Numerous studies regularly cite 4 ways that dogs are beneficial to health and community.
- Physical Health
- Emotional Health
- Home Security
- Entertainment
As someone who has grown up with dogs, I agree with these claims. There are reasons that they are “Man’s Best Friend.”
Here at Kalu Yala our resident canine is Duran (ValleyDog). He is a Panamanian Boxer, cleverly named after the famous Panamanian human boxer Roberto Duran.
1. Physical Health (for some humans).
Duran is always contributing to the general physical health. Just try and take him for a walk in Parque Urraca, it will be an upper body workout. If anything runs in his sight he will chase it. If you chase him he will run, if you run he will chase you.
If you are a moving animal or the wrong human be careful, he is a notoriously quick dog but if you manage to evade him long enough you may be able to outlast him, it is heard that he has low stamina.
2. Emotional Health
In addition to being good for physical exercise, Duran can also provide moral support. Maybe you had a rough or tiring day. Duran won’t have the right words to say to help you feel better, but he will always be there. When you look at his yellowish eyes you know he can’t speak but he understands. No matter what hot topic has everyone stressed out just look at Duran and you escape that stress for a little while.
3. Home Security
This is Duran’s specialty. He once took down a pack of wild dogs in the valley by himself. If you are a horse, Duran will hunt you down like a lion hunts a buffalo. If other dogs cross his line of sight it’s on. We are currently in efforts on the Aquiles/Duran therapy session in San Miguel. Regardless, he is the only burglar alarm needed.
4. Entertainment
Duran loves to dominate Frisbees and coconuts. I can easily spend 45 minutes watching him dominate a Frisbee in the mud. It’s like he is a personal TV just rumbling around all over the place. Even when he makes is presence known via flatulence, you can’t help but laugh at him…and I think he’s OK with that.
Duran Likes:
Kalu Yala
Eating $60 USD dog food
The “Victory Lap”
Frisbees, Coconuts
Chasing
Jumping on Beds
Duran Dislikes:
Horses
Being held down
People taking the stick he just ran 100 feet to retrieve
In all the efforts Kalu Yala takes to increase community and Goodwill. Duran is providing both to the company daily. Look him up on Facebook “Duran ValleyDog”