Often we associate pet therapy with amiable retrievers carefully guiding the blind through city streets, or wet noses nuzzling the infirm in hospitals or care centers. And while there are real benefits from those types of interactions, which we'll talk about later, we sometimes overlook the cat in your lap right now, or the dog curled at your feet. These guys impart so many subtle health benefits, it's a wonder they're licensed only with the city and not also with the Food and Drug Administration. The kinds of things we have found are that pet owners have lower blood pressure and deal with stress more effectively. They are more satisfied with their health, appearance, social interactions and leisure time.
Seniors go to doctors less.
Pet owners are less afraid of being a victims of crime. Another thing which increases your attachment to your pet is how much time you spend with it, which is one reason the Delta Society is pushing to open the workplace doors to employee's well-behaved pets. We do a lot with the Internet, with e-mail, with phones. That ability to have personal contact with pets keeps stress levels down, and it encourages breaks and social interactions. We think this is an important growth area.