Cuddling Critters by Alicia Street

I love animals and when the fall and winter holidays start rolling in, I like warm and fuzzy elements in my romance reading.

I grew up in a family of six with lots of pets, and to this day my creature friends are important family members. My nineteen-year-old cat recently passed away, and although I know the little old guy needed to make an exit, after all those years together I can’t help selfishly wishing he were still here with me.

Pets and romance are a great match because animals have a way of opening our hearts. They touch the part of us where love happens. They’re also good for our health.

Research shows that hanging out with a critter is good for both mental and physical well-being. It increases your level of the hormone oxytocin, which reduces stress and makes you feel happier. Petting a dog has been shown to lower blood pressure and cortisol levels and produce an antibody that improves the immune system.

Aside from the highly trained service dogs that work with wounded veterans and handicapped individuals, the use of therapy dogs—untrained pets that are tested for behavior and handling—do wonders in nursing homes, hospitals, mental health centers, and other places where unconditional TLC is needed.

I recently wrote a novella for the Christmas Pets and Kisses multi-author boxed set that features a dog whose loving nature brings healing and change to a family—not to mention an unexpected romance.

Does your pet make you feel better?

                                                                  ~*~

                                                                                      

 Alicia Street is a USA Today bestselling author    

and a Daphne du Maurier award-winner. 

A compulsive reader of every genre,
she writes both sweet and steamy romance.
She spent many years as a dancer,
choreographer and teacher. 

You can connect with Alicia 

at her website or visit her on
Facebook or Twitter.

You’re invited! The authors of Sweet Romance Reads Café have planned an Open House.

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