In Portland, Oregon, two people did, and they began to study the effects of the human-animal bond. Over twenty years ago Michael McCulloch MD, and Leo K. Bustad DVM, Ph.D., learned that animals have a positive effect on people who are sick or disabled. They discovered that people experienced lowered heart rates and blood pressure when interacting with animals. Other researchers have learned that a person's physical state is a primary factor in determining life span and that animal companionship is a factor in maintaining an optimum physical condition. A more recent study in Australia confirmed these findings.
Animals can be vital links to our health and sense of well being.
People address animals in a different way, speaking softly or with a high-pitched voice, even pausing to give animals time to respond. This is the way mothers talk to their babies and it has a calming effect on both the speaker and listener. Being able to touch and be touched contributes to good health. Stroking soft fur relaxes and calms us, relieving the stress of illness, loneliness, or depression. A pet offers crucial talk-touch presence, and the benefits are reciprocal.