It's a proven fact: people with pets frequently age well.
Numerous surveys on pet ownership have confirmed that sharing your life with purring cats, devoted dogs - or any animal companion - lowers blood pressure and cholesterol, reduces the need for medical services and boosts physical activity.
Pet owners are also less lonely because there is always someone to come home to, and dog owners will attest to the power of their pooches as conversation starters when out for their daily walk.
The comfort our animals provide during times of grief and loss is profound; many owners say their animals intuitively know when they are not in a good headspace.
With pets being the perfect panacea to life's inevitable challenges, why doesn't everyone have one?
The latest national survey of pets and people, commissioned by Animal Medicines Australia, has found that while 69 per cent of all Australian households have a pet, many more who would like to own one.
And that's why the RSPCA wants to encourage pet ownership as a win-win for animals and people.
The charity is adamant that age is no barrier to pet ownership, thanks to its Home Ever After program.
Aside from encouraging pet ownership, the program is the organisation's way of saying thanks to anyone who generously leaves a gift in their will.
Once you register your pet with Home Ever After, you can have peace of mind knowing that if you are suddenly unable to care for your animal, the RSPCA will step in with a plan that prioritises your pet's ongoing welfare.
The organisation will use its years of experience in animal adoption to match your beloved pet with a family that will give them a wonderful, loving new home.
And by remembering RSPCA when writing their will, people are paying it forward for the animals that come into the charity's care every day.
Therese Murray
Wordsmith. Senior journalist. Editor. I have a proven track record in helping people and communities solve their problems. My career is all about telling stories.
Wordsmith. Senior journalist. Editor. I have a proven track record in helping people and communities solve their problems. My career is all about telling stories.
