These effects were particularly marked in those who lived on their lonesome. According to Mwenya Mubanga of Uppsala University and lead author of the study, “single dog owners had a 33% reduction in risk of death and an 11% reduction in risk of cardiac arrest compared to single non-owners.”

However, before your heart skips a beat, Tove Fall, senior author of the study, also adds that there may be limitations. It’s possible that the differences between owners and non-owners, which already existed before the dog was bought, could have influenced the results – or that people who are generally more active also tend to get a dog anyway.

It seems that the results are not as clear cut as they initially appear to be, but as far as I’m concerned, that’s ok. I love dogs for how they make me feel and, cardiovascular benefits or not, they’ll always be top dog to me – cross my heart.

词汇表 canine 犬的

pedigree（动物）纯种

mongrel 杂种狗

tame（尤指动物）温顺的

stray 流浪的

companionship 陪伴，友谊

fetch 拿来，取回，

guard 守卫，保护

Fido 对宠物狗的一个通用名称

close to one’s heart 贴近某人的心

warm the cockles of your heart 温暖你的内心

cardiovascular 心血管的

breed（动物）品种

physical activity 体育运动

【The dogs who safeguard our hearts 养狗能保护我们的心脏健康】相关文章：

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★ Reunion? Count me out! 重聚? 别算上我!