For children, pets provide companionship, responsibility, compassion and they encourage physical activity.  For adults…surprisingly they provide the same thing.  The bond that can develop between human and animal is an amazing thing.  Pets have been shown to reduce blood pressure, cholesterol, a sense of loneliness or emptyness…as well as lowering a person’s triglyceride level.  Pets need to be walked and groomed…this encourages exercise for both the pet and the owner.

         People who are struggling with chronic illness/disease such as cancer or diabeties; or are isolated from an active social life really tend to bond with their pets.   In some nursing homes, there is a resident cat or dog who can provide an emotional connection for the elderly, or terminally ill, who are not able to bring in their own pets to the facility.   These pet/human relationships are healthy and supplies them both with a mutual nurturing relationship providing comfort and care.

         In some cases, pets can serve a dual purpose in that they also function as a service provider for the disabled when properly trained.  There is a great organization called Paws With A Cause that is celebrating 30 years of  positive impact.  I applaud them and the work that they do.   You can learn more about them and the work that they do here:  http://www.pawswithacause.org/history.asp .  If you can provide them some support please do.  You wont be disappointed because the work that they do gives back to the community and the individuals in it.  Do you know of a special relationship between a person and their pet that you could share with the readers?