Doctors Should Prescribe Pets Poem by Paul Hartal

Studies show that pet owners are healthier
than people who don't have animal companions.
During the period of one of these studies
six times more people who did not own dogs died,
compared to the control group of dog owners.

Ironically, the same study also tested the drugs
encainide and flecainide resulting in an increase
of cardiac deaths.

Interacting with pets promotes survival.
It lowers blood pressure. It helps in
the prevention of the health-damaging
consequences of isolation and loneliness.

Pets enhance the quality of life of their
owners. Furthermore, dogs especially are known
for their love and affection, which researchers
view nowadays as indispensable healing forces.