FACT OR FICTION

Pets: Good for Your Health?

Research shows that caring for an animal can improve your mental and physical well-being—with a few caveats.

By Karen Springen | Newsweek Web Exclusive
Jan 11, 2008 | Updated: 12:15  p.m. ET Jan 11, 2008

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  • Posted By: Omega403 @ 03/01/2009 8:48:04 AM

    They're allways ready for some play and attention. My dogs have they're own exercise routine, letting me know when it's time to get up off the couch.

  • Posted By: cleoj @ 10/16/2008 12:43:43 PM

    I love my dog to pieces! My dog is not a barker so I never had to worry about that. He also doesn't care about any toys except his tennis balls. As long as he has those, he doesn't chew or scratch anything up. Cleaning up his poop is not that bad, we pick up the hard pieces and just hose away the rest. He does shed quite a bit but a good vacuuming does the job. My dog is also neuteured so I don't have to worry about him humping.

    In return, he gives us undying love and devotion. He's like a giant teddy bear that returns your affection. Since I don't have any kids to compare with, I think he's just as good, perhaps better ;). He doesn't ask for much, he's cheap to care for, and he loves me for me!

  • Posted By: ljc11779 @ 02/22/2008 4:34:39 PM

    Some of the funniest stories I have heard, or told come from animal antics. My cats are perfect examples. They make me laugh all the time. My male cat has white on the tip of his tale. My female thought the white on the tip of his tale was a toy. If you have any imagination, you can figure out where that went. I smile thinking about it.

  • Posted By: SouthernNOLA @ 01/17/2008 4:05:11 PM

    Animals give unconditional love and companionship. I have 2 dogs and 2 cats. Was raised with animals. I'm aslo thinking of rescuing another from our local animal shelter here in NOLA. It upsets me when I meet someone who dislikes animals- it makes me wonder what kind of person they truly are. Humans can take care of themselves, animals and babies cannot. You learn so much from your furry friends, compassion, love, empathy, tolerance, tempermant, affection, etc.

  • Posted By: ruPositive @ 01/17/2008 2:50:34 AM

    Cleaning cat puke/spray, dog puke/poop, and fur everywhere OR fixing clawed walls OR replacing/fixing chewed up valuables OR stopping dog leg-humping (or whatever) may all be ugly/unfortunate situations; but they all give the opportunity to learn for those who are willing to absorb it and will build character and responsibility.

    Listening to constant barking and meowing allows the opportunity to become assertive in correcting the issues ignorant humans believe to be "animal issues" at the same time as allowing to appreciate the fact that fortunate people have the ability to hear (which includes everything audible that an able person would normally enjoy or especially need or find comforting/useful - e.g. music, a 911 call, the encouragement/sympathy of a friend or an announcing bark/growl from the dog that there is something wrong or an intruder) and that those people who can hear, will not be deafened by the "constant animal barking and meowing", especially if the assertiveness that can correct it, is practiced.

    Sleeping does not directly produce money or time or patience.

    Patience comes to those who find the opportunities, given to them, to display it.

    Money and Time on Earth come to an end at death.

    Unconditional Love cannot be broken or interrupted by any of the above.

    Pets can be loved, if the one showing love gives oneself a chance to do so.

    So, take it easy and hang on because it's worth the time to show love to a pet (aka member of the family) and have it returned on the road of life.

  • Posted By: saws1 @ 01/16/2008 11:16:42 PM

    hehe...there are some funny people and some "funny" people on here. it is true petting an animal decreases blood pressure of the human AND the pet. it's also true that veterinarians, as a profession, tend to have longer lifespans than others. that being said, not everyone is an animal lover. as long as those who aren't don't choose to "adopt" or are unnecessarily cruel, who cares? as for the cat spray, dog humping, problems with heat - real simple - sterilization at the right age adn the problem is solved.



  • Posted By: joaninfo @ 01/16/2008 11:13:51 PM

    davide07 - You are one sick puppy.

  • Posted By: eeyoresdad @ 01/16/2008 11:09:28 PM

    Well davideo07, the person who used your name is definetely one of those ignorant A-holes who have nothing to show for anything they say. I love animals and pet keeping has been around for a long time. There are malpractices for harvesting and raising meat but there's always the simple solution for boycotting. The imposter under your name is practically insane and angry. Meat is a part of many diets. If he/she wants to let mother nature take its course then by all means leave these people to their meat, it doesn't make us murderers. He/she seems to have no idea what's right and what's wrong because it's comment has no reason. If this guy says that animals' lives are just as valuable as ours then why put the comparison of who's life you'll save? To whoever the imposter is, get your stuff straight and fix your ignorance. Join peta, you'll find a lot of people like yourself.

  • Posted By: eeyoresdad @ 01/16/2008 11:08:57 PM

    Well davideo07, the person who used your name is definetely one of those ignorant A-holes who have nothing to show for anything they say. I love animals and pet keeping has been around for a long time. There are malpractices for harvesting and raising meat but there's always the simple solution for boycotting. The imposter under your name is practically insane and angry. Meat is a part of many diets. If he/she wants to let mother nature take its course then by all means leave these people to their meat, it doesn't make us murderers. He/she seems to have no idea what's right and what's wrong because it's comment has no reason. If this guy says that animals' lives are just as valuable as ours then why put the comparison of who's life you'll save? To whoever the imposter is, get your stuff straight and fix your ignorance. Join peta, you'll find a lot of people like yourself.

  • Posted By: davideo7 @ 01/16/2008 8:37:06 PM

    We should have the death penalty for people who hate animals, animals lives are just as valuable as human lives and they should have equal rights. Anyone who eats meat is a murder and should be killed, no animal should be harmed and eaten it is not right and it is sick and you should die for it. Davideo7 I hope you sufficate and DIE in your sleep and get burried deep down into the grave and let my mother nature take it course. If I had to choose to save the life of an animal or a human it would be the aminal.

    • Posted By: davideo7 @ 01/16/2008 8:41:45 PM

      Apparently someone is using my username...was that necessary? And I never once said I hated animals...

  • Posted By: davideo7 @ 01/16/2008 1:24:53 PM

    Didn't your parents ever teach you not to play with your food? Animals are a food source. Sure I've never eaten a dog or a cat, but many people out there eat cats and dogs just as we eat chicken and fish and I'm not about to judge anyone for eating what we call "pets".

    • Posted By: Swahili Man @ 01/16/2008 8:03:38 PM

      ...ehh..you go girl!!! ..Swahili Man

  • Posted By: Swahili Man @ 01/16/2008 7:57:04 PM

    Allo! I witch to say dat in my coontry we also love pets...espechusly cat and dog.. they are sooooooo TASTY!!!! YUMMY YUMMY!!! ...we can boil dem in hot oil or roast t=dem over pitt .. dey taste GOOD!!!!! i would lik ver much to be intorducked to other pets from you coontry...Tird of you pet?? I will ytake dem...yoost rite to me at Swisspeas@hotmail.com, We do picksups, too... not to worry... we soon come yoor state to checkup yure pets...YUMMY! WUMMY!! ,,,,,

    • Posted By: Swahili Man @ 01/16/2008 8:01:19 PM

      yOU sWAHILI PIG!!!! you eat my puppy...I get you for dis!!!!

  • Posted By: davideo7 @ 01/16/2008 7:49:10 PM

    http://theseoultimes.com/ST/db2/images/1618-20050318092430.jpg
    Is that Hitler with his dog?

    http://www.fpp.co.uk/Hitler/images/dogs/Hitler_w_Blondi_550.jpg
    Is that Hitler playing with his dog?

    http://www.adverblog.com/archives/img/animapro-hitler.jpg
    Is that Hitler smiling with his dog?

    "Hitler was a vegetarian with a soft spot for animals, particularly his last dog, Blondi, which was with him in the Berlin bunker when he committed suicide in April 1945."

    You can read about Hitlers love for animals here:
    http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2002/09/22/nhunt222.xml

    I think Untide needs to get his facts straight. And yes I work as a web designer so I'm on my computer all day long. Thanks for the good laughs you guys : )

  • Posted By: davideo7 @ 01/16/2008 7:48:57 PM

    http://theseoultimes.com/ST/db2/images/1618-20050318092430.jpg
    Is that Hitler with his dog?

    http://www.fpp.co.uk/Hitler/images/dogs/Hitler_w_Blondi_550.jpg
    Is that Hitler playing with his dog?

    http://www.adverblog.com/archives/img/animapro-hitler.jpg
    Is that Hitler smiling with his dog?

    "Hitler was a vegetarian with a soft spot for animals, particularly his last dog, Blondi, which was with him in the Berlin bunker when he committed suicide in April 1945."

    You can read about Hitlers love for animals here:
    http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2002/09/22/nhunt222.xml

    I think Untide needs to get his facts straight. And yes I work as a web designer so I'm on my computer all day long. Thanks for the good laughs you guys : )

  • Posted By: davideo7 @ 01/16/2008 7:48:36 PM

    http://theseoultimes.com/ST/db2/images/1618-20050318092430.jpg
    Is that Hitler with his dog?

    http://www.fpp.co.uk/Hitler/images/dogs/Hitler_w_Blondi_550.jpg
    Is that Hitler playing with his dog?

    http://www.adverblog.com/archives/img/animapro-hitler.jpg
    Is that Hitler smiling with his dog?

    "Hitler was a vegetarian with a soft spot for animals, particularly his last dog, Blondi, which was with him in the Berlin bunker when he committed suicide in April 1945."

    You can read about Hitlers love for animals here:
    http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2002/09/22/nhunt222.xml

    I think Untide needs to get his facts straight. And yes I work as a web designer so I'm on my computer all day long. Thanks for the good laughs you guys : )

  • Posted By: davideo7 @ 01/16/2008 2:21:40 PM

    Sure says a lot for Hitler than, he had more feelings for animals than he did for humans and he even admitted to valuing an animals life over a humans life. You and him would've made very good partners.

    • Posted By: untide @ 01/16/2008 7:20:42 PM

      Lets get some facts straight here, Hitlers dog was named Blondi, a German Shepperd. German Shepperds are known well for being used in such things as police dogs, watch dogs, and loyal companions. Hitler KILLED his own dog with a cyanide pill while testing it. Only reason he kept it around was because when you kill thousands of innocent people your not liked very much. I think from how people see you david you are more like Hitler then anyone else here. In the aspect of not being liked very much.

    • Posted By: untide @ 01/16/2008 7:17:36 PM

      Please provide actual facts before stating such things. It has yet to be recorded OFFICIALLY that Hitler said that. Further more Hitler KILLED his own dog using cyanide. Much love? Yeah right. Many confuse the fact that Blondi was always with him for the true fact that the dog kept him safe, when you are a leader of a military who is slaughtering thousands of innocent people your not liked much so it's nice to have something that can be a "live radar"

    • Posted By: whirlygirl @ 01/16/2008 5:59:42 PM

      David, David, David. I'm not surprised that you'd prefer a new computer since my guess is that most of your time is spent alone in your room playing on the internet. With the compassionate, pleasant demeanor you've shown here, I can't imagine why any living thing - human or animal - would want much to do with the likes of you. Have a great day, Davey.

  • Posted By: peaceful living @ 01/16/2008 1:21:19 PM

    well davideo7, if people would spay and neuter and be responsible "humans" taking the time to teach the animal what is acceptable behavior and what isn't---in a positive manner----all of what you made reference to would not an issue. i've had animals--domestic and wildlife considering i've been involved in wildlife rehab/rescue---for 50 years.......most "animal issues" are created by ignorant humans.

    • Posted By: squirrelly @ 01/16/2008 3:38:19 PM

      i agree wholeheartedly with you peaceful. I take in so many strays and see dogs all over the place just running wild. also, teaching pets what is acceptable behavior is of the utmost importance in order to be a responsible and loving pet owner/caregiver.
      Thank you for bringing up a very good point and for your good work !

  • Posted By: Gemlyn @ 01/16/2008 1:03:30 PM

    I feel sorry for davide07 and squirelly. Neither should have a pet. Both have their own problems and subjecting a pet to people who are that selfish, self-centered and insecure is as bad as people having children who should not have them. Not everyone should be a parent, or a pet owner. Let's hope that most people have the maturity to know if they should or shouldn't have children or pets. Yes pets can be expensive, but if you can't afford to take care of them, then don't get them. I love my animals, and they love me back with no reservations. You have to be a friend to have them; and you have to give love to pets and friends to get it back. DC Pet Owner

    • Posted By: squirrelly @ 01/16/2008 3:32:42 PM

      Excuuuuuse me Gemlyn. Don't be so quick to attack other people's opinions. If you read my post: "What about the people that OBSESS over their pets to the point that they are losing loved ones-friends etc.?". Simply a question that I wanted an answer to. I have had pets all my life and an animal lover - they are all spoiled rotten and have lived a wonderful life for many years. I take in strays and find good homes for them, as well as medical care for them. You are too quick to judge. I know of many people who love their pets. There are others however, that OBSESS - the operative word here is OBSESS over their pets, and go so far as to wonder more about them than they do about their own children in the home. Relationships are put to the test. The pet owners do not realize that they are behaving in an unhealthy manner.
      Again, I do love my pets and will continue to do so.

  • Posted By: snrotondo @ 01/16/2008 2:18:12 PM

    AS a multiple pet owner, I have to agree that animals are the greatest. I choose not to have children of the human variety -- instead, I have four children who love me unconditionally, and don't talk back. What could be better?

    I admit I am one of those people who, in a general sense, would take an animal over a human any day. Humans in general are rude, disgusting, mean-spirited and egotistical. They care nothing for their fellow man, let alone animal kind. With that in mind, why would I value the human race, which has systematically all but destroyed several animal species and has apparently turned its attention to itself?

    Then again, starving children are a soft point -- but again, this is an epidemic that I believe could be controlled by humans, but they are so self absorbed with making money and having all the bling that they can't pay attention to those poor, fly-covered, distended bellies.

    My grandfather, one of the wisest men I have ever known -- a general in the Army, in fact, once said that you can tell a lot about a person by how they treat an animal. This is too true, which is why anyone who cannot at least understand the benefits and joys of an animal is to be avoided at all costs.

  • Posted By: FoxyMoron @ 01/16/2008 2:16:29 PM

    My dog drives me crazy with her chewing, accidents, and stubborness. But at the end of the day- all the joy I have with her outweighs the bad.
    Just remember what our parents had to put up with before we were potty trained and sleeping through the night. Not to say animal life is worth more than human but we all were a pain in the ass at one point. Doesnt mean we arent worth anything...!

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