Now, during a tough pandemic and a long dragging time of lockdown, I can’t be more thankful to have my furry Groodle girl Marley around me. And, in case you didn't know, a Groodle is a Goldendoogle, which is a mix of a Golden Retriever and Poodle. She has added lots of joy in my life. She has taught me to appreciate the little things, to stop worrying for a while and to enjoy the present moment. Her daily dose of positive energy, and unconditional love is a wellness for my soul, a therapy for my mind and our long walks in nature help my body stay fit. Walking with Marley or taking her to the dog park or beach is also great for social interaction with other people. Over time, I’ve met some interesting people on my different walks, who share similar interests. The benefits of having a dog or other pet outweighs the responsibility and commitment we have for them. They simply make our lives happier!