Midwest Mary

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By

Mary K. Doyle

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Pet a Pet

Caring for ourselves is the first step in caring for others, our homes, or work. If we aren’t doing well, everything else suffers.

One of my books, Inspired Caregiving. Weekly Morale Builders offers 52 plans for caring for ourselves. The plans in this book are written to assist us in our self-care.

We can spread the 7 steps in each plan out over the week or review the week’s plan one day a week. Each week has a Photo, Prayer, Thought, Affirmation, Stretch, Activity, Quote, and Smile to meditate on during our caregiving journey.

Following is one of those plans from Inspired Caregiving. for Week 16. This one focuses on the benefits of pets.

Once a family pet has loved us, we know how much these creatures do for our emotional well-being. They know when we are physically or emotionally unwell and are there to lift us up.

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Pet a Pet

Prayer
Heavenly Father, bless my dear animal companion, this sweet gift of your creation. I’m grateful for my pet’s comfort and devotion.

Thought
Petting a soft, warm animal is good for you. The number of registered pet therapy animals attests to their ability to heal. Stroking a sweet creature lowers blood pressure, releases endorphins, alleviates pain, reduces stress, and improves motor skills, joint movement, and verbal and social skills.

Caregiving for a loved one with dementia is increasingly lonely. As the disease progresses, interaction and communication with him or her decreases. The constant, unconditional, and loving companionship of a pet will help ease some of that loneliness.

Affirmation
I am relaxed and comforted near my pet’s warm body.

Stretch
Walking a dog is a good way to get out and exercise every day. You’ll also find that stretching while standing or lying on the floor in the presence of your dog or cat will prompt it to participate. The little exercise is a fun way to spend time with your pet and strengthen muscles.

Activity.
If you don’t own a pet, ask a friend to bring theirs over for a visit. The pet therapy will be beneficial for both you and the loved one you care for.

Quote
“Until one has loved an animal, a part of one’s soul remains unawakened.” Anatole France

Smile
Q: What is a cat’s favorite movie
A. The sound of Mewsic.

Photo: Tyler and Lois, (Rhodesian Ridgeback Mix)

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Books make great gifts. Consider giving a book as a hostess gift or present for someone on your holiday gift list.

©2024, Mary K. Doyle

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Responses to “Pet a Pet”

  1. balladeer

    Great post, and that dog is cute!

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you. Lois is no longer with us but was well-loved by the whole family. She was very special. Have a great day.

      Reply
  2. Catherine of VegCharlotte

    My mom had Alzheimers and I cared for her for years. My pets helped me keep my sanity.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Isn’t that the truth? I’m sorry for your path with Alzheimer’s but happy you had pets to hold you up. It is a blessing to have you here, Catherine.

      Reply
  3. Susana Cabaço

    Love this, Mary! I love animals, all animals, though my pets are more than special to my heart. They make a huge difference in my life, adding freely and lovingly to my well-being. It’s hard to know how it would be without them. Loved the prayer you shared! Thanks for this beautiful and comforting post. Lots of blessings, love, and light to you, to your pets, and to all animals on our precious Earth! 🙏🌟💖🌈🍀🐈‍⬛🐞🦫🐒🐕🐖🐫🐘💖

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you for reading, commenting, and praying for the creatures of our planet. Your comments are always special, Susana. I appreciate your love and light and wish the same for you.

      Reply
  4. arlene

    Speaking of pets, we have 2 Shih Tzu, 7 Shih Poo, 7 Aspins and three newborn ones. My son and his wife are fur parents. The Aspins stay in our garage or dirty kitchen and they are our guard dogs.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      That is quite a crew. I’m sure they keep you busy, Arlene.

      Reply
  5. luisa zambrotta

    Thanks a lot for sharing this great and inspiring post!

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      You are very welcome, dear Luisa. Love you.

      Reply
      1. luisa zambrotta

        Truly my pleasure 🤗🐾

        Reply
  6. kagould17

    Much as animals are a lot of work, they dop bring joy. We have been pet sitting Benji the Wonder Dog for a month now and go off duty today. At home, he is the very model of a gentleman and his playfulness and expressions crack us up. Out on the street it can be a different matter, because he is reactive. We are both learning how to deal with this. We will miss him. Happy Wednesday Mary. Allan

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Benji the Wonder Dog sounds like – Uh, a dog. LOL. I enjoy pet sitting. Like grandchildren, I get my fill then send them on their way. Thank you, Allan.

      Reply
  7. Dorothy’s New Vintage Kitchen

    They get us through the toughest times without saying a word!

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      They certainly do. Unconditional love. Thank you for reading and commenting, Dorothy. Hugs to you, my friend.

      Reply
  8. Dawn Nelson

    aww, this is really helpful. Thank you.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Great. Thank you for commenting, Dawn.

      Reply
  9. hubertprevy

    We have cats at home, one male “retiree” and two females, an older and a younger one, all tabbies.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Love the retiree cat. That’s funny. Pet therapy is good for the family. Thank you for chiming in, Hubert.

      Reply
      1. hubertprevy

        He has sore joints and is having trouble moving around the house. So, we’ve let him rest in his favorite cat bed.

        Reply
        1. Mary K. Doyle

          Poor, sweet baby

          Reply
  10. The Introverted Bookworm

    Just lovely, and your book, “Inspired Caregiving” sounds wonderful! Self-care is so important, and often the key to well being. Thanks for sharing 💜🐕‍🦺🙂

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Ada. I learned the hard way while caring for my husband. If we don’t care for ourselves, we can’t care for anyone else. I appreciate you taking the time to read and comment.

      Reply
  11. Michele Lee

    Comforting with practical guidance. Thank you for this thoughtful share, Mary. 🕊️🙏🏻

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Michele. Have the best day.

      Reply
  12. A seeker✨

    Very helpful

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, and welcome to Midwest Mary. It is a pleasure to see you here.

      Reply
      1. A seeker✨

        Thank you for your warm welcome. Your posts are interesting to read.

        Reply
  13. Pooja G

    Really helpful advice, being around pets is both mentally and physically.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Sweet Pooja.

      Reply
      1. Pooja G

        You’re most welcome.

        Reply
  14. Nancy Homlitas

    I enjoyed this excerpt from “Inspired Caregiving” and I can see how these suggestions would be very helpful. Anatole France’s quote rings true to me. Thanks for sharing this, Mary. 🙂

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, dear Nancy. I truly appreciate you.

      Reply
      1. Nancy Homlitas

        You’re welcome, Mary. 🙂

        Reply
  15. Kym Gordon Moore

    Thanks so much for sharing this excerpt Mary. These suggestions are great, and that photo is toooo adorable! 🥰💖😍 Sending lots of hugs, love, and smooches to you my dear friend. 🥰💋😊

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Love and appreciate you, Lady Kym.

      Reply
      1. Kym Gordon Moore

        Awwww, thank you Mary! I appreciate you my sweet friend. 🥰💖😍🥂😘

        Reply
  16. johnlmalone

    I was very impressed when my daughter’s German Shepherd came up to me when I was lying down on the lounge with compassionate eyes. I gave her a gentle hug, then she settled by my side —

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      They are so loving. These pets teach us how we should be. Thank you for commenting, John.

      Reply
  17. pcahyono

    A good plan that is planned every week

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you! I appreciate you taking the time to comment.

      Reply
  18. noga noga

    ❤Wow, tenderness, kindness, and childhood are a great embodiment. You are a caring and beautiful person. Mary, I love you

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      And I love and appreciate you, Nougat, my friend.

      Reply
      1. noga noga

        😍Thank you, my love. Good evening and happiness

        Reply
  19. mistermaxxx08

    You always connect so many things together as one which sadly alot of folks don’t see which is right in front of their faces, much respect. Warmth ,peace blessings and depth

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you for the compliment, my friend. I always appreciate your feedback and presence.

      Reply
      1. mistermaxxx08

        You know I think very highly of you and your soul

        Reply
  20. Shweta

    That’s a cute picture. Taking care of a pet is a huge responsibility but it’s one that helps us reap so many rewards. They are the very definition of unconditional love and support. Thank you for sharing this, Mary

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Shweta. The photo is of my grandson and my son’s dog, Lois.

      Reply
      1. Shweta

        You’re most welcome, Mary. Oh that’s great. I’m glad that they have each other 😊

        Reply
  21. Eric Nelson

    Very well said

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Hi Eric. Welcome to Midwest Mary. It is a pleasure to see you here.

      Reply
  22. marvellousnightmare

    It’s such a touching and wonderful post ❤
    Animals are the best healers and therapists, and indeed – we can’t care for others unless we care for ourselves. A very wise message 🙂

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Mis Marvellous. You are the best.

      Reply
  23. Baydreamer – Lauren Scott

    I’ve always been a dog owner, Mary, and our dogs have been rescues. So I can relate to how our furry family members make us feel. I love petting Copper’s head, it’s so soft, and he closes his eyes because it feels good to him. His silky ears have the same effect. 🙂 A wonderful post!

    Reply
  24. Garden Bliss

    What a beautiful prayer, Mary. I’m saying it as my white cat sits on my lap.

    Reply
  25. Edward Ortiz

    I loved the Pet a Pet, especially the joke. It was a pretty good one, Mary.

    Reply
  26. Graphic Designer

    Thanks for

    Reply
  27. Rachel

    Thank you for this thoughtful reminder. I agree, pets do make things better. That’s how I feel about our rabbits. Sorry I haven’t stopped by in a minute. I’ve tried to reduce my time on here to once a week. Happy Friday! Have a beautiful Thanksgiving 💕

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      It’s always a pleasure to see you, Rachel. I couldn’t find your blog under your name and couldn’t remember your blog name, or I would have stopped by you. Thank you for commenting. I appreciate you. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family.

      Reply
      1. Rachel

        I’m glad we’ve reconnected!

        Reply
        1. Mary K. Doyle

          Me too, Rachel!

          Reply
  28. Garance

    This post resonates so much with me. Thank you. I grew up in a house with many pets and adopted my first kitty when I was 21- I cherish their presence every day God offers me. A home is never empty with a furry companion in it. I can only imagine how hard it must be sometimes, but I am happy to hear that your pet brings you so much peace and comfort. Have a good day Mary!

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      So very true, Garnace. Thank you for joining in the conversation. You’re fabulous.

      Reply
  29. Kevin

    Amazing post. I’ve always wanted a little Pittbull or German Shepherd companion.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Well, then, I hope you get one. All the best to you, Kevin.

      Reply
  30. SiriusSea

    L ❤ VE !!!! Purrfect Holiday Gift ~ 🙂

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Ms. Siri.

      Reply
  31. Graphic Designer

    Nice

    Reply
  32. Ryan B.

    Perfect advice, and I love the quote, “Until one has loved an animal, a part of one’s soul remains unawakened.” Anatole France

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Ryan. Welcome to Midwest Mary!

      Reply
  33. Messica

    Probably my favorite post of yours yet 🥰 Dogs are just…the bees knees. Petting our sweet Mira soothes me to my very atoms when everything seems to be going wrong in a day and my brain won’t hush.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Messica. That means a lot to me. I appreciate you taking the time to comment with your beautiful words.

      Reply
  34. Cindy Georgakas

    precious moments that truly are the best!💕💓💗

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      The little guy cracks me up. Thank you for commenting, Cindy. I’m sure your house is still buzzing.

      Reply
  35. The Mindful Migraine Blog

    👏❤️👏

    Reply
  36. Petkeeping

    They both so cute.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you!

      Reply

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