Hi

One of the things I’ve noticed about canary owners is that they almost always have other pets as well. I know that a lot of canary owners also have parrots, parakeets, cockatiels, and finches. I personally am a lover of dogs, cats, and horses in addition to birds.

So, because you are likely a person that loves animals in general--and not just canaries--I want to introduce you to someone that I have a lot of respect for, Dr. Andrew Jones.

He recently wrote an article on how pets can actually improve our lives and our health and I think it’s important enough to share it with you.

That article is below.

Until next time...

Make Your PET S-I-N-G!

Your Friend,

Darren P.D. Walker
CanaryBirdLISTENING.com
Your Canary is “SPEAKING” to You. Are You “LISTENING”?

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FEATURE ARTICLE
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From: Dr Andrew Jones
Author: Veterinary Secrets Revealed
Website: Vet Secrets

Bonne Année!

Which means Happy New Year in French.

Last night my family celebrated New Years with some friends of ours from Quebec. There were fiddlers. Lots of dancing, some howling dogs (Lewis likes the fiddle), and some tired children at midnight.

All in all it was a great time, and I was able to recall some of my high school French. We are planning a quiet day, with a dog walk later on involving Lewis and my neighbors dog Pearl.

As you contemplate what to accomplish in 2007, I suggest that you reflect on the BIG PLUSES of owning a pet! Here are some of the MANY benefits of owning a pet...

- -Pet Ownership Helps Us Cope With Stress

A study of breast cancer patients conducted at the University of Warwick in England found that pets can provide valuable support for women coping with cancer. Researchers found that in addition to tactile comfort, pets provided a relationship that, unlike many human relationships, was unaffected by the presence of a serious illness.

The ASPCA is currently studying the value of the human-animal bond during times of tragedy, by investigating how family pets impacted people's lives during and after the events of September 11, 2001.

- -Pets Enhance Family Life

Psychological studies have found that most pet owners view their pets as enhancing the quality of family life by minimizing tension between family members and by enhancing their owners' compassion for living things.

One survey of U.S. families found that pets were of great importance during personal or family illness, death of friends and family members or a family crisis.

- -Pet Owners Have Lower Blood Pressure

It has long been known that the act of stroking a pet can reduce blood pressure. But a study at the State University of New York at Buffalo found that the beneficial effects continue even when the pet is not present.

The study, which looked at a group of stockbrokers with hypertension, concluded that just owning a pet can help lower blood pressure--and keep it lower--even in stressful settings.

- -Pet Owners Have Lower Blood Cholesterol Levels

A study of more than 5,400 people conducted by Australia's Baker Medical Research Institute found that pet owners had not only lower blood pressure, but also lower levels of blood cholesterol and triglycerides in comparison to the non-pet owners, reducing the risk of heart disease.

- -Pet Owners Have a Higher Survival Rate After Serious Illness

Two studies have found that heart attack patients who owned the pets were significantly more likely to be alive a year after they were discharged from the hospital than those who didn't.

What's more, a study conducted at City Hospital in New York found that the presence of a pet affected survival rate even more than having a spouse or friends. Patients in hospitals or nursing homes who have regular visits from their pets have shown to be more receptive to treatment.

The need to care for their pet gives them reason to recover and the will to live.

- -Pet Owners Have Fewer Doctors' Visits

Two studies have found that heart attack patients who owned the pets were significantly more likely to be alive a year after they were discharged from the hospital than those who didn't.

What's more, a study conducted at City Hospital in New York found that the presence of a pet affected survival rate even more than having a spouse or friends.

Patients in hospitals or nursing homes who have regular visits from their pets have been shown to be more receptive to treatment. The need to care for their pet gives them reason to recover and the will to live.

- -Pet Ownership Reduces Loneliness

People who live alone find that having pets reduces feelings of loneliness. According to researchers, this occurs because the pet provides companionship, but also because the pet becomes a topic for conservation with other people, increasing social interactions.

Pet therapy programs at nursing homes are credited with enabling patients to reach out beyond their own pain and isolation and start caring about the world around them again.

- -Pet Ownership Fights Depression

A study of AIDS patients conducted by UCLA, in 1999 found that pets provide a level of companionship that helped the patients cope with the stress of their illness. The study looked at more than 1,800 patients and found that those who did not have a pet were more than twice as likely to report symptoms of depression.

And scientists in South Africa have conducted research that shows that a pet can serve as an anti-depressant, increasing the release of endorphins and other hormones tied to pleasure.

- -Pet Ownership Aids Childhood Development

Studies have linked family ownership of a pet with high self-esteem in young children and greater cognitive development. In addition, children with pets at home score significantly higher on empathy and pro-social scales than non-pet owners.

As we rush through 2007, try to remember to slow down, take time out with your pet, and be grateful for your pet.

The more I read and learn about the benefits of pets, the more I am amazed. My pets definitely improve the quality of my life. Let them improve yours.

Copyright 2006 Veterinary Secrets Revealed

Dr Andrew Jones has been a practicing veterinarian for many years and is the author of the best selling and heavily praised book, Veterinary Secrets Revealed. In Veterinary Secrets Revealed, Dr Jones reveals simple secrets to safeguard your pet's health, slash vet bills, and maybe even save your pet's life.

Click here for more on Vet Secrets Revealed

=====DARREN’S COMMENTS=================
I just want to say that I’ve purchased Dr. Jones book and it is an absolute necessity for dog and cat owners. It covers just about every health problem that might arise with our 4 legged friends. I’ve used quite a bit of the info on my pets. There’s no telling how much money in vet visits it’s going to save me over the next few years. Oh yeah, I’m all for saving money! :-)

Dr. Jones also has a great free eCourse and eBook where he reveals dozens of great pet health care tips.

Sign up for these tips at Free Vet Secrets

, Feel free to forward this email on to any friends or family that may be interested in the content. Let’s see how many pet owners we can help out. :-)

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While every attempt has been made to verify the information provided in this writing, neither the author nor his affiliates/partners assume any responsibility for errors, inaccuracies or omissions. Any slights of people or organizations are unintentional. If advice concerning animal health or related matters is needed, the services of a fully qualified professional should be sought. This report is not intended for use as a source of animal health care advice. You should be aware of any laws which govern animal health care or other related practices in your country and state.