Olympic Gold Medalist Caeleb Dressel Reflects on the Positive Influence of His Pets
Caeleb Dressel, the celebrated swimmer, attributes significant mental and emotional support to his beloved pets, a dog named Jane and a cat named Rems. Research indicates that pets can play a crucial role in enhancing both mental and physical health.
After his triumphant return from the Paris Olympics, where he secured two gold medals and a silver, Dressel found solace in the warm embrace of his family, including his wife, son, and their pets. This comforting reunion provided him with the perspective he needed amidst the pressures of fame and success.
“I often get swept up in the whirlwind of training, media, and sponsorship commitments, losing sight of the importance of taking a moment to breathe,” Dressel shared with Healthline.
He appreciates the reality check he receives while watching Jane relax contentedly on the porch.
“After a few weeks, the buzz around the Olympics fades; everyone moves on to the next event. I realize that the significance of these moments is often greater in my mind. Jane and Rems help me refocus,” he explained.
A Lifelong Affection for Animals
Dressel grew up in a household rich with animals, thanks to his father, a retired veterinarian. His childhood included a variety of pets, from birds and guinea pigs to hamsters and even a rat. He adopted Jane just a day after graduating from college.
“Once my collegiate career concluded, I only got about five hours of sleep before I drove to bring home Jane when she was just eight weeks old,” he recalled.
Inspired by his father’s first dog, a black lab, Dressel desired a similar companion.
“Jane has been with me since the very start of my professional journey, witnessing all my struggles and successes. She holds a unique place in my life,” he noted.
Dressel’s wife, Meghan, introduced him to their cat, Rems, who has his own endearing routine.
“Every night, as we settle into bed, it’s like clockwork—about ten minutes later, we hear him hop up onto the bed. He then paws to burrow under the covers and spends the entire night cuddled up with Meghan,” he shared.
Pets as Pillars of Mental Health Support
The emotional and physical advantages of having pets are well-documented. Studies indicate that pet ownership can alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety while fostering social connections.
“Having a pet brings feelings of comfort, security, and unconditional love. The responsibility of caring for a pet also instills a sense of purpose and enhances self-confidence and self-care,” stated Deborah Serani, PsyD, a psychology professor at Adelphi University, in her comments to Healthline.
The relationship between humans and their pets underscores the idea that these animals are more than just companions; they are cherished family members. Dressel exemplifies this, allowing Jane to share his side of the bed.
“Whenever I travel, I struggle to adjust to not having her beside me—the warmth of her paw, her little quirks. It’s the same with Rems. My wife and I share a special dynamic with Jane and Rems; they feel like our kids. I affectionately refer to Rems as our firstborn son and Jane as my daughter,” he said.
Moreover, interactions with animals—whether they belong to you or not—can yield mental health benefits. Beth Steinberg, PhD, RN, a senior researcher at the Center for Integrative Health at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, conducted a recent study showing that healthcare workers in high-stress environments experienced reduced stress and burnout after interacting with therapy dogs.
“These findings highlight that therapy dog interactions provide immediate stress relief for essential healthcare workers. Further research is needed to explore long-term benefits and implications for patient care,” she told Healthline.
Physical Health Benefits of Pet Ownership
Engaging with pets can also lead to significant physical health improvements. According to Steinberg, simply petting a dog, cat, or other companion animal can lower blood pressure and increase endorphin levels in the brain.
The American Heart Association suggests that owning a pet, particularly a dog, may be linked to a lower risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and could play a role in reducing cholesterol and blood sugar levels.
“Pets encourage us to be active and make physical activity more enjoyable. Research shows that individuals with cardiovascular disease experience improved outcomes when accompanied by a pet during exercise,” Steinberg added.
In addition to walks, Dressel enjoys playing catch with Jane and swimming with her.
“She has a penchant for baseballs and an orange rubber ball. On weekends, we often take her to the pool—she loves to swim, and we ensure she gets plenty of exercise,” he said.
Dressel Advocates for Better Pet Health
Teaming up with fellow Olympians, including sprinter Gabby Thomas and gymnast Simone Biles, Dressel has joined Nulo’s Fuel Incredible campaign. This initiative highlights the bond between eight USA athletes and their pets, aiming to inspire pet owners to enhance their pets’ nutrition for a fulfilling shared lifestyle.
Reflecting on his sponsorship experiences, Dressel noted that he had more sponsors prior to the Tokyo Olympics than leading up to the Paris Games.
“I wanted to approach this differently. Now that I have a family, I’m selective about my partnerships. I want to be genuinely invested in the companies I work with,” he explained.
Collaborating with Nulo felt like a natural fit for him. He emphasizes that his involvement goes beyond marketing dog food.
“It’s about more than just selling a product. My partnership with them stems from a genuine love for pets. I strive to provide the best care for Jane, who has stood by me throughout my journey and brought immense joy into my life,” Dressel affirmed.
