Current:Home > MyThe surprising way I’m surviving election day? Puppies. Lots of puppies.-InfoLens
The surprising way I’m surviving election day? Puppies. Lots of puppies.
View Date:2024-12-23 11:10:19
WASHINGTON – Election Day is stressful, no matter who you're voting for. But don't fret – I have the paw-fect answer for you to soothe your central nervous system.
You guessed it: dogs. More specifically: puppies.
The USA TODAY newsroom welcomed six poodle puppies from Wolf Trap Animal Rescue, a local organization that rescues high-risk animals from euthanasia, neglect and abuse, according to its website. It started nine years ago and has saved more than 20,000 animals.
USA TODAY Politics Managing Editor Romina Ruiz-Goiriena ushered my colleagues and I to the back corner of our newsroom after teasing a "surprise" coming Election Day. In an election year full of surprises, this was the best possible outcome any of us could have hoped for. At least before the polls close, anyway. Woof.
My anxiety ticked up slowly but surely all day. I went for an early run before work in a futile attempt to calm down. The fall leaves floated off the trees in 50-degree weather. Smooth landings antithetical to my feet pounding on the pavement. I was breathing, but not deeply.
The second a beautiful brown puppy sat in my arms, I did. I gave it a light (then tight) squeeze and let the sweetness envelop me. Kissed its adorable little face, smelled its fresh fur. "Awws" echoed as many reporters, editors, and other newsroom staffers took turns passing puppies around. Research shows it's easy to see why – animals lower cortisol levels and can bring down blood pressure, according to the NIH.
"Just holding them, it helps a lot," says Jenny Campanilla, Wolf Trap's adoption coordinator-veterinary assistant. Talking to them is also good for you, though these puppies sadly did not respond to my overtures for conversation.
Presidential election live updates:When to expect election results; final polls
When I went back to my desk, my anxiety returned slightly. I itched to go back and hold a puppy again. I also immediately texted my boyfriend a picture – the biggest hint possible to say WE ARE GETTING A DOG.
All told, though, the best part (paw-t?) about puppies on Election Day? They don't care who you voted for – they just care.
veryGood! (34)
Related
- November 2024 full moon this week is a super moon and the beaver moon
- Wisconsin voters to set Senate race and decide on questions limiting the governor’s power
- The Daily Money: Been caught stealing?
- Grant Ellis named the new Bachelor following his elimination from 'The Bachelorette'
- Anti-abortion advocates press Trump for more restrictions as abortion pill sales spike
- Montana State University President Waded Cruzado announces retirement
- Americans are becoming less religious. None more than this group
- Victor Wembanyama warns opponents ‘everywhere’ after gold medal loss to USA
- Democrat Ruben Gallego wins Arizona US Senate race against Republican Kari Lake
- Katie Couric says CBS' decision to replace Norah O'Donnell with 2 men is 'out of touch'
Ranking
- Michigan soldier’s daughter finally took a long look at his 250 WWII letters
- 'Unbelievably good ending': 89-year-old missing hiker recovered after almost 10 days
- Remembering comedic genius Robin Williams with son Zak | The Excerpt
- Pennsylvania man accused of voting in 2 states faces federal charges
- Stock market today: Asian shares mostly decline, shrugging off Wall Street’s overnight rally
- Aaron Rodgers says he regrets making comment about being 'immunized'
- Warts can be stubborn to treat. Here's how to get rid of them.
- Want to speed up a road or transit project? Just host a political convention
Recommendation
-
Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson weighs in on report that he would 'pee in a bottle' on set
-
Watch as mischievous bear breaks into classroom and nearly steals the teacher's lunch
-
Selling Sunset's Chelsea Lazkani Breaks Down in Tears Over Split in Season 8 Trailer
-
RHONY's Pigeon-Themed Season 15 Trailer Will Have Bravo Fans Squawking
-
Will Aaron Rodgers retire? Jets QB tells reporters he plans to play in 2025
-
Takeaways from AP’s story on Alabama’s ecologically important Mobile-Tensaw Delta and its watershed
-
US Rep. Ilhan Omar, a member of the progressive ‘Squad,’ faces repeat primary challenge in Minnesota
-
With over 577,000 signatures verified, Arizona will put abortion rights on the ballot