"We can learn a lot from our pets"

Donna Spector, a veterinary internist in New York, knows what creatures have the key to living the good life. Hint: They typically have four feet.

• Might humans not know how to live the good life?
• “We people know how to live the good life. We know we should stop and smell the roses, but we're too busy and we forget. I think every creature has that inherent knowing of what’s good for them, and pets remind us of that all the time. We can learn a lot from our pets.”
• Like what? Barking at strangers? Peeing on other people’s pants?
• “If you ever saw a dog chase a ball, you know how eager pets can be to exercise. They enjoy the outdoors, and sniff everything they find on the street - good and bad - simply out of a natural curiosity. That's a good lesson: Be active, look around and enjoy.”
• Pets also seem to be able to relax well.
• “Exactly. If you're stressed, take a day and spend it with your pet. Cats don't rush out of bed, grab a cup of coffee and run to the next thing. They wake up slowly, stretch their bodies before doing anything else. Slow down, take a minute to enjoy the sunny spot in the room. Take a nap. And they eat with gusto. They savor a great meal, but stop once they're full, which is something we people tend to forget.”
• Any other advice from our pets?
• “You know, they show that they can keep learning new things, even at old age. They show the fun of taking a bath. All in all, studies have shown that having a pet is good for your health, your longevity and phsical and mental wellbeing. People with pets have a lower blood pressure and make less visits to a doctor. Did I tell you pets can show what unconditional love is?”