Companionship, lowering stress levels, boosting your immune system, encouraging personal activity, protection, and play-time are just a handful of the ways that pets can improve your life. Research has shown that just a few minutes playing with your pet can elevate levels of serotonin and dopamine in your brain which allow you to be calm and relax.  Having a pet can help enhance a child's self-esteem and aid in positive emotional development. Personally, I’ve witnessed major transformation in the youth I worked with as they were able to interact with my dog. Anxiety decreased, a sense of mastery ensued as they worked with my dog, and I was able to see their interactions with others grow because of the confidence that they experienced with a supportive pet by their side.   One way to celebrate fur babies is to add a custom pet item to your gift or send out a Dog or Cat themed gift basket. Check out our adorable Furry Friend gift!    https://thegiftdesigners.com/calgary-gifts/furry-friend-pet-gift-box/ Another way to show some love to our furry friends is to donate to a local pet charity.  The Gift Designers exists to foster relationships and give back. As a company we donate to charities near and dear to our hearts as well as directing donations from our clients to these charities.   When you make a purchase through our Website you can click the “Donate” option in our checkout to support a charity. Starting in September we will be featuring different local charities each month.   In September, we are giving back to the Calgary Humane Society (https://www.calgaryhumane.ca/) 100% of funds donated will be forwarded to their organization.   Give your pet a snuggle from all of us at The Gift Designers!