Fur babies good for the heart and soul

Our four-legged pals are good for our health and good for the health of our communities. The tangible benefits to the physical and mental wellbeing of pet owners have been confirmed by scientific research.

You only have to see how many aged care facilities have therapy dogs or pooches who live on-site which benefit both residents and staff.

They give pleasure, teach responsibility, they love and are loved in return. Their paw-rents are generally healthier and happier than non-owners.

Loneliness can become an unwelcome companion as we get older and can lead to depression as well as physical problems. Dogs centre their schedule and personality to you. They are never unavailable or off duty.

Having a dog is a responsibility but not a taxing one. Maybe you don't always want to get out of bed, but your pet wants you to, and isn't that a good thing?

People benefit from regular physical exercise regardless of their age. Having a dog can be a great way to make walking a regular part of your permanent daily plans.

Having a pet helps you stay connected to your community including the vet and the place you have your dog groomed and washed. You need to be involved in social activities.

There are lots of shared activities for pet owners, ranging from communal walks to charitable events and projects run by organisations that cater to animals and the environment. It can be hard to meet new people, but pets are a great icebreaker.

Having a pet can expose you to a lot of new interests and activities. Maybe it's cleaning up the neighborhood park where you walk your dog. Some hospitals seek pet owners who will volunteer to bring in their pets to spend time with patients.

Having a pet means that you have made a promise to continue being involved in another life. This commitment is one of the most positive decisions you can make as you grow older.