According to a 1998 survey by the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association, 61% of American households include pets. Our pets don't ask for much - food, shelter, veterinary care, and our companionship, and they offer far more in return. They teach us about love, they can improve our mental and physical health, and provide us with unconditional friendship and affection. Companion animals are natural teachers. They can help people of all ages learn about responsibility, loyalty, empathy, sharing, and unconditional love. By caring for a pet, children also learn to care for their fellow human beings. There is established literature that documents a link between how people treat their animals and how they treat each other. Pets can serve as "therapists." In animal-assisted therapy programs, a companion animal may visit with hospital or nursing home patients. Specially trained assistance dogs provide people who have physical and mental disabilities with the profound gift of independence. These dogs may serve as hands, ears, or eyes of their human companions, and assist them in performing daily, routine tasks. Pets are good for our emotional and physical health. Caring for a companion animal provides a sense of purpose and fulfillment and lessens feelings of lonliness and isolation. It is known that relaxed, happy people do not become ill as often as those who suffer from stress and depression. Owning an animal also helps lower a person's blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Owning a dog can increase survival rates in groups of patients who have suffered cardiac arrest. You can gain the benefits of increased physical activity simply by walking and grooming your pet. [return to top]