naturalpet
Why Dog People
are Naturally
Greener
by lola michelin
T
he latest American Pet Products Manufacturers As- tally friendly green spaces in urban areas. An increasing
sociation (APPMA) survey on pet ownership trends number of municipalities, responding to demand from
reports that 74.8 million canines now constituents, are developing dog parks. These minimize the
enjoy camaraderie with at least one special need to drive long distances to find open areas to exercise
two-legged companion. Although studies critters, and they add much-needed nature to city settings.
regularly document the significant health Everyone using the park benefits from added opportunities
benefits that dog owners experience from to socialize, exercise and enjoy a natural setting. Everyone
this close animal/human relationship—in- in the area reaps the rewards of life-giving plants in place
cluding better health, companionship, security and emo- of more concrete and asphalt.
tional release—only recently have we understood more Dogs may even nudge their two-legged kin toward
about its environmental impact. a natural, holistic approach to health and well-being.
It’s uncertain whether today’s dog guardians are Canines, like all animals, instinctively seek wellness and
intentionally taking steps to become green consumers or balance. When faced with a health challenge, they usually
environmental activists. But an increasing number are con- respond positively to improvements in diet and exercise
sidering their family’s environmental impact while purchas- and to alternative healing therapies such as massage, acu-
ing more than $40 billion in pet products and services, ac- puncture, hydrotherapy and chiropractic.
cording to the latest APPMA report. Dog owners, in search People who may have been skeptical about these
of more Earth-friendly versions of everything from organic modalities are often willing to consider them to help a be-
food and sustainable toys to shampoos, flea treatments and loved furry friend. These more natural approaches to health
biodegradable waste bags, acknowledge that their loyal, rely less upon use of drugs and other synthetic toxins that
four-legged friends frequently inspire other healthy envi- may harm the body and, via excretion, the environment.
ronmental choices, as well. Once people witness a pet’s improving health as a result of
Rather than driving to run errands, for example, dog effective treatment, they often adopt alternative modalities
people often take Fido or Fifi on recreational walks to the for themselves.
corner store or post office. Women out and about on their It’s a good feeling to know that the animals who love
own report they are less likely to take their cars on short us so well can also inspire us, as caretakers, to love them,
trips when they can enjoy the security of walking with a ourselves and our planet well.
dog. Such auto-free errands help reduce America’s carbon
footprint, a key contributor to global warming. Lola Michelin is director of education at the
Canines and their human companions Northwest School of Animal Massage. For
also are prompting the creation of environmen- more information call 877-836-3703, visit
NWSAM.com or email Lola@NWSAM.com.
Pr i n t e d o n re c y c l e d Pa P e r t o Pr o t e c t t h e en v i r o n m e n t
April 2009 29
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