Pets Bring Love, Health To Baby Boomers
Animals Ease Loneliness, Come With Costs
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.Copyright 2008, Internet Broadcasting. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
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