The Paws that Refresh
by Lynda Schultz
Abby is stretched out against my left leg. Lou is curled up on my right. It's one of those "warm fuzzy" moments I experience as dawn breaks. There is something so relaxing about watching my cats sleep -- something they do sixteen hours a day!
Pets are excellent therapy for just about anyone. They provide companionship, entertainment, and unconditional acceptance, along with some significant health benefits. Studies show that people who suffer from heart problems tend to live longer if they have pets. Mind you, every time Lou perches precariously on the edge of my balcony railing some thirteen floors above the ground, I am likely to think that one of these days, she is going to cause me to HAVE that heart attack!
Simply to sit and watch fish swim around in a fish tank can temporarily lower blood pressure. While hard to cuddle, you don't have to deal with hairballs when your pet has fins. Of course, you'll miss out on the warm licks and the furry rubs if you decide on a fishy friend.
The presence of a pet in a household, or in a care facility, is particularly helpful for those who live solitary lives. The elderly, infirm, or simply those who, for whatever reason are alone, discover in a pet a reason to get up in the morning, something to care for, a creature who needs them. Some people live longer simply because they are too concerned about their pets to die! Who will look after Fido, or Tiger? A faithful animal companion provides for its owner a different focus and perspective on the world, opening horizons to new opportunities to socialize -- even if it is only to stop and talk to another pet owner, a curious child on the street, or the veterinarian. A trip to the vet's office provides a good reason to talk about someone else's aches and pains for a change.
Cleaning a litter box, or taking a canine friend out for a walk, is part of a healthy exercise program. Those of us who are past the stage of aerobics, jogging, baseball, or one of the many other activities best left to those blessed with less brittle bones, appreciate exercise without excessive exertion.
Appropriately trained animals have become more and more popular as guests in long-term healthcare facilities. Just being able to touch a living creature, whose only demand is affection, can relieve stress, relax, and promote a sense of well being.
For those living in apartments or condos, leases or sale agreements often say that pets are not allowed. However, before you believe the fine print, or submit to the harassing of a building superintendent, check the local municipal codes. These days, pets are considered to be necessary to good mental health, and often the law permits pets on that basis -- even if no one has bothered to remove the prohibition from the fine print in the contract.
Be a responsible pet owner and you won't have trouble with the Super or the neighbours. Who can blame them for not wanting to pick up, or step in, doggie doo, or clean kitty litter out of the bottom of the garbage chute.
The nice thing about cats is that they don't bark and disturb those living nearby. However, there are ways to overcome the problem of a barking dog. I have a friend who was driven to distraction by her yappy Miniature Pinscher. She bought her dog a special training collar. Every time the dog barked she got a safe, but certain, shock. Very quickly, the barking was reduced to almost nothing ‹ even when the dog wasn't wearing the collar.
The humane society or local animal shelter is always looking for people who are able to adopt one of the many animals they are caring for. They can also tell you which of their "orphans" is best suited to your particular circumstances. They have a vested interest in providing you with the right pet -- they care about the welfare of their animals and don't want to see them back at the "orphanage."
Do your homework and research the level of care different kinds of pets require. Another friend of mine bought a Jack Russell terrier because it seemed the perfect size for apartment living. In this case, size didn't count. What did count, and what caused endless problems, was the discovery that a Jack Russell is an active, working dog, unsuited to apartment living especially with owners who hardly ever have time to take her out and let her run.
One small word of caution -- if you have cats like Abby and Lou, you'd better not have to get out of bed in a hurry to go to the bathroom. Once they are in bed, they do not budge easily.
