Meet Emma

Those of you who know me probably know Emma. But for those of you who don't, allow me to introduce you. Emma has been in our life for 7 years and she has also been referred to as: Em, Em&Em, Emma-boo, Emmie, Em-Nem, Emma-girl, nugget, girlfriend, Kujo, Big Haus, and a gentle giant. She pretty much answers to whatever you call her, so say hello to Emma.

This is Emma.

Emma is our not-so-little nugget, but that doesn't stop her from thinking she's a lap dog.

I promise I'm under there. 

She's not a child in the traditional human sense, but she has definitely given me/us great practice for the future. I got Emma when she was a mere 7 weeks old, and here we are 7 years later.

Baby Emma

During this time we have visited the vet for regular check-ups; we have dealt with allergies; we've lost shoes, sunglasses, undergarments, wallets, textbooks, etc. (the Labrador breed likes to eat...); and we've visited the doggie emergency room (because of all those items she liked to discover).

Why am I introducing you to Emma? Because in spite of all the crazy things along the way, she has been a great source of happiness, stress relief, and physical activity. Research supporting the benefits of pets is pretty strong. Pets provide companionship and a reason for exercise. They can also help lower blood pressure, anxiety (unless of course you come home to find the house in disarray...), and symptoms of depression.

I'm here to share, in pictures, how Emma has positively impacted my health.

Emma loves to hit the pavement and go for walks. She really does prefer pavement to grass, probably because she's allergic to it. In fact, she always looks for sidewalks. She is a true city girl.

Morning stroll.

Weather doesn't interfere with us getting some time outside. Rain or shine we get out there, and sometimes we find the 'extreme' weather is more fun.

She loves to run through the snow.

Emma also likes to share her walks with friends. Walking with friends introduces the social context of physical activity. These walks with friends provide a great opportunity to catch up in person or on the phone. It doesn't even feel like work.

Walking with friends.

Even though Emma loves to walk, when she's done, she's done. How do you get a 90-something pound dog up and moving? You don't. You can jump and run around like a crazy person, but she'll just look at you like you're a crazy person. Instead, I try to view this as an opportunity for me to get some bonus activity. And if she's still lying there, then I learn to just relax or phone a friend.

I'm pretty sure she's telling me- "I'm not moving"

Emma also likes to experiment with other forms of activity. Often times she joins me on my yoga mat. This makes it quite difficult to do a bridge pose when she feels the need to lay on me. Again, she thinks she is a lap dog.

Downward dog.

Her latest/newest excursion was a trip to the beach. Emma loved splashing and playing in the waves. She also enjoyed drinking the salt water. Dogs are not meant to drink salt water. Let's just say Emma made quite a scene on the beach, and I was a mortified pet owner.

Emma is always happy to see me, or anyone else who walks through the door. How can you not smile and forget about whatever was stressing you out?

She also reminds me to play. Unfortunately she usually wants to play after I sit down to work, but I figure 5 minutes of play will improve my focus and creativity. In fact, there is research that supports these 'brain breaks'.

No work and all play.

Emma is always up for a good time. She is very social- there have been studies showing that dogs can be date magnets- and thus reminds me to connect with people.

And when it's all said and done, she reminds me that sometimes you need to just take it easy and rest.

I'm not saying you have to get a pet. I'm challenging you to take some of your precious time to think about what constant in your life can prompt you or provide a good excuse to have fun, relax a little and get some activity. Maybe you're a plant person- how about gardening? Maybe you have children- can't they provide these same things? Find your match and dive in.

Did I mention the unconditional love is a nice bonus?

Until next time :)