Whether it’s Adley, rear, hoarding sticks as if they’re buried treasure, or Savannah rolling off the couch, laughter is part of our family’s daily life. (Photo courtesy Kristine George)

This time a year ago, my family adopted our first golden retriever — a giant, lovable ball of fluff we affectionately named Adley.
He joined our basset hound sisters and two cats at home, instantly doubling the chaos and tripling the joy.
While most days, my husband refers to him as “Captain Chaos,” Adley and his fur siblings have become one of our family’s biggest sources of stress relief.
This became especially clear this past summer, when we said goodbye to our oldest basset hound, Scarlett.
She had been with us for more than a decade, and her passing left a heavy silence in the house.
It was Adley — goofy, affectionate, ever-present Adley — who helped ease that ache.
Whether he knew we needed extra snuggles or was simply being his loving self, he was a comfort in the achingly quiet moments when grief felt too big for words.
Pets, it turns out, are not only our companions in joy but also our anchors in sorrow.
And we’re far from alone in this.
Pets of all shapes and sizes offer a surprising yet powerful source of emotional support.
Whether it comes with four legs, feathers, or even scales, science shows that owning a pet can have measurable effects on brain chemistry — including increasing levels of serotonin, the “feel-good” neurotransmitter.
So, how do you know what works for you?
The key isn’t the species — it’s the connection.
The Science Behind the Snuggles
Serotonin plays a crucial role in regulating mood, sleep, digestion, and even pain perception.
Low levels of serotonin have been linked to depression and anxiety. While medications like SSRIs are designed to help, natural methods like physical touch, routine, and joyful interaction can also support healthy serotonin levels — and our pets deliver all three.
In fact, researchers at the University of Missouri found that just 15 minutes of petting a dog can increase serotonin, prolactin, and oxytocin levels — while lowering the stress hormone cortisol.
Another study published in Frontiers in Psychology confirmed that pet owners tend to have lower blood pressure and heart rates during stressful situations.
Ask my husband if that still counts after he discovered that Adley ate our coach!
Pets Boost Our Brain Chemistry
• Physical affection: Petting a dog or cat increases serotonin and dopamine. Just watching your pet breathe, purr, or snore (adorably) can have a calming effect on the nervous system.
• Routine: Feeding, walking, or grooming creates structure and consistency — two things our brains thrive on, especially during times of stress or uncertainty.
• Exercise: Walking a dog like Adley (who prefers running, let’s be honest) increases serotonin through movement, exposure to sunlight, and nature’s calming cues.
• Connection: Pets offer nonjudgmental companionship. Their unconditional love can buffer feelings of loneliness, boost self-worth, and provide much-needed social support.
Laughter Is Therapy, Too
Let’s not forget that pets are natural comedians.
Whether it’s Adley hoarding sticks like they’re buried treasure or our basset hound Savannah rolling dramatically off the couch, laughter is part of daily life with them.
And laughter, as we know, releases serotonin and reduces stress.
They aren’t just cuddly — they’re medicine with a wagging tail.
Finding the Right Fur-Ever Fit
Of course, not everyone is ready for a “Captain Chaos” in their home.
For some, a chill cat, a sleepy rabbit, or even a few colorful fish can provide that same sense of peace and companionship.
The best pet for you is the one that brings you comfort, joy, and maybe even a bit of comic relief.
When choosing a pet, consider your lifestyle, energy level, and the kind of connection you’re looking for. The right animal partner won’t just fit into your life — they’ll make it better.
Adley (and the Real MVPs)
As I write this, Adley is sprawled across the recliner floor like a lazy lion, snoring with complete contentment.
One cat is curled on the windowsill, the other is at my feet watching the baseball game and Savannah is hunkered down in her Daddy’s lap for a mutual nap.
In the end, our pets don’t just keep us company — they help us feel human with their unconditional love.
They ground us in the present, connect us to something joyful, and nudge our brains toward balance in the most loving, messy, and wonderful ways.
Find Your New Best Friend
If you’re considering adding a furry (or feathered) family member to your life, adopting through a local rescue or animal shelter is a wonderful option.
Not only are you giving a pet a second chance at a loving home, but you’re also supporting organizations dedicated to animal welfare.
Here on the Eastern Shore, we’re fortunate to have several dedicated shelters:
• Talbot Humane in Easton, Md: A compassionate, community-driven organization that works tirelessly to match pets with loving families. They offer adoption counseling, fostering programs, and even a pet pantry for those in need.
• Baywater Animal Rescue in Cambridge, Md.: As one of the oldest continually operating humane societies in Maryland, Baywater has been saving lives for over 75 years. Their commitment to no-kill rescue and finding the right home for every animal is truly inspiring; and
• Chesapeake Cats and Dogs in Queenstown, Md: A no-kill rescue dedicated to providing a lifetime haven for cats and dogs that have been abandoned, abused, lost, strayed, or surrendered. Since its founding in 2006, CCAD has successfully placed more than 2,000 homeless cats and dogs in loving homes.
Each of these shelters offers a variety of adoptable animals — from dogs and cats to the occasional bird, rabbit or guinea pig.
Their dedicated staff and volunteers are experts at helping you find a pet that fits your home and heart.
Whether you’re drawn to a senior cat seeking a warm lap or a bouncy puppy like Adley who will test every boundary in the most lovable way, your perfect match might be waiting just a few miles away.
Adopting a pet isn’t just about saving a life — it’s about enriching your own in ways you never imagined.
(Editor’s Note: Kristine George is a freelance journalist who resides in Easton.)