They keep us healthy!

Friday was my favorite sister's birthday. Her boss (and maybe some co-workers?) decorated her car... Only one balloon made it home and she gave it to the pups to play with... Please notice Nike on the couch... positively appalled that Murphy and Montana are acting like dogs-- She would never be caught acting like that... Sorry the video is sideways, I don't know how to rotate it.

Did you know Health magazine rates dogs NUMBER ONE (thanks to scientific studies) on the healthiest pets to own list?

“The breadth and depth of what dogs do to benefit humans’ happiness and longevity is pretty remarkable,” says judge Marty Becker, DVM, author of The Healing Power of Pets. Studies link dog ownership to lower blood pressure, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels. And dog owners seem to live longer after a heart attack and get more exercise than nonowners. You’re more likely to stroll with a dog than solo, and Fido may even beat your best girlfriend as a motivating force: Unlike humans, dogs never need an arm-twisting to take a brisk walk.
Then there’s the mood-boosting benefit. “Simply petting a dog is like a spa treatment,” Dr. Becker says. “After just a minute or two you have this massive release of positive neurochemicals like dopamine and serotonin. And the dog gets the same relief.”

I wholeheartedly agree. Who can argue with scientific studies? :-) This weekend Mom came down to Georgia (with Nike and Murphy, of course). Jen and Montana came up, too, and we had a great weekend! Saturday was just beautiful--warm sunshine, cool breeze... and I spent a good bit of time on my patio with the girls. We left the door open, letting in some fresh air (and letting the pups come in and go out), and my sister captured this picture of the girls...

Ever wonder how big a great dane is? Keep in mind the one on the right is Murphy (our 60 lb golden retriever) and the one on the left is Montana (our 120 lb great dane). Hope this brings a smile to your face this Monday!

Watching a bumble bee... isn't she beautiful?

"No more pictures!"