Dr Mark Harrold: Dogs truly are mankind's best friend

Such is the bond between man and his dog that psychologists and psychiatrists have been moved to study it scientifically

Mark Harrold

It is former US president Harry Truman who is attributed with the phrase "if you want a friend in Washington, get a dog". Indeed, many people would subscribe to this thesis without any reference to the capital city of America.

If loyalty, positivity and fun are characteristics you value in your friends, you will never go far wrong with a dog.

Billy was the eighth member of our family growing up. Billy was a beautiful, fluffy, grey Norwegian elkhound. He was a walking companion to my father; a daily home visitor to my grandmother; the best security possible with his occasional loud wuff and a welcome caller to the parish priest up the road who loved to see him arrive at his kitchen door for a snack. Billy posed front and centre in our family photos and was part of everything our family did through our childhood years.

That was just one family's experience. There are numerous scientific studies which validate the benefits to humankind of having a dog in the house. Some studies even suggest it boosts the long-term immunities of all household members.

Certainly, the companionship a dog provides has untold benefits, particularly for family members who are on the fringes of mainstream activities.

We live in a highly stressful world and the body produces cortisol and norepinephrine, among other chemicals, as a result of this. And what is the best antidote to the negative effects of stress? A dog. Playing with a dog produces serotonin and dopamine in the system and these are known to have both pleasurable and calming properties.

Owning a dog means you are much more likely to take regular exercise, accruing all the benefits that entails. In studies of people who have survived heart attacks, it has been shown that one of the best predictors of long-term survival is those who have a dog. Indeed, some life insurance companies in the US ask if the person applying for cover has a dog.

Ownership of a dog combats depression and dogs have been proven to have a positive impact on the well-being of people suffering Alzheimer's Disease.

It is perhaps in the support of children with special needs, notably those with autism, that the most extraordinary testimonies have emerged as to the benefits of having a dog in the home. Some studies have suggested a dog can detect when a child is about to have an epileptic seizure. Many families will attest to this.

Ownership of a dog has also proven to be one of the best social outlets around. They often prompt conversation between two people. So if you have not been having much luck on the dating scene, a dog may find you a partner for life!