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HEALTH CONNECTIONS
An A For The Animals
You have heard stories and seen photos of our two cats, Starbucks and Mocha. This week another has made its way to our home by way of Subway. My husband and I never go to Subway on Friday night. However, that's where we were on Friday of last week. As I munched on my Veggie sub, I noticed an absolutely beautiful cat at our car. We finished our sandwiches and left, thinking the little furry cat with the bobbed tail would be no where in site. But it was as though she was waiting for us. She rubbed against our legs and all but insisted that we take her home. I went in to inquire as to who this beauty belonged to and found it had been dropped off the night before. Needless to say, in the car she went. Now we have two problems. We can not pick a name for this new adopted pet. My husband says, "Call her Smokey! Make it simple!" It's not that I don't have enough in my life to keep me busy, but names are extremely important to me and it's time well spent trying to come up with the perfect name for our new arrival. Smokey just can't be the name for this little sweet gray cat. The other problem is that she will not let Starbucks and Mocha get within 10 feet of her and they are going crazy to find out more about our new resident. We are told time heals all things, so we will see.
In the mean time, I am amazed at all the information on the health benefits of owning animals! There is almost 25 years of research that backs up the claims of good from our furry companions. I think most people have heard that blood pressure can be lowered and anxiety seems to be less with pets around. But, one thing that surprised me is thay a growing number of studies have suggested that kids growing up in a home with "furred animals", cats or dogs, or on a farm and exposed to large animals, will have less risk of allergies and asthma.
It's a common site to see people in a park, stopping to pet a dog or cat of a neighbor or a stranger. We know that animals are good conversation starters when you're out walking with your animal. Even for a shy person, it's easier to talk to an animal when out in public. Walking the dog or cat has started many relationships just by stopping to compliment or ask about a pet.
From time to time newspapers will print great stories of how an animal as been used in a nursing home setting. Studies from the University of California at Davis School of Veterinary Medicine have studied Alzheimer patients and have found that there are fewer anxious outbursts with an animal in the home.
Several studies show that heart attack patients who have pets survive longer than those without. And would you believe that it's been found that male pet owners have less sign of heart disease, lower triglyceride and cholesterol levels than non-owners?
Not related directly to health, is the responsibility kids can be given to care for their pets. This can help children understand duties at a young age. Erick told me recently that many times, during a time when his good decision making was not completely developed, he chose to come home early at night because he was responsible for his dog, Niki. Even after moving away from home and single, he felt the responsibility of his pet and knew she would be there waiting patiently for him to come home. Believe me, that dog gets lots of treats from us at Christmas time, even though we have to mail them
As for our family, two humans and three cats is our limit. We've drawn a line in the sand! However, if you are without something to cuddle up to when you feel no one loves you, or if you sneeze all the time, or if you don't want to grow old alone, head for the pet store or adopt a homeless pet. They are a delight and always forgiving if you fail to respond every time they need attention. Think about it! It could be a health thing for you!
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"To sit with a dog on a hillside on a glorious afternoon is to be back in Eden,
where doing nothing was not boring - it was peace
Milan Kindera
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