Are pets good for your health?

I'm a dog owner and I absolutely love it. Gunner is such a great little friend and he brightens my day in so many ways. He's always full of affection and loves even if I've had a rough day or I'm upset about something. He plays with me and loves to follow me around the house and check on what I'm doing. Right now as I'm typing this up he is napping at my feet. What a special little friend he is to me and I never realized the bond a person can have with an animal until I got my very own. This has got me thinking recently about the pet/human connection.
There are so many positive things about being a pet owner. I was very excited to share some of the things I found out...
According to the CDC pets are good for cardiovascular health. Owning a pet can lower your blood pressure, your cholesterol, and triglyceride levels.
Studies have also found that pet owners are more likely than people without pets to survive after hospitalization for a heart attack, and that owning a pet lowers anxiety and decreases feelings of loneliness and depression.
Pets also keep their owners fit from walks and chasing them around the house. Owning a pet increases the opportunities for outdoor activities and more exercise. (I know Mike and I like to do certain things outside so we can take Gunner along.)
A pet can give their owner a sense of meaning and purpose, companionship, and protection. This is especially great for empty nesters or older people who feel a void after a loved one passes away or all of their kids have moved away from home.
Take home message...if you're thinking about getting a pet find the one that is best for you and for your lifestyle. (The last thing we need is an impulse buy and more pets in animal shelters.) But hopefully after reading this article you wont just think of pets as annoyances that potty where they shouldn't and leave messes. They will become your best friend and along the way help you become a little more healthy without you even having to lift a finger.