Animals have always been a part of Joanie Brastoff's life.

"I've always been a crazy animal person," said Brastoff, 58, who has four dogs, a cat and a bird. "It's something in me. As far back as I can remember, I have always loved animals."

Brastoff, of South Euclid, Ohio, finds companionship with her pets, as do many other baby boomers.

Brastoff admits to being a bit more partial to her Chihuahuas -- Lilly, Greenlee, Daisy and Iris.

"I love my dogs," she says. "I leave all their toys out when I leave -- but I don't leave them for long. I leave the TV on for my dogs and the radio on for my bird. They are really spoiled."

Brastoff, who does not have any children and has never been married, has a true bond with her animals.

"I wasn't fortunate enough to have children, so my animals are my children," she says.

She also says her animals bring a great amount of comfort to her.

"I could never be one of those people without animals," she says. "They love you unconditionally. If you take the garbage out, they are wagging their tails like crazy."

"And there's nothing like holding my cat and hearing him purr," she says about her cat, Locki, a 2-year-old pink-nose Himalayan.

She says she smiles when her love bird, Jade, comes out of the cage and sits on her shoulder.

Brastoff's pets bring her a lot of joy, and she goes out of her way to provide them a loving and caring home.

Brastoff says she hand feeds her oldest dog, Daisy, and allows her dogs and cat to sleep with her.

"When I go to bed, I am sandwiched by a dog and a cat," she says.

Health Benefits

In addition to love, Brastoff's pets keep her active in the community. Brastoff works with her local humane society and several rescue efforts.

Socialization and decreasing feelings of loneliness are health benefits of owning a pet, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

They also help decrease blood pressure, cholesterol levels, triglyceride levels and feelings of loneliness. Also, pets increase opportunities for exercise and socialization.

Pets Equal Responsibility

While there are benefits to pet ownership, it is a big responsibility.

Soren Madsen, senior editor for Hello Boomers magazine, says baby boomers often forget about the financial responsibility of owning a dog and even training it.

In a recent article, he dealt with the topic.

"For many baby boomers, getting a pet later in life will present some unexpected challenges -- especially if the pet of choice is a dog," Madsen writes. "A cat is in general much easier to have than a dog, but many people prefer a dog because it is loyal and, as we all know, man's best friend."

The responsibilities, such as veterinarian bills, sometimes are not considered because companionship is the focus.

Madsen says this is because many boomers are dealing with empty nest syndrome, divorce or the loss of a spouse.

Tips On Saving, Training

Brastoff says the rewards far outweigh the drawbacks and commitment is all that is needed when considering pet ownership.

She says baby boomers or people who looking to save a few dollars should look for sales and coupons. She says she often finds a $5 coupon for a popular pet store in her community, and that helps out when she buys dog food.

As for training, Brastoff said she keeps a can with 15 pennies inside to maintain order in her home.

"When the dogs are barking, I shake it and they don't like it, so they stop," she says.

She also keeps a squirt bottle with water in it.

"When I get that squirt bottle, I have the power," Brastoff says.

She says that it is important to remain patient although she says her dog, Iris, who is 7 months old, has truly tested her patience.

"She is my, 'I wish.' I wish she would not pee in my bed. I wish she would not chew on my shoes," Brastoff says.