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About The Chronicle : Creswell & Cottage Grove. (Creswell, Ore.) 2019-current | View Entire Issue (Oct. 24, 2019)
24 — THE CHRONICLE THURSDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2019 PETS COMMUNITY NUTRITIONALLY SPEAKING Dogs (and cats) support optimal health few months ago, to lower blood pressure and and a couple of healthier cholesterol and years after triglyceride levels, our last resulting in over- dog, Poppy all better cardio- died, my wife Donna vascula r health. went to the animal Dog owners who shelter and brought experience a heart home our new family attack have a higher member: cat-friendly, survival rate as 8-year-old Emma. YAAKOV LEVINE well. We have two cats, so Dog owners it was important to are typically more fit fi nd a dog that is cat-friendly, and Emma had passed that and active. In our home test. As older folks, we we have an extra couple thought to adopt an older, of walks daily since we more mellow dog – which adopt e d Em ma seven Emma is by the end of a day months ago. We can easily of walks, playing and train- get the 2.5 hours of weekly exercise that health experts ing. Yikes! Having a dog on the house- recommend. “People love to be outside hold fi lled an empty space for both of us, even if the to walk their dog and be jury is still out for the kitties. with their dog,” says Kay And don’t get me wrong, the Joubert, director of compan- kitties have important roles ion animal services at in our lives (Violet is on my PAWS, a Washington-based lap as “we” write this) and we animal advocacy organi- love them dearly, but a dog zation. “It helps them to fi lls a bigger heart space for be more active”. And this me, and possibly for Donna activity time helps us be more mobile into our 70s as well. As a newly retired person, and 80s. A recent study in I now have more time to the journal Gerontologist spend at home with my found that older adults who two- and four-legged family walked their dogs experi- members, and I feel an extra enced “lower body mass level of relaxation as a result. index, fewer activities of There are many documented daily living limitations, health benefits we garner fewer doctor visits, and from having pets – especially more frequent moderate and dogs – and here are my top vigorous exercise. 10: Looking to drop A a few extra pounds? Dogs don’t just fi ll Daily dog walks help us your heart with love to lose weight, since you and joy ; studies show that are nudged to do 10, 20 or having a canine pal is linked even 30 minutes of walk- ing each time. A 2010 study showed that public hous- ing residents who walked “loaner” dogs fi ve times a week lost an average of 14 pounds over the course of a year; the participants also suggested that they did not consider this exercise, but their responsibility to the dogs: “They need us to walk them.” As we age, and espe- cially during our Pacifi c Northwest rainy season we don’t get out as much to meet folks. Researchers have found that 40% of dog owners make friends more easily, possibly because the vast majority speak and connect with other dog owners during walks. Dog owners tend to be a little more extroverted or outgoing,” says Joubert. “When you start to engage them about their companion animal, people tend to open up and really blossom. They want to share stories about their favorite friend.” Spending time with our pets can support a lower anxiety and stress level, often resulting in lower blood pressu re. Our pet activities support increased levels of sero- tonin and dopamine – two feel-good neurotransmit- ters that play a role in our feelings of calmness and wellbeing. People perform- ing stressful tasks do better with their dog around, and, wait for it … studies show that dogs ease tension at the Creswell’s Experienced Pet Groomer for 29 years! • Excellent rating & reviews • Peaceful & laid back atmosphere • Skilled in unique cuts & special breeds 34118 Cloverdale Rd 541- 895-5343 Dog Training Classes now in session • Dog Walking • Pet Visits • Group & Private Dog Training Now Offering: Cheri Spaulding , CPDT-KA, KPA-CTP • Group classes Rock Nest Training & Pet Care , LLC rocknestpetcare.com • 541.895.3162 offi ce and between married couples! healthy. In the past, experts As we get older, believed that having a especially after we dog in the house caused retire, it can be a chal- children’s allergies. Recent lenge to fi nd structure and meaning for our lives day in and day out. In our case, we have the goal of a couple of dog walks a day, we like being out in nature, espe- cially in fall with its color- ful vistas. Having Emma, who is always ready for a walk, adds some incentive for us to get out of the door. No matter how we are feel- ing, physically or emotion- ally, getting out for that walk offers dividends. Having a dog can help prevent depres- sion. Raise your hands if you get a bit down during the gloomy fall and winter seasons? It is widely believed that dog owners are less prone to SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) and the accompanying depression, and therapy dogs – animals that do not stay in your home – have been shown to be effective in easing depres- sion for a variety of people, old and young, sick and research has taught us that the opposite is true: Dogs and cats actually can lower a child’s potential to become allergic by up to 33%, according to a 2004 study published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. These kids may even develop a stronger immune system! If you are over 65 and own a pet, odds are you seek medical help around 30% less often that folks without pets. A study in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology deter- mined that pet-owning seniors on Medicare “reported fewer doctor visits over a one-year period than respondents who did not own pets” and “Owners of dogs in partic- ular were buffered from the impact of stressful life events on physician utilization.” And finally, it is believed that owning a dog can help detect and manage a variety of illnesses and debilitation. Some have been trained to sniff out skin, kidney, blad- der and prostate cancer. Service dogs support folks with traumatic injuries and support increased mobil- ity and independence. Alzheimer’s patients are soothed by their canine companions, mitigating those bouts of emotional fl are-ups and aggression. So, If you are contem- plating inviting a dog into your family, you will be able to look forward to these benefi ts as described above. There are many small nonprofit rescue groups among us in our area, as well as Greenhill Humane Society. Salud! South Willamette Veterinary Clinic 24 hr. Emergency Service Large animals only Wes Violet, DVM Kris Willaman, DVM 255 Emerald Parkway 541-895-5665 Pupgrade Dog Training: New puppy? Mischievous mutt? Let a certified trainer bring peace to your home. Visit Pupgradek9.com or call 541-735-4920 to schedule your free consultation. C reswell V eterinary H ospital S heri S chlOrmAn , Dvm 345 W. O regOn A ve . 541-895-3536 Greenhill’s Pet of the Week: Lorna Meet Lorna! This 1 year old black and brown tabby is Lorna! She loves to be loved! Lorna loves to sit on her companions lap and be pet all day. She enjoys playing with feathery toys, window watch- ing and taking a cat nap. A volunteer described her as “sweet, loves head rubs and deserves to be a queen!” Lorna can be nervous in a new environment so she needs a home that will be patient and give her time to adjust. Once she is relaxed and comfortable she loves to be the center of attention! Lorna needs a cat free home where she can get lots of love. This pretty lady is very deserving of her forever family to fall in love with! If you are interested in adopting a cat or would like to learn more about adding a cat into your family, please visit Greenhill Humane Society. Greenhill Humane Society is open for adoptions seven days a week, 11 am – 6 pm at 88530 Green Hill Rd in Eugene. For more information call (541) 689.1503 or visit www.green-hill.org. Greenhill Humane Society is open for adoptions seven days a week, 11 am – 6 pm at 88530 Green Hill Rd in Eugene. For more information call (541) 689.1503 or visit www.green-hill.org. Sponsored by: The Creswell Chronicle • 34 W. Oregon Ave. • 541-895-2197 www.thecreswellchronicle.com
