Is it true that pet owners live longer than non-pet owners?

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I heard some research to that effect. I hope that's true, since we have 2 dogs.

Answer

Yes, it is true. It gives the person a reason to get up in the morning if they live alone (children have left home or they are widowed or divorced.) When my mother was in the nursing home I took my two dogs up (at the time I had Shawnee a terrier poodle female cross and a Cairn named Daisy) to visit my mom. Her eyes would light up, but what I really noticed was the other elderly people also took great interest. My dear Shawnee died a few months later of old age, and 6 months later my Cairn died of Cushing's Disease. I got another dog named Tootsie who is a Bichon Frise. I told a little white lie to my mom and said it was her dog, but we would look after it. Tootsie is an incredible dog and smart as whip and I would often visit my bed-ridden mother, then go to the lounge where many of the elderly were and put Tootsie through her paces and they clapped, eyes sparkling and really wanted to pet her. Tootsie (as many dogs know or even some cats) which people needed her the most.

Also Dolphins as well as dogs or cats are used for children with learning disabilities or are mentally challenged and it's amazing how the animals can get the children to do more than all the medicines in the world.

You bet I believe pets (dogs, cats, horses, etc.) can lengthen our lives. After all, they're wiser than we are! LOL

First answer by Photoartkaz. Last edit by Marcy. Contributor trust: 3901 [recommend contributor]. Question popularity: 30 [recommend question]