Dogs Can Remedy Your Negative Emotions." Written by Brian Spilner, this article unveils how both trained therapy dogs and regular house pets can be an alternative to medicated treatment. For starters, dogs are lovable and meant to be loved (which, in turn, requires a lot of responsibility) and can be trained to adhere to it's owners emotions. These "therapy service dogs" are trained to react to it's owners emotions; for example, they can be trained to cuddle and lick their owner when they are crying, or encourage play when the owner is feeling apathetic.

Non-therapy service dogs are just as useful in treating depression since canines, in general, are adept to reading human emotions. Raising a dog can give a depressed person something to take their mind away from life's little problems and provide them with a lifelong relationship. And, let's face it, who is better to turn to than your pup when you're feeling down? Your dog will never talk back to you, never give you advice you don't want to hear, and stick by your side for as long as you let them.

Regardless, dogs are not for everyone, since I do have a few friends who are not exactly canine-friendly. But dogs for therapy are something to think about, and may possibly be proved as a legitimate alternative to medical treatment.

Just for your enjoyment, here are a few pictures of my dog Peach, a Pomapoo. Enjoy :)