We've always had cats in our home and about 7 months ago our 18-year-old kitty died after a long and well-lived life. We missed her right away but we still had her younger brother, Salem, to keep us company. I thought we would become a household of one cat, but my husband had other plans. One morning he announced he wanted to go to our local shelter to look at the kittens. It didn't take much convincing to get me to agree.
We came home with a delightful little girl who has been causing trouble ever since, and we are loving it. Our little Midge is just about the cutest thing we've ever seen, and she has fit right into our home. She's so easy to love and she gives it right back, in spades.
As we age pets can do so much more than keep us company. How pets benefit older people may depend on the person and the pets involved, but for older people who live alone, pet ownership can offset cognitive decline, according to recent studies. And there are other benefits. Owning a pet can relieve loneliness, stress, and anxiety. Research also indicates that dog owners have a lower risk of heart disease and may live longer -- an upside to all those cold morning walks, perhaps?
All I know is my home wouldn't be a home without my furry friends, especially as my children turn into full-functioning adults and need me less and less. Doting on and caring for a pet makes me feel good about myself. My husband, who spends most evenings watching television with Midge cuddled up in his lap, knew that our home had room for one more little creature and I'm so glad he did.
Both my husband I work full-time and have pretty busy schedules, but one day I hope, when we retire, we'll have the time to welcome a dog into our home. What's not to like about unconditional love with health benefits? Absolutely nothing.
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