Several weeks ago our article touched on the fact that many pet owners at some point have to say goodbye to their beloved furry family member. I had several people mention to me what a nice article it was.
(Image: Metro Creative)
One friend told me she had shared the article with her friend, who had just recently dealt with their own loss. Knowing that others care and understand the sense of loss is certainly comforting.
There are so many benefits to having a pet in your life and many studies have been conducted to research the physical, emotional, and social benefits of pet and especially dog companionship. Doctors Foster and Smith share these insights.
One physical benefit of dog companionship was increased longevity after a heart attack. Dog ownership increases the odds for survival in persons who have had a heart attack from 1 in 15 to 1 in 87.
People with pets have been found to have lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels when compared to people who did not have pets.
People undergoing stress tests or physical exams have demonstrated that the presence of a pet lowered their heart rate and blood pressure during testing.
People who own pets often have better physical health due to the need to exercise and care for their pets.
The use of prescription drugs and the overall cost of caring for patients in nursing homes dropped in those facilities where companion animals became part of the therapy.
Some people who have periodic seizures have reported that their dogs can sense the onset of a seizure before they can. Now it has been found that dogs can be specially trained to recognize some type of change prior to a seizure, and signal the owner of the imminent seizure. These dogs are called ‘seizure-alert’ or ‘seizure-response’ dogs, and can be trained to signal their owners from 15 to 45 minutes prior to a seizure.
There are also animals who alert their owners to episodes of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), which allows the owner to correct the level before serious symptoms develop.
These are just a few examples of how a pet can have such a positive impact on your life.
“The Rainbow Bridge” (Author Unknown):
There is a bridge connecting Heaven and Earth. It is called the Rainbow Bridge because of its many colors. Just this side of the Rainbow Bridge there is a land of meadows, hills and valleys with lush green grass.
When a beloved pet dies, the pet goes to this place. There is always food and water and warm spring weather. All the animals that have been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.
The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind. They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. Their bright eyes are intent; their eager body begins to quiver. Suddenly they begin to run from the group, flying over the green grass, their legs carrying them faster and faster. You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.
Then you cross the Rainbow Bridge together, never again to be separated.
The Central Aroostook Humane Society welcomes you to stop by and check out the wonderful animals that are available for adoption. We are open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., closing for lunch 12-12:30.
Please be responsible: spay and neuter your pets.
Gloria J. Towle is the secretary and a member of the Board of Directors of the Central Aroostook Humane Society.
