Animal programs in nursing homes have shown to improve quality...

Pets have amazing powers. Researchers have found that pets heal everything from loneliness to broken hearts.

Love is an important component of both physical and mental health and rarely will one find a more unconditional love than that of a pet.

Pets also help reduce stress and anxiety. They aid in relaxation, reduce blood pressure, promote health and prolong life.

The elderly tend to have more issues with loneliness. Often for widows or widowers, the pet is the only other living being in the house. Pets give them someone to talk to, touch, cuddle and care for. They provide a sense of belonging and love.

They can also provide a sense of security and protection, especially when one lives alone. Pets bring not only love, but acceptance. Be nice to them and they'll repay your kindness tenfold plus.

Chances are you'll never find a human being who is less judgmental than a pet.

Patients in hospitals and nursing homes who have regular visits from pets tend to be more cooperative, happier, more relaxed and more open to treatment.

Animal programs in nursing homes have been shown to improve the quality of patients' lives by boosting their mobility, decreasing depression levels and increasing their willingness to care for themselves.

These are among the reasons many humane societies, rescue groups and shelters have adoption programs geared directly toward seniors. Seniors are able to adopt a pet at a reduced or no cost. "Seniors adopting seniors" (senior humans adopting senior pets) is a great way to pair adults who are settled and less active with pets that are the same.

Another benefit to an older pet is that it's usually housebroken/litter trained and many of its youthful bad habits have been broken.

If you're a senior, consider adopting a pet. If you love a senior, consider getting him or her a pet. Call your local SPCA, humane society, rescue group or shelter and see what programs they offer. It just might change a life.

Please remember, spring is on the way and all varieties of wild creatures are on the move. Give 'em a brake and watch for wildlife on the roadways.

Until next time, take care of those you love . . . even those with fur, feathers, fins