keeps the doctor away Survey notes benefits of pets It will come as no surprise to current pet owners that keeping an animal at home has many wholesome benefits. But now some new studies undertaken at Texas A&M University's College of Veterinary Medicine reveal some very impressive statistics. "We have known for many years that the company of a pet can be of benefit in a variety of ways, but exactly why this is no one seems to have the answer," says Dr. Bonnie Beaver, who specializes in animal behavior and human-animal relationships. "For example, the long-term survival rates of heart attack victims who had a pet have been shown to be significantly longer than for those who did not. There is also data showing that widows who have cats are better off medically during the first year, which is a critical stress time, than widows who do not," she reports. In addition the study shows: •Pet owners have lower blood pressure, less anxiety and depression and heal faster after surgery. Blood pressure rates are reduced after just 10 minutes in the company of an animal. In the presence of a human, blood pressure usually goes up. •Senior adults who own dogs go to the doctor less than those who do not - as much as 21 percent less often. Overall, senior dog owners get more exercise and enjoy better health than non-owners. Having a pet reduces heart attack mortality, and decreases feelings of loneliness and isolation. •Pet owners have lower triglyceride and cholesterol levels than non-owners; children exposed to pets during their first year of life have a lower frequency of allergies and asthma. •70 percent of families surveyed reported an increase in family happiness and fun after acquiring a pet; owning a pet - especially a dog - helps families, especially children, better adjust to serious illness or death of a parent. •Children owning pets are more likely to be involved in sports, hobbies, clubs, or even chores; positive self-esteem in children is enhanced if the child owns a pet. "We don't really understand why pets make us feel better and in some cases, add years to our own lives," Dr. Beaver says. "Different people get different benefits from animals, and even different benefits at different stages in the person's life." Many elderly people, even those who have had no previous experience owning pets, find the companionship and affection of an animal a great comfort and benefit in coping with isolation and loneliness. Especially this time of year, animal shelters are full of pets needing adoption. People who recklessly or impulsively took in puppies or kittens this summer may now have dropped them off at local shelters unwilling or unable to provide for them during the winter. Lollypop Farm West, in Brockport, shelters about 12-15 cats and 5-6 dogs while awaiting adoption. Their animals are almost always dropped off by owners who are moving or claim to be allergic. Lollypop Farm has a special program for seniors. Animals over six years old, matched with a senior 60 or over can be adopted free of charge. Matching senior citizens with senior animals is a win-win situation because senior animals are often harder to place in families with children. For seniors, older cats and dogs are ideal because older animals usually have had loving and caring owners who followed good pet-care practices. They are already house trained; obedience trained, and in the case of dogs, have outgrown the chewing - digging - puppy mischief of younger animals. Lollypop Farm West is located in the R.C. Steele Warehouse store (on Transit Way behind Wal-Mart in Brockport). They are open Monday-Saturday 10-7, Sunday 11-6. Phone: 637-7508 extension 765. Shelter manager: Kristin Harrington. All Lollypop pets are spayed or neutered before adoption. Fees for dogs are $80 - that includes vaccinations, heartworm treatment, Advantage® flea/tick treatment, a coupon for a free vet visit, and ID tags. Adoption fees for cats are $60. PAWS, 3371 Gaines Basin Road, Albion, 589-6397 is open Monday-Saturday 11-3. Shelter executive director is Doris Burski. Adoption fees are negotiable but generally run $85 for dogs, $45 for cats. Upon receipt of a vet's certificate of spay/neuter surgery, $50/25 is rebated. Scottsville Veterinary Adoptions, 3750 Scottsville Road, Scottsville 14546, 889-8340. Karen Comstock, director. Adoption fees vary from $80 to $170, depending on the pet and includes spay/neuter costs. Donations of items including towels and blankets, newspaper, bowls, cages or crates, laundry and dish soap, meat baby food, dry cat food and canned pet food are accepted, as are monetary donations. All donations are tax deductible. Volunteers are also welcome. Scottsville Veterinary Adoption is a no-kill shelter and placed 716 pets in 2000. Web site: petadoption.cc. GRASP - Greece Residents Assisting Stray Pets - 234-1953. Rates for adoption vary. Pets may or may not be spayed or neutered prior to adoption. |
