Weekly Connections w/ Lynn Marshall – Week of December 7 – 14, 2025
- Weekly Connections
Most of us are familiar with the benefits provided by highly trained service dogs for the blind, those with PTSD, and other medical or emotional needs; however, did you know that just having a pet is good for your health?
Ongoing research from Harvard University, the National Institute of Health, AARP, and other studies show that the health benefits of owning a pet are undeniable. Pets not only provide physical health benefits, they aid in our emotional well-being, and can even improve our social lives!
Pet ownership has been linked to quantifiable physical health benefits. Dog owners have lower blood pressure, healthier cholesterol levels, and a lower risk of heart disease, than non-dog owners. Research shows that interaction with animals, particularly dogs, increases the oxytocin hormone levels in humans which reduces stress and anxiety. The physical act of petting a dog immediately lowers your heart rate and puts your body in a more relaxed state. One study shows that 87% of people felt more relaxed after spending time with a pet.
Taking your dog for a walk also has great health benefits. Dogs are great personal trainers-they help get us moving! A 2017 study published in the journal BMC Public Health found that dog owners walked 22 minutes more per day on average, compared with those who did not own a dog.
And let’s not forget our feline friends! When a cat purrs within a range of 20-140 Hertz, nearby humans may benefit therapeutically from these vibrations. A cat purring has been linked to lowering stress, decreasing symptoms of difficult or painful breathing, and lessening the chances of having a heart attack.
The purring vibration may even strengthen bones, aid in the healing of broken bones, and hasten wound healing! Studies show that a cat who breaks a bone heals more quickly than a dog, which may be attributed to the purring frequency. Who knew that our cats purring could offer such healing benefits.
It just seems like common sense that pet ownership would reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation. However, clinical research exists to back this up. Pets fulfill emotional needs like the need for companionship, love, security, and comfort.
Taking care of a pet also fulfills the need to nurture and take care of another living thing. Pet ownership gives many people a sense of purpose. Even if you don’t feel like it some days, your dog needs you to show up and care for them–And who can let Fido down?
Studies have been done of people suffering with clinical depression. Those who have a pet tend to recover faster and need less pharmaceuticals. “You can always find hope in a dog’s eyes”. A 2015 study, published in the Journal of Community and Supportive Oncology, showed a lift in “emotional well-being and quality of life” for adults undergoing cancer treatment after visits from a therapy dog.
There are so many psychological benefits to having a pet. Dog and cat owners are less prone to bouts of, anxiety, and depression. As referenced earlier, simply petting your dog or cat can make you feel less stressed. One of the greatest benefits of owning a pet is that it encourages you to practice mindfulness — pets live in the present moment, fully appreciating life. Our pets can help remind us to do the same.
In addition, people who may be struggling with loss, whether though divorce, death of a loved one, death of another pet, or even the “empty nest” syndrome of kids going off to college, can find such comfort from the companionship of a pet. Pets truly are little “heart healers.”
Pet ownership can benefit human relationships. In a study done by AARP and the University of Michigan, 65 percent of the pet owners surveyed say that having a pet helps them connect with other people.
Fostering social connections, is good for our long-term health. People who have a solid social network are 50% more likely to live longer than those with a limited social network. In today’s isolated world of Zoom meetings, screen time on social media, and “work from home” culture, many people have trouble making connections.
Research has found being a pet owner was the third most common way that people meet other people in their neighborhoods. Pet owners were 60% more likely than non–pet owners to get to know people in their neighborhoods. Taking your dog on a walk through the park, to your local brewery or coffee house can be a great conversation starter. Dogs communicate for us, and with us, without ever saying a word!
Having a pet CAN and DOES help us physically, mentally and socially. If you have a pet, give him or her a big hug for helping keep you healthy in so many ways. If you don’t have a pet—What are you waiting for??? There are so many pets in local shelters and rescues just waiting to help you live a longer, happier, and healthier life.
By, Melissa Shoemaker, Volunteer
Melissa spent almost 30 years in financial services, but now volunteers with Piedmont Animal Rescue (PAR) located at 228 E. Waterlynn Road in Mooresville. PAR’s motto is “Where Animals Come First.” She also enjoys cooking, spending time with friends and family- and of course, her two spoiled dogs, Piglet and Nugget.
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