Misty You may be surprised to know that owning a pet can be very good for your health.

One recent study by researchers at the State University of New York, Buffalo, looked at the effects of pet ownership on 48 stockbrokers who were already taking medication for hypertension. It found that the 24 stockbrokers who were given a pet had significantly more of a reduction in high blood pressure accompanying stress than did those without pets.

Pets can be emotional lifesavers as well, because they help people adapt, adjust and deal with many changes and losses in life.

Pets’ unconditional love gives their owners a sense of worth and responsibility when caring for them; pets can help people learn about the continuity of life—-birth, death, loss and grief—-and offer a sense of intimacy. They are even a way to help couples prepare to have children.

One of the most important health benefits of owning a pet is alleviating loneliness.

Bennie In fact, loneliness is one of the most damaging risk factors in people recovering from heart disease. Studies have shown that patients who suffer heart attacks but own pets are likely to have five times the survival rate of patients who are not pet owners.

Another benefit of being in the presence of a pet is that it can induce relaxation. The simple act of petting an animal is proven to cause a person’s blood pressure to drop.

Dog Walkers

Have More Fun

Research shows that when walking a dog, people tend to make more eye contact and have more people interact with them.

A lot of people usually hate to walk because it’s lonely, but if they have a dog, they find it’s something they look forward to doing, and it’s the best form of exercise for people and dogs.

Dora & Dino Whether our pets are furry, feathery or leathery, they are move important to us than ever, moving beyond the ranks of domesticated animals to the more appropriate title of “companion animals.”

If you don’t own a pet, you may want to volunteer at the animal shelter. The health benefits will not only affect you but it will affect the animals too.

Start the year off right and adopt a pet.

—Information provided by New Leash on Life Fund, 903-388-9590, or 903-388-7463.

Adopt a Pet

Here is a list of this week’s featured pets at New Leash on Life:

• Misty - Approx. 3mos, crate trained, 1st shots

• Dora & Dino - Wirehaired dachshunds, approx. 1-1.5yr, adorable pair

• Ginger - Shepherd Mix

Rosie • Sandy - Spayed female, sweet, good w/other dogs, good watch dog, unnecessary barker

• Bennie - Beagle mix, medium size, great disposition, loveable, approx. 1 year

• Rosie - Spayed, Shy but wants to trust.

Cindy Phillips, 903- 388-9590;Sharon Speering, 903-388-7463; Mack Koonce (Specializing in Cat Adoptions), 903- 389-9814
Ginger
Sandy