Coping with Holiday Stress: How Pets Help Get Through the Holiday Season

Going through a break up is difficult any time of year, but finding myself newly single right before the holiday season has made me feel like I'm wearing a scarlet "S" on my ugly Christmas sweater.

I'm the odd person out at couples' dinners, I have to brave family get-togethers without a date, and -- needless to say -- my lip lock as the clock strikes 12 on New Year's Eve will likely be with a fancy glass containing a strong alcoholic beverage.

The one thing that helps me avoid feeling like a lone partridge in a "pair" tree this time of year? My dog, Cookie, of course. For those stressed out throughout the holidays, pets can help cope with stress and get us through this hectic time period.

You've Got Mail

Seeing the envelopes pile up in my mailbox with pretty cards featuring adorable babies and family portraits used to get me down and make me jealous. This year, Cookie had an impromptu professional photo taken during one of our trips to Petco and it just screamed, "Put me on a holiday card!" So I did. I'm no longer banned from sending winter wishes just because I don't have a husband and kids.

See Cookie Sit

Discussions during family get-togethers inevitably meander over to the topic of when and how the single person might shed her single status. And, really, what single person wants to discuss that? But now I have a diversion.

Bringing Cookie home for the holidays provides an engaging conversation topic, especially now that we can hold everyone's attention with demonstrations of all the commands Cookie's learned in obedience school. Dog party tricks are way more entertaining than a talk about my marital status (or lack thereof).

Raincheck, Please?

I try to get out and about to lots of holiday parties since I'm trying to meet new people, but sometimes I need a break from all the lovey dovey couples. Cookie is the perfect excuse. "Sorry I can't trek to New Jersey for your Hanukah happy hour, I don't have anyone to walk my dog." Totally legit. If a person is nice enough to invite Cookie along but I still don't want to go, I just say you never know if any of the guests will be afraid or allergic. Wouldn't want to cause a freak out... or a break out.

Fat-free Festivities

Baking holiday brownies for the doormen, spying platters of cream puffs in the fridge at work and meeting long-lost friends for New Year's drinks can really expand your winter waistline. Good thing my Cookie isn't the kind that packs on the pounds -- she helps me shed them.

Even in the frigid temperatures, we go for long walks every night. I'll admit I've been eating more than my fair share of fruit cake this week, but when I visited home a few days ago, my parents told me I was the skinniest I've ever looked. Thanks, Cooks!

Do your pets help you cope with holiday stress and get through this always hectic time of year? If so, tell us in a comment!