Dogs have been a big and important part of people’s lives since the beginning of time. According to various research, doggies have been living with humans for more than 10,000 years. Apparently, back in 1976, archaeologists in Israel discovered a truly wholesome find—an archaeologist named Simon Davis came upon an approximately 12,000-year-old human skeleton that was holding remains of a dog. This discovery is considered to be one of the oldest indications of a close human-dog relationship.

Nowadays, millions of people couldn’t imagine their lives without a fluffy companion by their side. According to a survey conducted in Canada, about 83% of dog owners consider their pets to be full-fledged members of their family. That kind of relationship between a human and a dog naturally makes psychologists wonder—what kind of effect do doggies have on their owners’ psychological well-being? Various studies indicate that dogs have a positive effect on a person’s psychological well-being. Apparently, having a dog often correlates with lower levels of stress, anxiety, and loneliness.

More info: Twitter

Studies show that having a dog around can lower levels of stress, anxiety, and loneliness

Image credits: ShariDunawayMD

Lately, many hospitals have been trying to use the positive effects doggies have on humans by “hiring” them to comfort the staff and the patients during these stressful times. For instance, Ohio State University’s Wexner Medical Center has hired a fluffy boy as a “Justice Volunteer” to greet patients at the facility. The hospital’s MD named Shari Dunaway shared a photo of the pooch on Twitter and was showered with loads of positive comments.

That’s why this one hospital in Ohio hired a “Justice Volunteer” to help the staff in these difficult times

Image credits: ShariDunawayMD

“It’s SO good for mental health of patients & staff. It’s a wonder more hospitals don’t have them,” a user commented. “Whatever he’s being paid, it isn’t nearly enough. That is some seriously valuable work!” another user added. “12/10 would promote immediately,” another one commented.

Here’s what people had to say

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One user got concerned whether the dog gets paid for his job, and the woman gave him the perfect answer

Image credits: ShariDunawayMD

This tweet inspired other users to share more pics of fluffy hospital employees

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“Volunteer dogs are already widely used in the community and can help people suffering from loneliness, providing them with companionship at the times they need it the most,” explains Emma Hammett in her article for First Aid for Life. “A dog’s friendly presence can provide a real lifeline for those feeling cut off from their community, and can really help communities tackle issues of social isolation.”

“A dog’s friendly presence can provide a real lifeline for those feeling cut off from their community”

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“The optimism and happiness a Therapy Dog visit can provide to a patient is one that cannot be measured by a doctor’s instruments or recorded on a patient’s chart. However, it is clear to those who have had the experience of a Therapy Dog visit that a friendly visitor with a wagging tail can make all the difference in the world,” shares Therapy Dog International on their webpage.

“A friendly visitor with a wagging tail can make all the difference in the world”

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