A furry life may extend yours!
It is thought that humans may have first domesticated wolves as pets as far back as 15,000 years ago. Since then, humans and animals have created a bond that has lasted lifetimes. More recently, we have learned that owning a pet may benefit our physical, emotional, and social health.
Over the last 30 years, researchers have found that pet owners tend to have lower blood pressure, better immune systems, less depression, and have better social interactions with others. Statistics have shown that pet owners who have had a heart attack live longer than those patients without a pet. Also, male pet owners tend to have better heart-related blood work, such as lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels. In addition, having an animal around seems to lower the number of anxious outbursts in Alzheimer’s patients, and children who grow up with a furry pet in the home have a lower risk of allergies and asthma.
Within the community, pet therapy programs and volunteer organizations have been established to help share the health benefits of pets with people of all ages. Many of these visit hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and schools bringing love and support to those in need.
Now that the holiday hustle and bustle has come to an end, why not consider becoming a pet owner in 2025? There are so many pets in our local shelters in need of a loving home. By adopting one, you will improve both the pet’s life and yours as well.
Pastoral Care Director,
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