Did You Know...

... that Los Angeles Animal Services has a special program to promote the adoption of older dogs as well as the health of human senior citizens?

It is called Seniors 4 Seniors. A person over 62 years of age can adopt a dog over 7 years of age free, including spay/neuter, vaccinations, microchip and one free dog license. Here are 10 reasons why dog ownership is beneficial to human senior citizens:

1. Pets Lower Blood Pressure. A study of health patients showed that people over 40 who own pets had lower blood pressure than people who did not have pets. Another study showed that talking to pets decreases blood pressure.
2. Fewer Trips to the Doctor. Seniors who own dogs go to the doctor less than those who do not. In a study of 1,000 Medicare patients, even the most highly stressed dog owner/guardians in the study had 21 percent fewer physician's contacts than non-dog owner/guardians.
3. Less Depression. Studies show that seniors with pets do not become depressed as often as those without pets.
4. Easier to Make Friends. Seniors with pets meet more people and like to talk about their pets.
5. Seniors Become More Active. Seniors with pets go for more walks and are generally more active than those without pets.
6. Pets are Friends. Most everyone, but especially seniors, will say that pets are their friends.
7. Pets Ease Loss. Older people who suffer the loss of a spouse and own a pet are less likely to experience deterioration in health following that stressful event.
8. Pets Fight Loneliness. You are less likely to be lonely with a canine or feline friend around.
9. Taking Better Care of Themselves. Seniors take good care of their pets and better care of themselves when they own a pet.
10. Sense of Security. Pets help seniors to feel that someone they trust is always around.