Start Your Own Humane Education Organization

and more time searching for a human mate. I waited for you patiently,comforted you through heartbreaks and disappointments, never chidedyou about bad decisions, and romped with glee at your homecomings,and when you fell in love.She, now your wife, is not a \"dog person\" - still I welcomed her into ourhome, tried to show her affection, and obeyed her. I was happy becauseyou were happy. Then the human babies came along and I shared yourexcitement. I was fascinated by their pinkness, how they smelled, and Iwanted to mother them, too. Only she and you worried that I might hurtthem, and I spent most of my time banished to another room, or to adog crate. Oh, how I wanted to love them, but I became a \"prisoner oflove.\"As they began to grow, I became their friend. They clung to my fur andpulled themselves up on wobbly legs, poked fingers in my eyes,investigated my ears and gave me kisses on my nose. I loved everythingabout them and their touch - because your touch was now so infrequent- and I would have defended them with my life if need be.I would sneak into their beds and listen to their worries and secretdreams. Together we waited for the sound of your car in the driveway.There had been a time, when others asked you if you had a dog, that youproduced a photo of me from your wallet and told them stories aboutme. These past few years, you just answered \"yes\" and changed thesubject. I had gone from being \"your dog\" to \"just a dog,\" and youresented every expenditure on my behalf.Now you have a new career opportunity in another city, and you andthey will be moving to an apartment that does not allow pets. You'vemade the right decision for your \"family,\" but there was a time when Iwas your only family. I was excited about the car ride until we arrived atthe animal shelter. It smelled of dogs and cats, of fear, of hopelessness.You filled out the paperwork and said \"I know you will find a good homefor her.\" They shrugged and gave you a pained look. They understand therealities facing a middle-aged dog or cat, even one with \"papers.\" You 101

had to pry your son's fingers loose from my collar as he screamed \"No,Daddy! Please don't let them take my dog!\" And I worried for him, andwhat lessons you had just taught him about friendship and loyalty, aboutlove and responsibility, and about respect for all life. You gave me agoodbye pat on the head, avoided my eyes, and politely refused to takemy collar and leash with you. You had a deadline to meet and now I haveone, too.After you left, the two nice ladies said you probably knew about yourupcoming move months ago and made no attempt to find me anothergood home. They shook their heads and asked \"How could you?\"They are as attentive to us here in the shelter as their busy schedulesallow. They feed us, of course, but I lost my appetite days ago. At first,whenever anyone passed my pen, I rushed to the front, hoping it wasyou - that you had changed your mind - that this was all a bad dream...orI hoped it would at least be someone who cared, anyone who might saveme. When I realized I could not compete with the frolicking for attentionof happy puppies, oblivious to their own fate, I retreated to a far cornerand waited.I heard her footsteps as she came for me at the end of the day and Ipadded along the aisle after her to a separate room. A blissfully quietroom. She placed me on the table, rubbed my ears and told me not toworry. My heart pounded in anticipation of what was to come, but therewas also a sense of relief. The prisoner of love had run out of days. As ismy nature, I was more concerned about her. The burden which shebears weighs heavily on her and I know that, the same way I knew yourevery mood.She gently placed a tourniquet around my foreleg as a tear ran down hercheek. I licked her hand in the same way I used to comfort you so manyyears ago. She expertly slid the hypodermic needle into my vein. As I feltthe sting and the cool liquid coursing through my body, I lay downsleepily, looked into her kind eyes and murmured \"How could you?\"102

Perhaps because she understood my dogspeak, she said \"I'm so sorry.\"She hugged me and hurriedly explained it was her job to make sure Iwent to a better place, where I wouldn't be ignored or abused orabandoned, or have to fend for myself - a place of love and light so verydifferent from this earthly place. With my last bit of energy, I tried toconvey to her with a thump of my tail that my \"How could you?\" was notmeant for her. It was you, My Beloved Master, I was thinking of. I willthink of you and wait for you forever.May everyone in your life continue to show you so much loyalty.\"FREE KITTUNS\"The sign on the mailbox post was hand lettered on cardboard and read \"FREE KITTUNS\". It appeared there two or three times a year, sometimesspelled this way, sometimes that, but the message was always the same.In a corner of the farmhouse back porch was a cardboard box with adirty towel inside, on which huddled a bouquet of kittens of differentcolors, mewing and blinking and waiting for their mama to return fromhunting in the fields. The mother cat managed to show them enoughinterest for the first several weeks, but after having two or three littersper year, she was worn out and her milk barely lasted long enough forher babies to survive.One by one, people showed up over the next several days and each tooka kitten. Before they left, the woman who lived there always said thesame thing. \"You make sure you give that one a good home cause I vebecome very attached to that one.One by one, the kittens and their new people drove down the longdriveway and past the sign on the mailbox post that read \"Free Kittuns\". 103

The ginger girl kitten was the first to be picked. Her four year old ownerloved her very much, but the little girl accidentally injured the kitten sshoulder by picking her up the wrong way. She couldn t be blamed really– no adult had shown her the proper way to handle a kitten. She hadnamed the kitten GINGER and was very sad a few weeks later when herolder brother and his friends were playing in the living room andsomeone sat on the kitten.The solid white boy kitty with blue eyes was the next to leave with acouple who announced even before they went down the porch stepsthat his name would be SNOWY. Unfortunately, he never learned hisname and everyone had paid so little attention to him that nobodyrealized e was deaf. On his first excursion outside he was run over in thedriveway by a mail truck.The pretty gray and white girl kitten went to live on a nearby farm as amouser Her people called her the cat and like her mother andgrandmother before her, she had many, many free kittuns but theysapped her energy. She became ill and died before her current litter ofkittens were weaned.Another brother was a beautiful red tabby. His owner loved him so muchthat she took him around to meet everyone in the family and her friends,and their cats, and everyone agreed that ERIK\" was a handsome boy.Except his owner didn t bother to have him vaccinated. IT took all themoney in her bank account to pay a veterinarian to treat him when hebecame sick, but the doctor just shook his head one day and said, \"I msorry\".The solid black boy kitten grew up to be a fine example of a tomcat. Theman TOMMY where he was, roaming the neighborhood, defending histerritory, and fathering many kittens until a bully of a dog cornered him.The black and white girl kitten got a wonderful home. She was named\"PEYEWACKET\" She got the best of food and the best of care until shewas nearly five years old. Then her owner met a man who didn t like cats,104

but she married him anyway.Peywacket was taken to an animal shelter where there were alreadyhundreds of cats. Then one day there were none.A pretty woman driving a van took the last two kittens, a gray boy and abrown tiger-striped girl. She promised they would always stay together.She sold them for $50 each to a research laboratory. To this day, theya e still togethe as p o ised …. I a ja of al ohol.. side side o ashelf.For whatever reason --- because Heaven is in a different time zone, orbecause not even cat souls can be trusted to travel in a straight linewithout meandering – all the young-again kittens arrived at Heaven sgate simultaneously. They batted and licked each other in glee, rompedfor a while and then solemnly marched through the gate, right past asign lettered in GOLD: \"YOU ARE FINALLY FREE,... KITTENS.\"OUR CHILDREN'S STORYOne we must regrettably share with our children for they most certainlywill find out on their own.PREFACE:We hope they learn from our foibles stemming from ignorance, apathyand politics. It is, but for our egos, that we have not yet come close toresolving this society's issues of animal abuse and neglect towards theanimals of which we share this planet. The noblest of efforts have littleaffects when unaccompanied by true results.The Legacy We Leave ThemWe followed the large national groups. For 25 years they promised tosolve these problems, if only we would send them money. We did.Nearly $2 Billion each year. In turn, they spent 90 cents from every 105

dollar on high salaries, new cars, luxury items and still ask for more. Theultimate goals were not as important as their individual agendas andegos that keep them in business. Our own apathy was killing all theseanimals.We hated other animal protection organizations, never spoke to them,but readily spoke ''about'' them. Never shared ideas. For politicalreasons we were confident it was ''for our own good\". Therefore wehave no comprehensive program to present to the public or bring to theschools. Our noble attempts quelled by politics ignorance and greed.But our egos were left in tact.Now, sadly we must leave it all to you. Remember these things: WorkTogether. Do Not separate your ideas. Yours may or may not be betterthan others. Without communication, how will you know? Take OneStep AT A Time. Be organized and focus. For decades we've shovedthousands of problems and possible solutions to the public. No unity orclear plan. Too confusing. We looked stupid. We have but fewaccomplishments.POLITICS:IT is in every aspect of our lives. It is the largest hurdle to overcome if wehope to save the animals. Don't let your goals be compromised by ego,emotions, envy or anger like we did. Your egos and feelings may gethurt. BIG DEAL!!! The animals continue to die. Move on. THIS IS NOTROCKET SCIENCE!! But certainly more adult than we could handle.Politics has no place here. It must be taught through humane educationin schools.The animal problems have plagued us for years and we've turned a blindeye to the fact it's OUR problem to solve. Do not allow the large animalprotection groups to continue unchecked. Go confidently in thedirection that will bring results. don't be afraid to ''think outside thebox''. It scares people. Let them be scared. Humans fear change. Theyare weak in spirit and ideas. You will lead them in the long run.106

Don't expect too much from humans. They are limited. Their egos arenot. You will experience failures. Keep moving forward. Without themyou learn nothing. The successes you will have will be monumental. Ifyou set out to solve a problem, do it with integrity, honesty, fortitudeand determination. Sorry we didn't have those qualities. Be smarterthan we. Give voice to the animalsKids Can Make a DifferenceHow you can help homeless animals. Millions of animals are killedevery year in shelters because someone did not value the animals'friendship and love. Your family needs time, money, and a properenvironment to give pets the care they need.Kids can make a big difference in the No More Homeless Pets campaign.Not sure what to do? Here are some ways you and your friends can helphomeless animals:Helping in the Classroom Prepare a report or speech for your classabout the pet overpopulation problem or about responsible pet care.Ask your principal if you can present it for an assembly. Volunteer tohelp younger students with their reading, and read a story about peoplehelping animals.Helping Your Community Do you know an elderly person or someonesick who has a pet? Volunteer to help feed, walk or bathe the person'sdog, or change kitty litter. Your help may enable someone to keep a petthey might otherwise have to send to a shelter.Call your local shelter. Ask what you can do to help. Offer to collectblankets and other supplies.Create a bulletin board for your school or library with pictures ofadoptable animals. 107

Animal rescue groups always need money.Hold a bake sale, collect money from recycling aluminum cans, or hold ayard sale. The money could be given to sponsor spay/neuter programs orto help feed shelter animals.Make posters for the neighborhood about taking care of animals, spayingand neutering, adopting older animals, and everything that is involved intaking care of a pet. Ask permission to put these up in stores,veterinarians' offices, or on community bulletin boards.Drive to save dogs' lives Cub Scouts to raise money to purchase bullet-proof vests for area K-9 departmentsWearing a simulation of a bullet proof vest, K-9 Rico, a Belgian Malinoiswith the Topeka Police Department, enjoys a little play time with hishandler, Officer Kelly Roberts, of the Topeka Police Department's StreetCrime Action Team.Four years ago, a Topeka police dog lost his life in the line of duty. Abelligerent, knife-wielding man stabbed the German shepherd, Sevo,several times after police were called in September 1998 to adisturbance in central Topeka.Sevo's partner, officer Scott Gilchrist, shot the assailant, who survived.Sevo didn't, dying of his wounds about three months later.Now, a local Cub Scout pack hopes to save other canine cops from the108

same fate. Bryant Hertel, assistant Cubmaster of Pack 246 at Most PureHeart of Mary Catholic Church, says the pack is trying to raise at least$30,000 to buy bulletproof vests for police dogs that work for area lawenforcement agencies. The Kevlar vests would be acquired through Vest-A-Dog Inc., a nonprofit group based in Oceanside, Calif. The vests arebullet- and stab-proof. They cost $695 each, and would be bought fromInternational Armor Corp. Hertel said he recently contacted various lawenforcement agencies in the Topeka area and found that none providedbulletproof vests for their police dogs.Topeka police Lt. John Sidwell said vests for police dogs came intoprominence two or three years ago. He said Topeka police have no suchvests because the department has lacked money in its budget to buythem. Sidwell said police were \"happy and thankful\" that Pack 246 wasraising money to buy the vests.Topeka K-9 officer Kelly Roberts said the department's K-9 unit hoped toacquire vests for 10 dogs, though one wouldn't be needed for an 11thdog that is semi-retired and used only for drug detection. K-9 handlerswould welcome the extra protection for their dogs, which often confrontdanger as they work to take a bite out of crime. \"Any time they go into abuilding to do a building search, they don't know what's in there,\"Roberts said. AudioKelly Roberts, Topeka K-9 officer.News of a New Jersey police dog's death in the line of duty led to theformation in 1999 of Vest-A-Dog Inc. According to the organization'sWeb page, 11-year-old Stephanie Taylor read about how a humanesociety in New Jersey had started raising money to vest police dogs aftercanine officer named \"Solo\" was killed in that state.Stephanie reacted by collecting money to buy a bulletproof vest for apolice dog in her home of Oceanside, Calif. Her effort grew into theformation of Vest-A-Dog, which has vested more than 1,000 police dogsin the United States and Canada. Hertel said Pack 246 got involved afterhis wife learned about Vest-A-Dog while watching the \"America's MostWanted\" TV program.K-9 Vests\" is the name of the group raising money 109

locally. So far, organizers have collected more than $5,000, including a$3,600 donation received Wednesday consisting of $1,200 each fromboth local Wal-Marts and Sam's Club. For more information, e-mailHertel at [email protected] vests would go to area agencies yet to be determined: TopekaPolice Department: Kansas Highway Patrol: Shawnee County Sheriff'sOffice: Kansas Wildlife and Parks: Jefferson County Sheriff'sDepartment: Wabaunsee County Sheriff's Department: Jackson CountySheriff's Department: Potawatomi Tribal Police: 1Approximate cost of ofthe 34 vests: $23,630.The Importance of Voting1 - The first is a simple basic guide to locating your state and localrepresentatives.2 -- The lower is the most powerful story any animal protection personcould read. It should be required reading for all who claim to care forthe animals.Locate your local, state and federal representatives. Ask them theirthoughts on issues that are important to you, such as animaloverpopulation, crime in your area for example. Ask them how they'vevoted on these issues in the past.HOLD THEM TO THIS.If you find out they told you one thing, but did another, make it clear youwill vote for his competition at the next election and let him know why.Also, tell as many others as possible. We don't take kindly to ourgovernment lying to us.YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE!The issue of voting is hot and seems to be gaining strength in recentyears. We need all the help we can get. With apathy andmisconceptions among today's youth, the voting turn out is surprisingly110

low. As with the article written by a Nevada Senator for this site'YOU HAVE ALL THE POTENTIAL' the simple act of becoming involved inyour local and area government can truly make a difference. After all,each and every elected official depends on your votes. So, when aconcern is brought to their attention, they will most likely take it toheart. If your views are sensible or if they are shared by many others, itis likely that everything possible will be done to see that the problem isappropriately addressed.This page for PROJECT VOTE SMART will help you easily find your localand area representatives and their contact information. It also has ideasand suggestions on how to increase local voter turnout in yourcommunity - especially today's youth.The following is the ultimate goal we should all attempt to achieve if wehonestly hope to ever make the difference in protecting the animals thatwe KNOW we could do. We've been so very remiss in this area and it'sjust time people wake up and realize that the large nationalorganizations aren't going to do what they promise, so its' really up to us.Humane USA claimed its first win of the 2004 federal election campaignin the March 2 Republican primary for the open California 3rdCongressional District seat in the U.S. House of Representatives.Three candidates were entered: California state senator Rico Oller,former California attorney general Dan Lundgren, and Mary Ose, sisterof retiring Republican incumbent Dan Ose. \"Humane USA has endorsedMary Ose, and is targeting Oller with mailings, radio advertisements,and going door-to-door in the district,\" Humane USA announced a weekbefore the voting. Humane USA targeted Oller, the announcementexplained, because \"He has sided against humane advocates time andtime again during his tenure in the state legislature. He has sided withdogfighters, cockfighters, and puppy mill operators.He has even opposed legislation to add a bittering agent to antifreeze,toxic to companion animals and children. Oller hunts bears with 111

hounds,\" Humane USA charged, \"and has been the leading voice in thestate legislature against efforts to ban this practice.\" Ose lost, despitereportedly investing $800,000 of her own money in the campaign.Lundgren, however, was declared the winner over Oller, 34,978 to32,194, after eight days of ballot counting and recounting.Why YouShould Vote in November by Julie E. Lewin President, National Institutefor Animal Advocacy President and Lobbyist, Animal AdvocacyConnecticut.How painful the presidential campaign is! Again our noses are publiclyrubbed in our political irrelevance. John Kerry, now the Democraticnominee, found time in his frantic primary campaign schedule to \"hunt,\"for all of five minutes, posturing to win votes from hunters.Vice President Dick Cheney and Chief Supreme Court Justice AntonyScalia soon afterward participated in a bird-killing spree. News mediaquestioned not their thrill-killing, but rather the impropriety of such exparte contact between a judge and a litigant in a pending case.As in other election years, some animal advocates angrily contemplatesitting out the presidential election as a mute form of protest. Thatwould be self-indulgent. Of course we should vote. The presidentialcandidates vary greatly in whom they would nominate to the U.S.Supreme Court, a life appointment, and to the Federal bench. Thejudges they select will determine whether animal rights andenvironmental groups achieve standing to sue on behalf of animals, aswell as the outcomes of actual cases.The candidates would likely appoint very different commissioners ofagencies that impact the environment, wildlife, and the care of animalsin factory farms, laboratories, and circuses. The values and attitudesexpressed by the President will also set the tone and themes of futurePresidential and Congressional campaigns.We should, however, ask ourselves why we are politically irrelevant,despite representing a cause that receives donations from one112

household in four, nationwide, and we should work to change this.Hunters were not born with political power. They created it by organizinginto national and state voting blocks, which lawmakers know candetermine the outcome of many elections.Conversely, it is the shame of the animal rights and animal welfaremovements that for more than 130 years we have clamored for laws andpolicies on behalf of animals, yet have avoided the political arena. Whydon't more animal charities form auxiliary political organizations? Whydo we not take a stand, role up our sleeves, and set about the hard butnecessary work of forming state, county and municipal voting blocks foranimals?A voting block of just a few thousand voters can swing a Congressionalelection. Many statehouse elections are won or lost by 100 or even adozen votes, as are municipal elections. Lawmakers' fear of suchelections gives organized minorities their power. In Connecticut, mystate, approximately 2.5 million people are eligible to register to vote.Barely two million have registered, meaning that 20% of the potentialelectorate has yet to be mobilized.Only slightly more than one million people voted in 2002 for Governor,for our members of Congress, and for state legislative representatives.Sixty percent of the public failed to express any political choice. Surveysindicate that women and young voters, the very populations most likelyto hold pro-animal views, were among the people least likely to vote,even though their votes could have ousted several incumbents withnegative records on animal issues and enough accumulated seniority tohold disproportionate influence on key legislative committees.Forty percent of Connecticut voters failed to cast a ballot in theexceptionally closely contested 2000 Presidential race, and did notexpress their views about who should control Congress and theStatehouse, either. Only 722,000 people voted in our 2003 municipalelections. Seventy-one percent of Connecticut voters allowed as few as15% to determine critical issues involving animal control and wildlife 113

habitat, among other topics, without even expressing a choice.At the municipal level, anyone who could mobilize even 5% of the voterswould direct a force that no politician could ignore. Contact your stateelections agency and your local city hall or county seat to get the voterturnout statistics for your own location. The potential for animaladvocates to quickly alter the political arithmetic should quickly becomeevident. As the late U.S. Senator Paul Well-stone put it, \"Dare to imaginewhat politics can be!\" And in the last words of early U.S. labor activist JoeHill, \"Don't mourn--organize!\"Julie Lewin founded the National Institute for Animal Advocacy in2002 toteach political skills to animal advocates. \"Don't waste votes again.\"Animal people who say they can't support a hunter (John Kerry) forpresident scare me. Yes, I was deeply disappointed to learn aboutKerry's hunting. It was a reminder that no pedestal is strong enough tohold any person for long. I fear this single perceived fault could costAmerica four more years of Bush--a disaster for the environment,international relations, civil liberties, women, children, the economy,our security, the military, working people, old people, sick people, andanimals.It is dangerous to suggest there are \"worse\" forms of hunting thanothers. But if you despise trophy and \"sport\" hunting (canned orotherwise) as much as I do, you want Bush and Cheney gone. They bothengage in these despicable activities and support them worldwidethrough their close ties with Safari Club International. After working tosave mourning doves from target practice, I was shocked to learn Kerryhad hunted them, as well as pheasants. I'm unaware of other animalsKerry may have hunted. That is beside the point. Like it or not, manyAmericans have grown up in a \"hunting culture.\"Hunting is a part of the American psyche that we must acknowledge andlearn to understand while we discourage it. To those who insist thatvegan Kucinich is \"the one,\" I reply, \"Wouldn't that be great?\" He won't114

be. Neither will Nader. We must not throw the baby out with the bathwater. It will likely be Kerry vs. Bush (and now--damn it!--vs. Nader).Could you take a repeat of election 2000? Wake up to the Americanpolitical system. Don't waste votes again. Votes not cast for Kerry canbe considered as being given to Bush--and against all forms of life notboasting a large bottom line. 115

ALLERGIES CAN BE REDUCED - EVEN CURED BY HAVING INDOOR PETSESPECIALLY YOUR CHILDREN- \"The bottom line is that maybe part of the reason we have so manychildren with allergies and asthma is we live too clean a life. TheirImmune system never had a chance to strengthen.- Children who live around two or more dogs or cats before their firstbirthday are less likely to have allergies of any sort, according to a studyin Wednesday's issue of The Journal of the American MedicalAssociation.5 STUDIES SHOW THAT THIS CLEARLY DECREASES YOURS AND YOURCHILDREN'S CHANCES OF FUTURE ALLERGIES - CAN EVEN CUREEXISTING ONES.(Does not imply nor suggest pet have free reign of house or be inside allday, too. This study was clear with the 5,000 participants: dogs shouldbe brought inside ONE FULL HOUR before bedtime and be allowedoutside for the day soon after waking up in morning. Sleepingarrangement can be just inside door. Dogs will receive socialization,guidance and interaction with family members during this time)NEW ENGLAND JOURNAL OF MEDICINE,ASSOCIATED PRESS, DALLAS MORNING STARAND HEALTH SCOUT NEWSAll agree that homes with pets who sleep inside the home at night havemuch healthier family members of all ages, not to mention the116

extended lives of the animals due to improved health and the increasedsocialization provided.It strengthens the immune systemKids With Pets Have Fewer AllergiesBy JUSTIN PRITCHARD, Associated Press WriterSAN FRANCISCO (AP) - Contrary to many parents' instinct, infants whogrow up with cats or dogs living along side them inside the mainresidence are less likely to suffer from allergies and asthma later in life,preliminary research suggests.``Traditionally, most people have thought that increased exposure tothese allergens leads to more allergies,'' said Dr. Darryl Zeldin of theNational Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. ``But, thoseconclusions are being re-evaluated.''Most research has focused on how to reduce allergy sufferers' exposureto household irritants, such as dust mites and pet dander. But newevidence suggests that exposure to pets early in life might actually helpthe body build defenses against allergies and even asthma. `Kidsexposed to animals seemed to be better off,'' said Christine C. Johnson,a researcher with the Henry Ford Health System in Detroit whoconducted one of several studies on the effects of pet exposure duringinfancy.Johnson's study, involving researchers in Georgia and Michigan, foundthat exposure to two or more cats and dogs at 1 year of age madechildren less susceptible to other allergy-inducing substances by thetime they turned 7, and that the exposure even improved some boys'lung function.The study tracked 833 children, testing 473 of them after six or sevenyears to determine how exposure to pets when they were infantsinfluenced their tolerance to allergens. The results were presented at an 117

American Thoracic Society conference last month.Johnson and other researchers still caution that the subject remainscomplex. `Are we proposing that if every house in the county had catsor dogs inside, everything would be all right? I think so, but morestudies are underway,'' said Dr. Thomas Platts-Mills, a University ofVirginia allergy research specialist.Platts-Mills also found that early exposure to cat dander decreased therisk of asthma, though not necessarily most allergies. A team of Swedishresearchers reached the same conclusion. Platts-Mills studied 226children aged 12 to 14 in New Mexico and Virginia and published hisresults in March.Asthma rates have more than doubled since 1980 - 17.3 millionAmericans suffer from the respiratory disease and 5,000 people diefrom it each year. Millions more deal with runny noses, swollen eyesand itchy skin caused by less serious allergies.Researchers say the new findings could be in line with what doctors callthe `hygiene hypothesis.'' The theory holds that Americans grow up tooclean, that a lack of environmental contaminants means immunesystems overreact when they encounter allergy-inducing substances.More pets, fewer sneezes?Raising babies with two dogs or cats may lower allergy risk, study findsBy LAURA BEIL / The Dallas Morning NewsA little hair of the dog (or cat) may protect kids against allergies.Children who live around two or more dogs or cats before their firstbirthday are less likely to have allergies of any sort, according to a studyin Wednesday's issue of The Journal of the American MedicalAssociation.The study is one of the most comprehensive so far to look at the118

\"hygiene hypothesis,\" the idea that allergies are increasing becauseAmerican childhood has gotten too clean. While some studies havesuggested that early exposure to animals raises the risk of becomingallergic to them, other research has found that the immune systemwelcomes animal companionship in infancy.\"Contrary to a prevailing popular opinion, early exposure to dogs andcats doesn't increase the risk of becoming allergic to them,\" said Dr.Dennis Ownby of the Medical College of Georgia. \"In fact, it decreasesthe risk of becoming allergic to anything.\"Dr. Ownby's study, conducted with colleagues at the Henry Ford HealthSystem in Detroit, involved 474 children. It is one of the few allergystudies to enroll infants at birth, before anyone knew which child woulddevelop reactions. Researchers could also account for a long list ofallergy co-conspirators that might have skewed the results: whether theparents had allergies, whether anyone in the house smoked, and howmany siblings each child had, among other things.Yet even when the scientists adjusted for other explanations, the animalconnection remained. Babies raised with two or more animals wereabout half as likely to have allergies by the time they turned 6. About 34percent of the 6-year-olds in animal-free homes had a positive skin pricktest for dander, dust mites, ragweed and other triggers. But only about15 percent of the children with two or more cats or dogs had at leastone positive allergy test.\"There seems to be something about the development of the immunesystem during that first year,\" Dr. Ownby said. The effect was muchmore pronounced in boys than girls, the researchers found. That findingmay reflect differences in immune systems - young boys are generallymore allergy-prone - or it could simply be that boys and girls play withpets differently, he said.Having one animal didn't make much difference overall in the children'sallergy rates, perhaps meaning that the immune system needs a certain 119

level of workout before it responds, Dr. Ownby said. The results in boyssuggested that having one animal was better than none. Doctors alsoagree, however, that children who already have allergies to dogs andcats should NOT avoid those animals.Dr. Ownby's study complements others that have found children onfarms have fewer allergies, said Dr. Thomas Platts-Mills of the Universityof Virginia Health Sciences Center in Charlottesville.\"Having two animals at home is like having a cow in the barn,\" said Dr.Platts-Mills, who wrote an editorial published with the new research. Inthe journal, he wrote that the suggestion of broad allergy protectionfrom dogs and cats \"differs from some previous studies but is consistentwith others, and raises important questions about possible immunologicmechanisms.\"Although the reason for the protection is unclear, there are hypotheses.Perhaps, some scientists believe, homes with pets have more bacteria,and more of a bacterial component called endotoxin. A number ofstudies in animals and people have suggested that a young immunesystem awash in endotoxin matures in a way that steers it away fromallergic responses.If researchers can figure out why animals may be an immune system'sbest friend, they may find a way to help kids whose parents can't haveor don't want dogs and cats. Dr. Ownby envisions some kind ofmedicine - one that doesn't shed or chew the furniture - that may dullthe allergic response.\"There may be something we can expose children to and reduce theirrisk of allergies, and now we ve found it,\" Dr. Ownby said.Dr. Rebecca Gruchalla, chief of allergy and immunology at the Universityof Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas. She stresses, though,that she's talking about allergies before they develop. Dr. Gruchalla saidshe was particularly struck to see that two animals were necessary forthe protection. But was assuring that was the clear finding.120

\"I am excited to explore this further,\" she said.Early exposure to pets may shield kids throughout lifeBy Adam MarcusHealthScoutNews ReporterTUESDAY, Aug. 27 (HealthScoutNews) -- Pets have long been blamed asa major source of allergens in the home, but a new study may give themat least a partial furlough from the doghouse.Researchers say some children exposed as infants to two or more petsin the house are less -- not more -- likely to develop allergies to dogs,cats, and other irritants later.The findings, appearing in tomorrow's issue of the Journal of theAmerican Medical Association, confirm earlier, counterintuitive studiesfrom the United States and abroad showing that pet dander seems toprotect children from allergies and asthma.\"For years, I've been telling people concerned about their kids andallergies that they ought to get pets out of the house,\" said Dr. DennisOwnby, an allergist at the Medical College of Georgia and leader of theresearch team. \"Now I have to retract that and tell them, 'If you'rehappy with pets in the home, you can continue to have them withoutfeeling guilty.'\"Ownby took the matter a step further. \"If you're going to have a pet,\"he said, \"it's probably better to have two rather than one. Quicklyadding they should be similar size, breed etc for better compatibilityand interaction during play time.Ownby said there's a debate about why early exposure to pets isprotective. His group's feeling is that animals may track in irritants fromthe dirty world outside the home that beef up a child's immune system.The generally increasing cleanliness in developed countries has beenblamed for a recent surge in allergies and asthma. 121

\"This suggests that there is something we can do that will, in fact,reduce risk.Pets Keep Allergies at BayParents who want to reduce the chances that their children will developallergies -- and perhaps even asthma -- might want to consider gettingdogs or cats as pets when their children are infants. New researchindicates that children who live in homes with pets during their firstyear of life appear to be much less likely to develop allergies.The Medical College followed 474 children in the Detroit area from birthto age 7, comparing those who were exposed to two or more dogs orcats during their infancy with those who were not exposed to theanimals. The kids who lived with dogs or cats were half as likely todevelop allergies to animals and other common substances, such asragweed and dust mites, the researchers reported in the Aug. 28 Journalof the American Medical Association.The researchers speculated that exposure to animals primes a child'simmune system in a way that makes them less likely to be sensitive tosubstances that can produce allergies.\"The bottom line is that maybe part of the reason we have so manychildren with allergies and asthma is we live too clean a life,\" Ownbysaid. Having allergies increases a child's risk of developing asthma. Soreducing the chances of developing allergies would reduce the chancesof developing asthma, which has become increasingly common in theUnited States, the researchers noted.\"Kids And Dogs\" \"The dog was created specially for children. He is thegod of frolic.\"122

Contributing to a pet's care can build a child's self esteem and teachempathy for others.***\"What Pets Teach Children\"1) Love - through caring and feeling appreciation (sometimes indirectly),knowing efforts make a difference.2) Pride In A Job Well Done - from accepting and meetingresponsibilities.3) \"Parenting Skills\" - by learning what is best for the pet and unselfishlygaining pleasure from knowing the animal feels good, safe and secure.4) Understanding - from gaining knowledge and empathy for another lifeand accepting its differences and limitations.Raising a child with a companion can be beneficial for the entire family.Children taught to care for pets learn how to share and deal withresponsibilities. Pets improve a child's ability to relate sensitively toothers; through learning their efforts matter, children often becomemore generous.Caring for a pet requires understanding of how another life feels; itteaches children to be empathetic and to look at other's perspectivesand not just their own. As children mature, these relationship skills may 123

assist them in dealing with other people, not just animals.Parents of pet-bonded youngsters may be reassured knowing theirchildren have at least one true-blue friend in the world to rely on. Duringlonely times, when feeling misunderstood or treated unfairly (which ismuch of the time during adolescence!), it's nice to know children havetrusting companions to turn to that won't judge them, criticize theirclothes, talk about hem behind their backs, boss them around or revealany of the their secrets.***\"Dogs can help kids feel better about themselves...\"ALBUQUERQUE,N.M. -- A lick in the face with a big wet tongue can enhance a child's self-esteem and sense of empathy.\"Luc and his rescue GSD Eich\"That's one of the lessons to be learned from a University of New Mexicodoctoral dissertation inspired by a dog named Norton. Robert Bierer, 34,who got his Ph.D. in family studies from the College of Education thismonth, says his emotional bond with Norton, his 10-year-old Australianshepherd, helped him decide how to focus his research. The result: a138-page dissertation on \"The Relationship Between Pet Bonding, Self-Esteem, and Empathy in Preadolescents.\" Bierer, a counselor at WhittierElementary School, studied previous scholarly work in the field ofhuman-animal interactions.124

His contribution to the field has been to concentrate on a particularanimal (dogs) and a particular age group (children 10 to 12). \"Peoplehave known for years that dogs are good medicine for children,\" Bierersaid. \"What I found is that preadolescent children with pet dogs havesignificantly higher self-esteem and empathy than children withoutdogs.\" Those higher ratings in self-esteem and empathy hold truewhether the dog is \"owned\" individually by the child or by the entirefamily.That is, just having a dog in the house makes a difference, regardless ofwhether the family is headed by a single parent, the mother worksoutside the home, or the child has siblings. \"I never expected the resultsto be as strong as they are,\" he said. In a summary of his work, Biereralso notes that \"owning the dog earlier or later in the teen years did nothave the same impact on sensitivity and emotional development.\" \"Idon't feel comfortable saying that owning a dog earlier or later is nothelpful,\" Bierer said. \"It's just that this is when it really makes a bigdifference.A dog doesn't judge whether you're right or wrong. When you're on yourway into adolescence -- which is a challenging time -- having that securebase, that unconditional, nonjudgmental relationship with a dog, is veryhelpful.\" Using questionnaires designed as psychological research tools,he asked fifth-grade boys and girls at three elementary schools aboutthemselves and their pets. Of the 126 children who answered thequestionnaires, 93 had dogs and the rest did not*** 125

Study: Reading to Dogs Helps Children Learn to ReadBy Ron Claiborne EAST NORWALK, Conn. Aug. 18, 2010ABC NewsMan's best friend can do a lot more than fetch and roll over. Researchnow suggests that dogs can actually help children learn to read.Man's best friend can do a lot more than fetch and roll over. Researchnow suggests that dogs can actually help children learn to read.For young kids, one of the big challenges in learning to read is theembarrassment of making mistakes. Reading to dogs provides a simple126

solution -- a non-judgmental, comforting furry friend who \"listens\" andtakes the pressure off a child as he stumbles. Watch \"World News withDiane Sawyer\" for more on this story tonight on ABC.PlayMan's Best Friend Helps Kids Learn to Read \"Kids have to practice,practice, practice to be good readers,\" said Francine Alexander, the chiefacademic officer at Scholastic, the children's book publisher. \"And yetwhen you're practicing, if you make a mistake, it can feel risky anduncomfortable. But if you're practicing with a dog, you don't mindmaking the mistake.\"A study this year by researchers at the University of California, Davisconfirmed that children who read to Fido really do perform better.Young students who read out loud to dogs improved their reading skillsby 12 percent over the course of a 10-week program, while children inthe same program who didn't read to dogs showed no improvement. 127

Therapy Dogs Provide Comfort to Students America Falls Behind inEducation. The positive effects of the concept are seen firsthand at theEast Norwalk Library in East Norwalk, Conn. where students read to dogsas part of the \"D2R2\" program. The specially-trained therapy dogs areaccompanied by their handlers, and the kids clearly love it.\"I have somebody that listens when I read,\" said Linda, one of the young128

participants. \"If I make a mistake, there's no one around me to laugh.\"When ABC News first visited in March, eight-year-old Kevontae Haye hadjust met Brasil, a three-and-a-half year-old whippet. Kevontae picked achildren's book -- fittingly about a boy and his dog -- and began to readto his new friend. The first day, Kevontae was clearly struggling, readingwords in a halting voice.But when ABC visited again six weeks later, the improvement wasremarkable. His fluency had improved dramatically, and the second-grader was able to make it through passages he had found difficultbefore. Learning to Read: 'It's Just You and the Dog'\"He was struggling.He's not struggling now,\" said Brasil's owner and handler, Don Smith.Kevontae had noticed his improvement, too, and he had a readyexplanation. \"[It's] because I'm relaxing while reading to Brasil,\" he said.\"It's just you and the dog.\" Kevonte has shown improvement on his mostrecent reading skills test, and his parents see another difference -- henow wants to read at home. One boy now has a brighter future, thanksto a furry friend who was willing to listen.INDOOR PETS CAN BE BENEFICIAL TO A YOUNGSTER'S SELF ESTEEM.Living with a pet can be beneficial to children. Pets can enhance a child sself-esteem, teach them responsibility and help them to learn empathy.However, children and dogs are not always going to automatically startoff with a wonderful relationship. Parents must be willing to teach thedog and the child acceptable limits of behavior in order to make theirinteractions pleasant and safe.WAYS THAT INDOOR PETS CAN HELP WITH PREGNANCY ISSUESDays of and immediately following birth. Introducing your newborn tothe family pet 129

Your dog will become the baby's first best friend. Introduce them soon aspossible. Having the dog or cat inside during the late days of pregnancycan even lower anxiety in the soon to be mother.Keeping the family pet and making arrangements for indoor sleeping hasit's benefits for babies, pets and families.Reprinted from American Baby, \"Will our Pet Like the Baby?\", by CathiEdler, March, 1994ALSO, SEE YOUR NEXT PET AND 'ALLERGIES' FORTESTIMONIAL STORY. ON THIS SITE.The following study was conducted over a 20 year period with 5,000participants and overseen by nearly 100 specialists across the nation.There is good reason to plan for this event. There are no justifiablereasons to get rid of the pet or to relinquish the pet to an outside life.Remember, having pets inside the home, not only prevents newbornsand small children from having allergies, this arrangement can actuallycure and solve some of the older children s and adults issues andreactions.-Topics to consider, discuss and plan for--Doggy Issues--The big meetingFor many of us, our pet is reigning king before a baby arrives. Butthrough some biological or hormonal imperative, that all ends with ourfirst glance into our baby's eyes.Your pet is sure to notice he s no longer the baby of the family. To softenthe blow, start preparing him well ahead of time. He will likely becomeone of your child s best friends and fondest of memories.130

In the months preceding your baby s arrival, establish a routine –something your pet can anticipate and rely on after the baby arrives.Even though your life will be completely turned around for a fewmonths, try to make an effort to continue your pet's routine.Be realistic: If your pet is used to a daily one-hour jog, start gradually todecrease her exercise time before the baby arrives.Investigate other avenues of exercise: Hire a dog walker (or a neighborkid), or set up play dates with doggie friends. Your community will likelyhave a dog park of some sort. It is a wonderful way to sit down, relax andallow your dog to run and play with other dogs in a safe and secure area.Stock up on the food and biscuits your pet is used to (now is not the timefor a diet change).Stockpile toys, so that your pet will have something tobusy herself with.Ready the nursery well ahead of time. Establish room rules andregulations before the baby is present (no need to fuel rivalry). Cats canjump into cribs (and no, they won't suck the air out of your baby and no,your dog will not eat the baby, but most likely to become one of yourbest guardians of the newborn if properly introduced). Allow your pet inthe nursery when you are present.Assemble baby furniture ahead of time, so your pets can adjust to spacechanges. Some pets may even enjoy these changes. Easing the transition. 131

When the big day arrives (and while you're still at the hospital), haveyour mate bring home something that has the baby's scent on it. A goodchoice is the cap the nurses place on a newborn's head or anything witha strong baby s smell. Place it down in front of your pet and allow him tosniff it. Once the pet has become familiar with it, reward him /her in asoft loving voice for being good to the article and periodically repeat this.When the baby comes home, allow your pet to see and sniff him, but besure to hold the baby safely your arms. Now is not the time to leave yourpet alone with the baby, or to let your pet approach the newbornwithout your being right there to guarantee the baby's safety.Now that your baby is home, allow for reasonable together time withyour pet. It is especially important that your pet get to spend time withthe parent she is closest to.When you are comfortable nursing or bottle-feeding your baby, your petcan sit nearby and enjoy that bonding and quiet time.As soon as your baby is old enough, teach him to give your pets theirtreats. Pets ultimately will adjust to their new circumstances—just as youwill. Some thought and planning may make the transition a LOT easier.THERE IS NO REASON WORTH YOUR TIME TO GET RID OF THE DOG! Itwill ultimately become one of the best friends your child has ever had.When everyone returns home at once, bringing in an unfamiliar bundle,132

a dog can easily get overexcited. Ideally, when mother and baby comehome, the mother should greet the dog WITHOUT the baby. After all,you've been gone for a day or so, and the dog probably misses you. Ifpossible, get someone else to hold the baby, in another room, while yougive the dog some attention. Remember, the dog has already put insome time and deserves this easy transition.Wait for the dog to settle down before the baby is brought into theroom. One person should attend to the baby, and one to the dog.Whoever is holding the baby should be seated, to appear lessthreatening.At first, let the dog see and smell the baby from about ten to fifteen feetaway. As mentioned above, if you have any concern that the dog willmisbehave, use a muzzle or leash.Slowly bring the dog toward the baby. If the dog is too excited, don't lethim get close to the baby, and you may want to wait until later if youhave any qualms about how the dog is behaving. DO NOT BECOMESPASTIC OR OVER REACTIVE! This will only fuel misunderstandings onboth your and the pets part. It may even take several days for the dog tobecome calm enough. Reward good behavior, and avoid harshpunishments.Doggy IssuesUsually dogs are protective and will accept a baby as part of the family\"pack\". However, problems occasionally occur when it has not beenmade clear to the animal that the new bundle is a family member thedog needs to protect and respect. Parents might not be concerned thatthe dog would see the newborn as an intruder or threat, but even if yourdog gets along with older children, don't leave him alone with a newbaby.Taking the steps outlined above to prepare your pet will help himunderstand baby is part of the family. 133

Be alert when the child starts to crawl or walk, as your dog may react inself-defense to these new behaviors. And keep soiled diapers in asecurely sealed container. It's normal maternal behavior for a dog to lickup her puppies' waste, and your dog may try to do this for your baby. BEVERY REALISTIC when it comes to your small 2-4 year old children andtheir treatment of the family pets.They are small children and unless you have spent quality time andstressed to them that this in NOT a play toy, but a living animal who hasfeeling and emotions, your children can, in a short millisecond dosomething to the pet that will annoy or surprise him/her, causing areactive warning signal that may harm your child. In the case that thisshould occur, understand that the likelihood of the offset of thisoccurrence being the fault of one or more of your child s actions is fairlystrong.This is certainly not the time to jump to conclusions and hastily get rid ofthe dog. If you haven t spent the time guiding the children to the simplepoints of being around the family pet, then it s highly unlikely that youhave successfully spent the time to educate the dog on the same points.When playing and child comes to you with a small puncture which isbleeding and you have a large dog, understand that this was likely anaccident of action or motion. Not the time for punishment and is notlikely to happen again once additional guidelines are set for that form ofplay and activity between the two.Check out some other good examples of what can happen when notraining is implemented or little guidance provided. Both photos fromfamilies where religion, involvement and education is foremost. Thingswill happen to test the patience of a saint. Prepare yourself.Assuming that your children know and understand what is and isn tappropriate for the handling, playing and subsequent behavior of theirtactics and techniques is a fault that could cost your pet his life tragically.The worst part of this assumptive behavior on your part is that the childnow assumes that is acceptable behavior for him or her and would do134

that again to another dog in the future. BE HONEST with reality and donot over protect the child from injury in a normal life experience.Even before baby arrives, make sure that during your pregnancy, yourpet gets regular veterinarian checkups and vaccinations. During the lastfew weeks of pregnancy, begin the process of familiarizing your pet withthe sights, sounds, and smells the baby will bring. Here are a few ideas:Spread a baby blanket scented with baby powder or lotion on your lap,then let your pet rest on your lap to feel the baby moving inside you. Petand talk to the animal to reassure him. Wrap a doll in the same blanket,and perform baby-care tasks such as feeding and changing diapers. If youhave a dog, practice having him sit or stay. Offer your pet a food treat,petting, and kind words after you've finished the \"chore.\" Several times aday play a short recording of a baby's crying; talk calmly to your pet whilethe tape is running.As your house and/or baby's room fills with clothes and furniture, allowyour pet to sniff and inspect everything. Have a friend or relative bringtheir baby to your house. While someone holds the baby, carefully allowyour pet to see and smell the baby; for safety's sake, you should holdyour pet during this visit (a friendly dog can simply get overexcited, forexample). If you have any concern that your dog will misbehave when hefirst meets your baby, you should plan to have him muzzled or on aleash. If he's not accustomed to these devices, use them periodically now-- but don't limit their use to times when you're familiarizing him withbaby's world. It's hard for most dogs to get used to a muzzle, and it maytake some time before the animal is comfortable with it.Victoria L. Voith, DVM, PhD, and Peter L. Borchelt, PhD, of the GainesDog Care Center, in Chicago, recommend that you and your dog attendobedience classes months before your baby is due. An uncontrollabledog can easily injure a baby, just by accident.\"It's important that the mother attends the classes,\" adds Linda Votaw,DVM, of the Rosewood Pet Hospital, in Rosewood Heights, Illinois. Dogsare most likely to obey a man's deep voice, so classes will probably be 135

most helpful if they train the dog to listen to Mom too. This is especiallytrue if your spouse usually gives the dog commands but you (or later, afemale caregiver) will be the one home alone with baby and dog.The Big MeetingFeed your pet prior to baby's arrival home; he'll be in a better mood aftera meal, and more receptive to meeting the baby. And he'll also be morereceptive to your baby if she's not crying when they meet. Talk calmly,and offer petting, praise, and treats for good behavior. Do not force theanimal toward the baby.When everyone returns home at once, bringing in an unfamiliar bundle,a dog can easily get overexcited. Ideally, when mother and baby comehome, the mother should greet the dog without the baby. After all,you've been gone for a day or so, and the dog probably misses you. Ifpossible, get someone else to hold the baby, in another room, while yougive the dog some attention. Wait for the dog to settle down before thebaby is brought into the room. One person should attend to the baby,and one to the dog. Whoever is holding the baby should be seated, toappear less threatening.At first, let the dog see and smell the baby from about ten to fifteen feetaway. As mentioned above, if you have any concern that the dog willmisbehave, use a muzzle or leash.Slowly bring the dog toward the baby. If the dog is too excited, don't lethim get close to the baby, and you may want to wait until later if youhave any qualms about how the dog is behaving. It may even takeseveral days for the dog to become calm enough. Reward good behavior,and avoid harsh punishments.Doggy IssuesUsually dogs are protective and will accept a baby as part of the family\"pack\". However, problems occasionally occur when it has not beenmade clear to the animal that the new bundle is a family member the136

dog needs to protect and respect. Parents might not be concerned thatthe dog would see the newborn as an intruder or threat, but even if yourdog gets along with older children, don't leave him alone with a newbaby.Taking the steps outlined above to prepare your pet will help himunderstand baby is part of the family.Be alert when the child starts to crawl or walk, as your dog may react inself-defense to these new behaviors. And keep soiled diapers in asecurely sealed container. It's normal maternal behavior for a dog to lickup her puppies' waste, and your dog may try to do this for your baby.For a Cat:Sit down with the baby, and allow the cat to inspect him. Unlike dogs,cats may not want to sniff the baby right away.A Happy FamilyAfter baby is home, be sure to give your pet extra attention so he will notfeel neglected. If ignored too long, he will act naughty to receive anyattention from you (in much the same manner that older siblings oftendo).It's not a good idea to leave your pet and baby togetherunsupervised. Even though they may seem to get along, it's best to becompletely sure they \"play nice\" -- for your baby's sake and for yourpet's. So shut the baby's bedroom door, or install a gate or screen door.Use a room monitor for extra protection.Catty RemarksAccording to Dr. Votaw, there is usually almost no trouble whenintroducing a cat to a baby. Yet old wives' tales abound. The mostcommon one is that cats suck the breath out of babies, because theysmell milk on their mouth. \"This is false,\" says Dr. Votaw, adding thatmore realistic reasons a cat may want to be close to a baby are \"becauseit is curious and [because] it wants to get warm. 137

\"Since cats are jumpers, crib rails are no obstacle for them. Place ascreen or taut netting over the crib to keep the cat from sleeping withthe baby. (Remove the screen once the baby is able to reach it.) Beaware that a cat might scratch or urinate on baby's belongings. Thisbehavior in a cat can symbolize a number of things -- affection, a senseof possessiveness, are the most likely. In any case spraying is a habit youwant to discourage; if you have this problem with your cat, keep him outof baby's room. When you must reprimand your cat, experts recommendspraying him with water from a plant mister or clapping your hands andshouting, \"No!\" Keep the cat's litter box out of children's reach; anumber of infections can be contracted from animal waste.If the litter box is kept behind a closed door, and the cat is shown whereit is, he will quickly learn ways to let you know he needs to use it. Allanimal bites should be washed promptly with soap and water. To be onthe safe side, bites that break the skin should be treated by a doctorwithin eight hours; severe infections can develop if the wound is notproperly cleaned. Infections are ten times more likely after a cat bitethan after a dog bite, because the wound is deep and narrow. Antibioticsare usually prescribed.Study: Dogs Build Infants' ImmunityIt's been accepted dogma for years that house pets were not good forchildren with asthma and allergies. But a newer theory, strengthened bythe latest study, suggests otherwise.The new study found that infants with certain forms of the gene CD14, amarker for immune function, who also have a dog, are much less likely todevelop allergic skin rashes, a sign that their immune systems arestronger than those who have not had a dog in their lives.And it may not be the dog, but the dirt that dogs track in.\"Having a dog was associated with a particular pattern of immunesystem development,\" said Dr. James E. Gern, a pediatric allergist at theUniversity of Wisconsin in Madison. He and his colleagues tracked 285138

children from birth to age 5 to better understand how environment andgenetics work together to confer protection or trigger allergic reactions.Those without a dog during the first year of life were twice as likely tohave an unexplained skin rash than those with a dog.The hygiene hypothesis suggests that dirt primes the immune systemand helps infants develop a stronger immune response. The findingsappear this month in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology.More closely related to the future growth of said child is the relationshipand suggested compassion and responsibility he/she will have uponbecoming an adult - something that is severely lacking in today's adultsociety which leads us to our extreme pet overpopulation and abuseproblems we can't seem to correct.The Wisconsin study also provides the first evidence that certain genescould increase or decrease the risk for allergy and asthma - and having adog could influence the outcome. In this study, they collaborated withCarole Ober of the University of Chicago to look at the gene CD14.Gernand his colleagues collected umbilical cord blood from 285 newborns totest their body's immune response and which of the three forms of CD14the child inherited. They also performed physicals during the first year oflife. In all families, one parent had allergies or asthma.Kids in houses with dogs had more immune system stimulation,measured by CD14, and less dermatitis, practically no allergies and justall around a healthier child which many doctors see as a clear result ofhaving the pets inside the home from the beginning.. The two varietiesof CD14 (CD14-TT and CD14-CT) were associated with less risk ofdermatitis, fewer allergies and improved health if a dog or cat werepresent and living inside the home.\"This gives us clues,\" Gern said. \"clues that could lead humans tosolutions for many problems stemming from unhealthy children, animalabuse and more..\" 139

Pets can provide healthy benefitsLower stress in children and help Alzheimer patients.Although most health care professionals won't go so far as to advisepatients to run out and get a pet, many do recognize the health benefitsthat animal companionship can provide.As the rest of us have known for a long time, pets can give comfort,relieve loneliness, provide home security and generally add that extraspark of interest to life.Numerous studies support the health benefits of pets, said Mara Baun,D.N.Sc., professor at The University of Texas School of Nursing atHouston. In fact, she has conducted many key research projectsdemonstrating how a pet can help reduce blood pressure in adults andreduce agitation in both senior citizens and children.Not just any animal will do.\"People derive the greatest health benefits from their own pet, or one towhom they feel some personal attachment,\" noted Baun.\"I recall with special fondness the case of the elderly man in anAlzheimer's unit who became 'best friends' with a resident dog – a dogwho chose to sleep in his room every night. Once, that man agitatedlyroamed the halls, oblivious to all persuasion by the nurses. Then the dogapproached, took him by the shirt sleeve, and quietly led him back totheir room.\"That's anecdotal evidence. But before declaring pets to be \"good forwhat ails you,\" Baun designed and supervised a wide range of studies.Most of them used a dog as pet of choice – and some of the early onesinvolved her own beagles, Belle and Roo. In later studies, trained andcertified golden retrievers provided the \"pet therapy.\"Baun had several questions to which she wanted answers, and for eachshe designed well-controlled studies: Can petting a dog lower the blood140

pressure of a normally healthy adult?\"Yes, if it's a dog to whom you feel attached. Blood pressure decreasesabout the same amount as it can when other known relaxationtechniques, like relaxation tapes, are used. The companionship of abeloved pet is a positive cue to relaxation.\" Can having a dog in anAlzheimer's unit increase socializing and decrease agitation?\"Yes. When we videotaped and coded specific behaviors, we found astatistically significant lessening of agitation and a correspondingincrease in social interaction. When the dog was a resident of the unit,problem behaviors of the residents decreased and remained decreasedthroughout the month of the study.\" Can a dog reduce a child's distressin a doctor's or dentist's clinic?\"Definitely. In our studies, the children who showed the greatest signs offright and distress benefited the most. Parents especially expressedamazement at how much the dog calmed their children.\"Although dogs were used in most of these studies, other animals canhelp a person attain some of the same emotional and physical benefits.Baun also conducted a study with caged birds in rehabilitation units.Residents who had birds in their rooms were significantly less depressedthan those in the control group who did not get the birds. One womanreported that her doctor sang to the bird every morning when he camein and that her grandchildren stayed longer on their visits.Study: Hiking With Dog Has Health BenefitsStudies Show People Are More Successful at Losing Weight When TheyHike With Their DogsPeople who love to hike find taking along a four-legged companion canhave physical benefits for both ends of the leash.Studies show people are more successful at losing weight when they doit with a friend. What better friend than a dog to provide company and 141

keep a person on track, said Randy Galbraith, who began taking hisGerman shorthaired pointer hiking five years ago.\"To me, it's a treasure to be with Fritz. Everyday he has to have his run,no matter what,\" Galbraith said. \"He'll give you a look that says, 'It's timeto go.'\"Neither Galbraith nor Fritz struggles with weight problems. Galbraithdoes, however, find the need to release the stress that comes from beingprincipal of an alternative high school for troubled youths in Springfield.\"You can clear your head of everything that's going on and reclaimyourself when you're out in the wilderness,\" he said. \"Being with Fritzgives me a lot of quiet time to relax and think.\"Galbraith starts planning his summer vacation to hike in the backcountryout West when the winter doldrums set in and there's still snow insouthwest Missouri. He is particularly fond of Colorado, Montana andNew Mexico.The two generally hike between six miles and 12 miles daily. Fritz, whocarries his own water and snacks in a backpack, is obedient and roamsfree while they are alone. Galbraith gives commands in German, a tributeto his grandmother.\"We have a good communication system,\" he said. \"If he's off his leash,he's constantly running ahead and then coming back to check on me.\"Doug Gelbert, author of The Canine Hiker's Bible, said dogs love to sniffand explore and can offer new insight into the outdoors.\"As a dog walks along, sometimes he perks up his ears and looks at stuffthat we don't even recognize,\" he said.Fritz led Galbraith to the moose antlers that are displayed in his schooloffice. The dog also has allowed him to see wildlife that he might nothave noticed on his own.142

\"He was once chased by a cow moose that was protecting its young,\"Galbraith said. \"I never would have noticed it, if it hadn't been for Fritz.\"Richard Meadows, a veterinarian and director of community practice atUniversity of Missouri's College of Veterinary Medicine, advises bothhuman and canine who haven't been exercising regularly to start slow.Like their owners, American dogs are putting on pounds, too. They maynot watch TV or play video games but they may spend lots of timenapping.\"The numbers seem to range somewhere between 15 and 25 percent ofthe dogs and cats in the United States are obese,\" Meadows said.The risks of being overweight are the same, whether you have two legsor four, he said. They include heart and joint disease, diabetes, cancerand a shortened life span.\"Just like us, they can't be dumped into a program. They need to workinto it and build muscle tone and endurance,\" said Meadows, who hasbeen a researcher in several animal exercise studies.He said dogs should be examined after hikes for footpad injuries,strained muscles, as well as ticks and fleas.People also should remember that their dog is wearing a fur coat on andhas a lower tolerance for heat, Meadows said, and they need lots ofwater.Opinions differ on what type of dog is best for trails. Gelbert, who hasbeen hiking with dogs for about 20 years, suggests people tailor theirselection to how they want to hike. Information about the various breedscan be easily found on the internet and through kennel clubs.And to avoid disappointment, hikers should call ahead to make sure thesite they plan to visit allows dogs on trails.Gelbert created the web site, hikewithyourdog.com, to help people find 143

dog-friendly parks and trails.As a general rule, he said dogs are only allowed to go where cars can goin national parks. They are allowed on most national forest trails,although access can sometimes be remote. There are few bans,however, on dogs in national historical parks.Dog owners also need to be responsible, Gelbert said.\"It always bothersme when I see a sign that says, 'No dogs allowed,'\" he said. \"It seems tome that it would be much better to put up a sign that says, 'Dog owners,every time you come out with your dog, you are an ambassador forevery other dog using these parks.'\"Why every school should bring dogs into the classroomDogs are bottomless pits of love and they forgive us even when we're atour most morally bankrupt.So shouldn't bringing dogs into schools — to listen to us, to learn fromus, and to ease our stress — make as much sense as traditionaleducation? Emerging research into dog therapy and dog-assistededucation suggests that's the case.Consider the essential skill of reading.For toddlers, learning how to read can be a supremely frustratingprocess. It doesn't help when teachers, parents, and other students —especially those further along in the reading process — get impatient.But do you know who doesn't get impatient? Dogs.Programs like Readers of the Pack and Tales for Tails bring trainedtherapy dogs into school libraries to do nothing but sit and listen aschildren read. Kids can work through tricky vowel sounds without feeling144

like they're pressured to hurry up. And instead of disapproving looks,they're met with the eager face of a polite and furry listener.Reading to dogs has repeatedly been shown to offer kids a leg up.One study conducted at the University of California, Davis, found a 12%boost in reading proficiency when kids read aloud to dogs for 10 to 15minutes per week. Another study found therapy dogs could raise literacyby at least two grade levels.Dogs can also learn from us.College students at Ben-Gurion University in Israel help puppies learn theropes in becoming seeing-eye dogs. The school partners with the IsraeliGuide Dog Center for the Blind, which began training dogs in Hebrew inthe late 1980s to accommodate Israel's non-English-speaking population.Roughly 50 to 60 dogs graduate from the program each year, 25 ofwhom get their start on BGU's campus.From the time they're only a few weeks old until they hit their firstbirthday, the dogs shadow students everywhere they go: to class, to thedorm, on buses, on shopping trips. All the while, they learn the basics ofstaying quiet and obedient around large groups of people. Once the yearis up, they move on to more advanced training outside the university.Similar programs have popped up at Ithaca College, Muhlenberg College,and Hartwick College.Dogs have also have gained popularity with colleges during gruelingexam weeks. With their sanity hanging by a thread, students can findcomfort in the dogs' soft fur and open faces.At Harvard and Yale, law students can check out in-house therapy dogslike they would a library book. At Kent State University, where the Dogson Campus pet therapy program has been growing steadily since 2006, 145

students can meet with dogs on a regular basis to ease the separationanxiety of being far away from their own dog.Whether they're trotting dutifully beside us or simply lying at our feet,the effect of being close to dogs is clear: They make us healthier.In 2001, for instance, scientists found people with high blood pressurecould better control their physiological health during times of stress ifthey owned a pet. Petting a dog (or any pettable animal, for that matter)can help reduce the body's production of cortisol — the so-called stresshormone — and increase levels of oxytocin, which promotes feelings ofbonding.Currently, 21% of American adults read at or below a fifth-grade leveland another 9.5% suffer from anxiety disorders. Dogs can't resolve thosecomplex issues in full, but, if used creatively, they do seem capable ofmaking life a little bit easier.Not that anyone needed science to tell them that.Owning a Dog Is Linked to Reduced Heart RiskAmerican Heart Association, the nation s largest cardiovascular healthorganization has a new message for Americans: \"owning a dog mayprotect you from heart disease.\"The new report reviewed dozens of studies, and over all it seemed clearthat pet owners, especially those with dogs, the focus of most of thestudies, were in better health than people without pets. Several studies showed that dogs decreased the body s reaction tostress, with a decrease in heart rate, blood pressure and adrenaline-likehormone release when a pet is present as opposed to when a pet is notpresent, Dr. Levine said.Pet owners also tended to report greater amounts of physical activity,146

and modestly lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Some researchshowed that people who had pets of any kind were also more likely tosurvive heart attacks.Pawsitive ThinkingThere s no shortage of good news about the effect of pets on humanhealth. Many articles present pet ownership as a key to heart health,social support, and long life; and many people do get a pet—or urgetheir aging parents to get one—for the health benefits. In one study lastyear, researchers at the State University of New York at Buffalo foundthat married couples who owned pets had a lower heart rate and bloodpressure—whether at rest or when undergoing stressful tests—thanthose without pets.Last May at a seminar in Portugal, the Federation of EuropeanCompanion Animal Veterinary Surgeons emphasized the many healthbenefits of pet ownership. But they also alluded to some negatives. We lltake up both sides of the question here.The health benefits of pet ownership are manifest for people who likeanimals, and most of us do—at least friendly, clean, non threateninganimals. Dogs and cats are generally more affectionate and entertainingas pets than, say, fish or birds or ferrets, though many delight in thoseanimals, too.A dog is generally the most responsive pet, and walking a dog providesexercise benefits at both ends of the leash. (City people have beenknown to walk their cats, but it s not as good a workout.) Dogs and catspromote human contact—you communicate with other pet owners. Boy-meets-girl-via-dog is a film cliché.Besides that, a pet gives you something to care for and thus providessome structure for your life—you have to set out the food, visit the vet,clean the cage, empty the litter, and so on. A pet often takes centerstage at family gatherings, easing tensions and/or providing an 147

immediate conversational outlet. And, of course, dogs can be trained foruseful work—aiding the visually impaired, for example. Even the mostpampered cat can help rid your home of mice. Pets have a calming effecton most people. Nursing homes now arrange for pets to visit residents,and some facilities keep pets on the premises. Even the governmentapproves of pets—the National Institutes of Health conducted aworkshop almost 20 years ago on the health benefits of pets and pet-facilitated therapy (PFT). Conclusion: these benefits exist, particularly forthe elderly.Science and a dash of common senseOne of the pioneers of PFT was Erika Friedman, now head of theDepartment of Health and Nutrition Sciences at Brooklyn College. Butpets are not medicine, and the scientific case for the benefits of petownership is not watertight. In 1995 in a review of research, Dr.Friedman said there s no question that emotions have an impact onhealth, and that pets may help promote positive emotions.Still, it will always be difficult to study this subject scientifically. If petowners are healthier, it s always possible that they were healthier tobegin with. Clinical trials are impossible in areas like this—you can t reallyhand out pets and test their effects, as you might test the effects of adrug.Also, though it has been shown that the presence of a friendly pet canhave a positive effect on heart rate and blood pressure, it s not clear thata person actually has to own the animal to get the effect. Still, Dr.Friedman concludes that since heart disease and other stress-relateddiseases are so common in our society, it can t hurt to recommend petsfor their calming effect—at least for people who like animals and arewilling and able to undertake the responsibility of owning one.People have interacted with companion animals since the beginning ofhistory, and that interaction may belong as much to the realm of148

common sense as to science. If a pet adds joy to your life and makes youfeel better or more secure in your home, or provides entertainment andstructure, you hardly need scientific proof of the benefits.If you re thinking of getting (or giving) a pet, remember the downside.Dogs and cats can be expensive—and limiting. You have to provide fortheir care when you re away from home. They cause wear and tear onyour clothing and furnishings, shed hair, and make messes you have toclean up. A barking dog may alienate your neighbors. Some people areallergic to animal dander. A dog must be socialized—that is, carefullytrained in order to be a good pet. If infants or small children are part ofthe household, their relationship with a pet has to be supervised. It snever a one-way street. And pets are not a panacea—as Dr. Friedmannotes, they won t cure cancer or heart disease. But for many people, theright pet is a real plus, well worth any trouble and expense.Animal magic is good for healthTHE drop in pet ownership may pose a risk to the nation's health, as petshave been linked to a variety of health benefits, according topsychologists.Professor Cary Cooper, of Lancaster University, says pets, especially catsand dogs, provide a variety of benefits to the lonely and the ill.\"There has been research showing that pets are a boost, particularly topeople with low emotional intelligence,\" he said. \"For people who can'texpress emotions, having a pet helps lift inhibitions and gives a sense ofsecurity and reliability.\"Pets are also routinely brought to hospices and cancer wards as comfortto patients. They offer a perceived unconditional love. Many peopledon't find that sort of affection elsewhere.\"Prof Cooper added that, in physical terms, research had shown that 149

those who had heart attacks see their risk drop if they own a pet.\"Whether that is because having a dog forces them to take the dog forwalks and so increases exercise or whether it's because of some sort ofcomfort and support offered by a pet, it's tough to say. Probably both.\"He added that there was strong evidence that stroking cats and dogslowers blood pressure and heart rate, \"but that's mostly in the shortterm\".\"There are more tenuous studies that suggest cardiovascular andimmune health are both helped by having a pet,\" he said. \"Most of thesestudies involve cats and dogs. Unresponsive pets, such as reptiles, don'tusually have the same impact.\"But there is also something to be said for fish. It may not be thatactually having fish in a tank relaxes you, but the sound of water is verysoothing. From an evolutionary point of view, we once all lived close towater sources so it would come as no surprise that the sound of a fishtank bubbling would have a positive psychological impact.\"Free Pet Adoptions for Seniors - Kill 2 Birds With One StoneThe Pasadena Humane Society is one of many animal facilities to beproud to sponsor a program that encourages senior citizens to adoptsenior pets. Seniors for Seniors enables people 65 years and older toadopt a dog or cat that is 5 years or older from their local HumaneSociety for free. (The mandatory cat microchip fee of $20 is being paiduntil the end of 2002 by Fresh Step, however the adopter does pay$12.50 for the lifetime registration fee.)Play With Rover Each Day and Keep the Blues Away Quiet and tired, theseventy-year-old woman watched children playing outside her window.But when her 7-year-old shepherd mix put his head in her lap, she smiledand told him bring her his ball. It has long been known that animalssoothe the elderly. They may also promote health, psychological well150