Fit as Fido

Don’t Despair With Bad Economic Reports — Take Action

08.26.2010 // Fit As Fido // Dawn A. Marcus, M.D. // 1 Comment

Open any newspaper and you’ll probably be hit with a headline screaming out a bad economic report — high unemployment, downturn in the housing market, drop in the stock market. Heck, I was out enjoying a pleasant evening walk with the wheatens last night and as a car passed us I was assaulted by the ravings of a radio talk show host describing economic woes. Yes — things need to improve. But when times are bad and you’re feeling stress and distress, turn and look at the nearest dog, who’s sure to wag his tail, flash you a grin, and offer hope for a brighter tomorrow.

It’s easy to feel frustrated and hopeless — what can I do? Well — there’s a lot you can do! And it doesn’t have to take money. You can volunteer your time to brighten someone else’s day, which will likely make yours brighter, too.

Here are a few simple suggestions for the dog lover:

- Not able to leave your computer? Then vote for a Pepsi Challenge Food Bank for Pets project that’s hoping to provide pet food for families in need in the Gulf region
- Get your dog certified to be a therapy dog and take him to visit people in nursing homes, hospitals, or other facilities
- Don’t have a dog? Then volunteer to walk a neighbor’s dog or dogs at your local shelter

So the next time you hear a headline spouting doom and gloom, turn to Fido and ask, “What can we do to help?” Helping replaces doom and gloom with hope. Your dog wouldn’t bury his head under the sofa when bad news hits — so do what Fido does. Get a leash, go for a walk, breath in the fresh air, and make plans for helpful action.