PAWS NY in Authority Magazine
Carrie Nydick Finch
, Deputy Director of Programs and Strategy for PAWS NY, was recently interviewed by Authority Magazine, where she discussed Pets and Mental Wellness.
“Having a pet means that someone needs you and you have a responsibility to show up for them,” Carrie said in the article. “This provides purpose, as well as schedule and structure to one’s life. In addition, being active naturally reduces stress.”
Among other topics, Carrie shared her “Five Ways To Maximize the Mental Health Benefits of Having a Pet” in the interview. Check them out:
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Prepare: Make sure you are choosing the right pet and that you have plans in place for unforeseen events.
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Be Present: Put aside time to spend with your pet where you are not distracted, and you can both enjoy each other’s company.
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Pay Attention: Notice when you or your pet might need extra support and take action to visit with your own therapist or set up a veterinary appointment as needed.
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Do New Things: Join a cat lovers group, or make a point to get to know the other folks walking dogs in your neighborhood. It will stretch you outside your comfort zone and gives you the added benefit of a larger community network.
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Educate Yourself: Learning basic animal behavior will help you and your pet develop an even closer bond. You will be able to more fully understand how they communicate with you in many small ways all the time.
Click here to read the full interview with Carrie in Authority Magazine!