May, 2002

Visit the Newsletter Archive

The Human/Companion Animal Bond

Humans have lived with companion animals for many, many years. It is believed that dogs were domesticated about 100,000 years ago. They were first used to help hunt for food for their humans. Cats moved in with humans only 7,000 years ago. They too were used for their hunting skills however, their prey were the rodents that lived among the humans. Today, the primary reason for owning pets is companionship. While there are still a lot of working dogs and cats (and the cat's "job" has not changed over the years), the companionship they offer to their owners is immeasurable.

A survey conducted by the American Animal Hospital Association asked more than 1,000 pet owners if they were stranded on a deserted island and could have one companion would they prefer Cindy Crawford, Brad Pitt, or their pet. Not surprisingly, the pets won!

A study by the US Department of Health concluded that pets increased the survival rate of heart attack victims. Only about 6% of heart patients who owned pets died, whereas about 28% of heart patients who didn't own pets died after suffering a serious heart attack.

Another study, done with the elderly, offered them a TV, a plant, or a bird. Those who chose the bird experienced more positive changes than the others. The birds stimulated them to be more active and, overall, brightened the lives of their new owners.

Pets, including dogs, cats, birds, fish, and horses have been shown to contribute to the well being of their human companions. Research has shown that pets contribute many benefits to their owners including increased exercise, sensory stimulation, decreased blood pressure and heart rate, the comfort of touch and unbound love and attention. They reduce loneliness, decrease our anxiety and stress, bring laughter into our lives, and relieve boredom and monotony.

Pets are improving the lives of the elderly and the mentally and physically challenged every day. Dogs work as guides for the blind; they assist the deaf, and aid the disabled. Horses have given handicapped riders great benefits. Riding not only improves their physical conditioning, it elevates their self-esteem. Dogs, cats, birds, and pocket pets are used in therapy for all age groups with physical or emotional needs that can't be met by any other means. There are stories about patients who, for whatever reason, were unable (or unwilling) to speak. And yet, when visited by a pet, they would talk to it. In some cases this would be the only time these patients would speak. In others, this was just the beginning. Pet visits to medical facilities and nursing homes provide physical, mental, and emotional stimulation to the patients. The love and attention that the animals give provides a boost that can't be found in any pill or injection. Pets have a positive influence on children. Aside from being their confidant at times, they can increase self-esteem and teach children to be responsible through caring for the needs of their pet. Pets used in the penal system have been shown to reduce the tensions that can lead to violence. There are many stories that illustrate the loyalty of our pets. Their dedication to their "master" is limitless. You've probably heard the story about the Skye Terrier in Edinburgh, Scotland who, in 1858, when his master died, took up watch on his master's grave, and stayed there for the next 14 years, until his own death. They even erected a statue to that little dog.

The relationship between our pet(s) and us is life enhancing. They make people feel loved through their constant and unquestioning devotion. A pet's loyalty is given without condition. The term "unconditional love" may seem a bit overused when articles such as this are written, but is there a better way to describe what you see in your pet's eyes, what you feel in their touch, or hear in their soft voices? Is there a better way to describe what you miss when a beloved pet dies? Their contributions to all of our lives are immeasurable and for that we thank them. And thanks also to all of our clients who have allowed us to join with them in the joys of pet companionship.

Here are a few of our favorite quotes and poems.

• "In ancient times cats were worshipped as gods; they have never forgotten this." -Anonymous

• "Cats invented self-esteem." - Erma Bombeck

• "A home without a cat, and a well-fed, well-petted, and properly revered cat, may be a perfect home, perhaps, but how can it prove its title?" - Mark Twain

• "If there are no dogs in Heaven, then when I die, I want to go where they went." - Anonymous

He's Just My Dog

He's just my dog. He is my other eyes that can see above the clouds, my other ears that can hear above the winds. He is a part of me that can reach into the sea.

He has told me a thousand times over that I am his reason for being. By the way he rests against my leg. By the way he thumps his tail at my smallest smile. By the way he shows his hurt when I leave without taking him. I think it makes him sick with worry when he's not along to care for me. When I am wrong he is delighted to forgive. When I am angry he clowns to make me smile. When I am happy he is joy unbound. When I am a fool he ignores it. When I succeed he brags.

Without him I am only another person. With him I am powerful.

He has taught me the meaning of devotion. He is loyalty itself.

With him I know a secret comfort and a private peace. He has brought me understanding where before I was ignorant. His head on my knee can heal my human hurts. His presence by my side is protection against my fears of dark and unknown things. He has promised to wait for me whenever…wherever. In case I need him. And I expect I will - as I always have. He is just my dog. - Gene Hill

Toxoplasmosis

Occasionally we hear about a doctor telling a pregnant woman to get rid of her cat to avoid exposure to a parasite called Toxoplasmosis, so we'd like to explain the disease and the disease transmission. Toxoplasmosis is a single-celled parasite that can infect cats.

Tips to Protect Against Toxoplasmosis Don't: change the litter box yourself - have someone else do it for you put cat litter in the compost introduce a new kitten into the home during your pregnancy eat undercooked or raw meat especially lamb and pork eat or drink unpasteurized dairy products Do: protect your cat(s) from infection by keeping them indoors and don't feed them raw meat or unpasteurized dairy products wear rubber gloves when gardening and if you must change the litter talk to your obstetrician about having a Toxoplasmosis test wash raw vegetables thoroughly before eating them wash your hands after cleaning the litter box and after handling raw meat cover children's sand boxes when they are not playing there to keep outdoor cats from using it as a litter box. Should it become infected, change the sand completely.

They pick it up by eating infected birds or rodents. The organisms multiply in the wall of the intestine and the oocysts produced are excreted in the cat's feces. Humans can acquire the parasite from an infected cat when handling used kitty litter or soil contaminated by cat feces.

Toxoplasmosis causes minimal problems in adult humans but exposure can be devastating to a fetus. The parasite can be passed to the fetus in utero. Toxoplasmosis infection in the fetus can cause spontaneous abortion, stillbirth, or delivery of a premature or full-term baby with congenital disease.

There is some good news here however. There is a simple blood test available to test for Toxoplasmosis and many obstetricians now are recommending it. A positive test however, is not a bad thing because with exposure comes immunity and the risk of infecting the fetus is removed. The risk is in exposure during the pregnancy. Steps should be taken to avoid the possibility of exposure during pregnancy.

As you can see, cats are not the only source of Toxoplasmosis. With proper care and handling of meats, possible contaminated feces and soil, the potential for infection can be controlled. There are so many things that pregnant women must deal with. Loss of a beloved family pet need not be one of them.

Information contained in this article was taken from Cat Watch (February 2001) the journal of the Cornell Feline Health Center - visit them on-line at www.vet.cornell.edu

Visit the newsletter archive.