Do Pets Assist us in retirement?

Wow! It has been a long day! Helped mom with errands ! The cool floor feels good. Hope she wants to rest. Have brought her the ball a lot today. Mom loves to play with my toys!


I live in a neighborhood where there are quite a few retirees including me.  More and more of these forever young people are out at 6:30 am walking a dog.  I now must time or schedule my walks with my dog, Rusty to avoid a dog traffic jam.  What a great thing to have a reason to get out and walk in  rain or shine.  A pet provides a living thing to  talk to, feed, and comfort.  I know there are studies that support the benefit of pets and I usually cite sources.  Today I decided not to.  I will say from experience that I have a purpose because of my pet.  I eat regularly and exercise because of my pet's schedule.  He even lets me know it is time for a regular bedtime.  Some time ago I overheard one of my grown sons say to someone, "Mom got a dog and it changed her life!"
What is your experience?  Please share with us.