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36 FOUR SEASONS BREEZE | MAY 2023 Tails & Trails - All Pets There are many benefits of owning a pet. For me and millions more, having a pet completes the circle of love in our lives. Pets give affection, we give it back, and all of us are the better for it. Science agrees. Cigna conducted a national survey of U.S. adults and found that three of five of those surveyed reported feeling lonely. The company of a dog or cat can help us feel less lonely and they are the perfect companions for older adults who live alone. Research found that older adults who reported owning a pet were 36 percent less likely to report loneliness than those who don't have pets. "I have a list of many health benefits that studies have shown pet owners have," said psychologist Harold Herzog, a pet-loving professor at Western Carolina University who has long studied the human-animal connection. "Higher survival rates, fewer heart attacks, less loneliness, better blood pressure, better psychological well-being, lower rates of depression and stress levels, fewer doctor visits, increased self-esteem, better sleep, and more physical activity are just some of the noted benefits of pet ownership," according to Herzog. Last year, an analysis of nearly four million people in the United States, Canada, Scandinavia, New Zealand, Australia, and the United Kingdom found dog ownership was associated with a 24 percent reduction in dying from any cause. If the person had already suffered a heart attack or stroke, having a dog or cat was even more beneficial. People were 31 percent less likely to die from cardiovascular disease. Mindful.org defines mindfulness as "the basic human ability to be fully present, aware of where we are and what we're doing, and not overly reactive or overwhelmed by what's going on around us." Pets live in the here and now, without worrying about the future or dwelling on the past. Playing with our dog or cat helps us feel more relaxed and in the moment. Hopefully, as more studies are conducted and we have additional data available, we can put behind us the debate about just how and why a cat, dog, bird, fish, lizard, or gerbil might soothe out stress and provide companionship. Until then, fellow pet lovers, I intend to go back to what I have always felt — my pets are some of the most loving family members in my life, and that, if nothing else, makes them good. ~ Vivian Walker, vivr@ sbcglobal.net Our Cars & Coffee meeting on April 1 was NO joking matter. We had absolutely wonderful weather and a great turnout with more than 30 classic cars, trucks, and motorcycles. The great weather always brings out the great rides that have been hibernating in the garage during the winter months. If you're ready to enjoy the warmer weather, please dust off your ride, put air in the tires, and join us the first Saturday of each month at 9 am at The Lodge parking lot. Enjoy some hot coffee and donuts with other car, truck, and motorcycle fanatics. Our next gathering will be May 6. The Cherry Festival Car and Bike Show is Saturday, May 27 at Stuart Park in Beaumont. It is open to all makes and models, foreign or domestic, of any year. There will be music, vendors, food, and raffles. Even if you do not have an entry, please come and look at all the rides on display. Spectator admission is free. The show benefits Carol's Kitchen. Pre-registration closes on May 20. For additional information, please contact Frank Morales at (951) 203-4578 or fmoralesjrinc@aol.com or Rick Morales at (951) 255-4710 or onemth53@yahoo.com. ~ Frank Morales Cars & Coffee Cars & Coffee on April 1 Rocky Shaw, Pam Morales (holding Nikki), and Paul Carracino A motley crew enjoying the beautiful morning