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For many of us, pets play an important role in our lives. We enjoy spending time with them and they make us feel better. Pets provide unconditional love and acceptance. According to the Delta Society, an organization dedicated to the human-animal health connection, research shows there are many health benefits to pet ownership. Pet owners have lower blood pressure, triglyceride and cholesterol levels; have fewer minor health problems and better psychological well-being. Pets develop nurturing behavior in children and decrease feelings of loneliness and isolation. Pet owners have a higher one-year survival rate following coronary heart disease and better physical health due to exercise with their pets. To learn more, visit the Delta Society on-line at deltasociety.org. Some pets have jobs, like the therapy dogs who volunteer with Paws with a Purpose. These dogs are hard at work throughout Asheville providing a furry dose of unconditional love to individuals of all ages. Over 85 therapy dog volunteer teams provide services to our community, each dog registered with a national organization for their calm demeanor and unflappable good temperament. Visits with therapy dogs diminish stress and anxiety, provide sensory stimulation by touch, act as a means to open communication and provide a non-threatening environment. Paws with a Purpose therapy teams visit with the JCC/JFS Elder Day Club the fourth Tuesday of each month. Please visit with Paws with a Purpose on the web at www.pawswithapurpose.org or call 828-301-5737 for more information. (Image provided by Paws with a Purpose.)
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