SAVING LIVES
WHETHER IT'S SNUGGLES OR PLAYTIME, ANYONE WHO’S ADOPTED A PET CAN ATTEST TO THE MANY BENEFITS OF RESCUE.
THE GIFT THAT KEEPS ON GIVING First and foremost, adoption often saves more lives than just the adopted pet. Millions of cats and dogs end up in shelters every year in the United States alone. Adopting gives your new pet a loving home, and it also makes room for another cat or dog in the shelter or rescue. On a purely practical level, you’ll likely be getting a pet that has already been spayed/neutered and vaccinated. If an adult or senior dog is more suited to your lifestyle, they’ll likely be house-trained and will only need a training refresher to settle into their new routine. But the benefits go so much further. HEALTHIER LIVING Adopting a pet can offer numerous health benefits, whether psychological, physical, or emotional. Recent studies find animal-assisted interventions (AAI) with shelter pets can help humans better manage psychological distress, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Pet companionship can also make us feel less isolated and lonely. Physical activity with our pets, such as taking regular walks, makes us healthier overall. Studies show that pet owners are more physically active than non-pet owners and that pets can especially help older adults get the daily amount of exercise they need. The activity obviously benefits our adopted furry family members, as walks and games can help them feel more confident and less stressed while giving them physical and mental stimulation. Not as obvious may be the benefits to their human companions who join them on daily walks and playtime. It's good for your heart — in more ways than one! who who? saves
42 FREDRIC H. RUBEL MAGAZINE
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