Dogs are known as “Man’s Bestfriend”, they are loving and loyal and bring joy to owners all over the globe, they are even known to have many health benefits. Celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay recently has undergone a major health shift, losing 50 lbs, starting up triathlons again, and working out with his wife. Could he be getting health benefits elsewhere as well? Does Gordon Ramsay have a dog?
Ramsay has had several dogs over the years, and currently, there are three pooches (and two cats) living in the Ramsay household; Peanut, Bruno, and Carlos. Several months ago the family had to say goodbye to their beloved bulldog, Rumpole, who had been part of the family for several years.
Ramsay is such a fan of dogs that he even has dog-friendly restaurants in London. While he may joke about being annoyed and whatnot with his brood of three, he’s really a softy when it comes to his pups, much like he is with the youngsters on Masterchef Junior. In addition to the three dogs, the family also has two cats.
Health Benefits of Dogs
There are several health benefits associated with not just owning dogs, but by them just being around and having the opportunity to pet one. Most people are aware of therapy dogs that are brought into hospitals and senior living centers, for the residents to visit with and help with anxiety.
Nowadays, more places are opening up to the idea of therapy dogs in the workplace, or in schools. Washington State University has noted that just 10 minutes with a dog, or cat, can have a significant impact on the reduction of a student’s cortisol levels.
Meanwhile, Harvard Medical School has brought in a dog on a regular basis as one of their newest therapists. According to the well-renowned school, pets have been shown to lower blood pressure, improve recovery from heart disease, improve people’s psychological well-being and self-esteem, and even reduce rates of asthma and allergies in children who grew up in a home with a pet.
R.I.P. Rumpole 2010-2019
Possibly the most well-known pooch in the Ramsay family, Rumpole, passed away in July 2019. Having appeared on many of Gordon Ramsay’s shows and social media, he was a lovable British Bulldog loved by many. He even played a role in advertising Ramsay’s dog-friendly restaurants.
Ramsay’s youngest daughter Matilda, or Tilly as she’s known to most, posted about the loss on her Instagram page. She was especially close to Rump, who often made an appearance on her show.
Many condolences came in for the pup, including one from Romeo Beckham, son of David and Victoria Beckham. It is believed that the Ramsay family actually got Rumpole from the Beckham family when he was younger.
Brief History of How Wolves Became Pet Dogs
All dogs, no matter their breed, descended from wolves. Sometime between 15,000 to 40,000 years ago, gray wolves and dogs diverged. Then, around 20,000 to 40,000 years ago the first dog was domesticated.
There are some different ideas as to timelines, and locations, of where dogs first became domesticated. None the less, it was a long time ago. There are also two beliefs in how wolves became domesticated. One theory is that people took wolf cubs and raised them from the time they were born, so that all they knew was domestication.
Another theory is that to prevent themselves from going extinct, wolves decided to align themselves with people, and be friendly to them, so that they could have access to food.
Whenever, wherever, and whatever the history behind domestication of dogs, I’m just thankful it happened. Many lives, including my own, have been changed for the better due to having dogs in their lives. I’m not sure if I could handle three at a time, like Gordon Ramsay, but there’s no doubt I’m just as happy.