Pets for Life

What a wonderful thing this is.  Pets for Life is a program sponsored by the Humane Society of the United States and a grant from PetSmart Charities.  This program helps low income families keep their pets…for life.  The Animal Rescue League of Iowa is one of only 10 animal care organizations that received one of these grants.  This video is from their recent event on November 11, 2013.

In 2012 the following groups received the grant. 

This grant provides each group with $40,000 for spay/neuter clinics, community outreach, and microchips.  What a wonderful thing to help people keep their pets when they are down on their luck.  With programs like this and groups like The Pet Project Midwest, there are more and more opportunities for people to keep their pets and care for them properly instead of giving them up to a shelter because they can’t afford to keep them.

Studies prove that owning (or being owned) by a pet is good for your health.  Research show that dog owners get 54% more exercise that pet-free people.  Pets help lower stress, blood-pressure and cholesterol.  This Huffington Post article from May, 2013 has a slideshow that explains many ways owning a pet is good for your health.  I like slide #3, but have yet to convince my boss on this subject.  J

There are so many articles and studies out there to look at.  This one from Mental Floss made me smile.  And it’s not just dogs.  Owning any kind of pet to care for is good for your health.  That is why I think Pets for Life is such a wonderful program.  As the last quote on the video above states:

“Experience has shown us that when we extend our compassion to the humans as well as other animals and extend resources where needed, we can create long-term and meaningful social change.”

 

Be Well & Be Happy,

Pet~Pourri