People who own and enjoy animals will tell you that pets make them feel good. Studies now prove that the benefits are not only emotional but physical and physiological.

Research indicates that pet owners have measurable lower levels of cholesterol and blood pressure, according to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services.

In addition to influencing humans' general health, pets can also aid recovery from illness. At the International Conference on Human Animal Interaction, it was reported that pet ownership can improve a person's chances of survival after a life-threatening illness. A recent British study looked at women between 50 and 60 years of age recovering form breast cancer. Of the women surveyed, 87 percent reported that their pets filled at least one important role in their social support while 43 percent reported that their pets fulfilled more than 10 important support functions, such as being cared for or an outlet for expression of feelings.

Madeline Scherman of Kailua is a breast cancer patient who has been in chemotherapy at Castle Medical Center since October. "Chemotherapy and its side effects are unpleasant to say the least," says Scherman. "You lose your hair and feel nauseated — but my two beautiful beagles, Maile and Lea, keep my spirits high."

Scherman believes that whether it's a wet doggie kiss or just watching them play together, their presence is a major part of her healing process.

The therapeutic use of pets as companions has gained increased attention in recent years. The growing body of research is irrefutable and has only validated programs such as the Hawaiian Humane Society's pet visitation program, which brings volunteer pets and people to healthcare and senior care facilities across O'ahu. The Humane Society's people-pet teams logged 542 visits in 2006, frequenting more than 25 facilities.

"We started pet visitation in 1981 because we knew that pets can play a powerful role in health and healing," says Pamela Burns, Humane Society president and CEO. "It seems as if each year a new study reaffirms the power of the human-animal bond."

Mark Perry of Kailua is one of 59 volunteers who participates in the society's pet visitation program. For the past four years, Mark and his 8-year-old dog, Ehu, have been visiting patients at Castle Medical Center every other Saturday. With a cold nose and a furry face, Ehu offers something that medicine can't provide — a healthy dose of joy.

"There's this fantastic energy that comes to life between Ehu and the patient," says Perry. "Even if the visit is only just a few minutes, we all seem to share such a powerful and positive feeling. I know it makes a difference."

"From the moment we adopted Ehu from the humane society, we could tell she had a way with people — especially children," he says. "Our volunteer work means a lot to me, but really I'm just escorting Ehu on her personal mission."

A survey of more than 11,000 Australians, Chinese and Germans proved pet owners enjoy better health.

Over a five-year period, pet owners made 15 percent to 20 percent fewer annual visits to the doctor than nonpet owners.

Results showed that the healthiest group was made up of people who continuously owned a pet.

The next healthiest group had obtained a pet during the study period, having not had one before. The least healthy groups were people who had never owned a pet, or no longer did.

ADOPTABLES

Sherbert
Tag No. 07294. — Sherbet is an orange-and-white delight. Weighing in at 10 pounds, Sherbet needs a bit more socialization. A gradual introduction to new things and new people is recommended in order to bring out the full "purr-tential" of this animal.

Daisy
No tag. — You will fall in love with Daisy's face - she is such a little princess! Accustomed to being a solo pet, Daisy does not like to share her family with other four-legged critters; True to her nature, Daisy enjoys being groomed.

These animals already may have found homes. The Hawaiian Humane Society and McInerny Dog Park at 2700 Wai'alae Ave. are open 11 a.m.-7 p.m. weekdays and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. weekends and holidays. For directions, special events and to see more pets available for adoption, see www.hawaiianhumane.org or call 946-2187. Call immediately to report lost or found animals, ext. 4.

PETS ON THE NET: AN ONLINE COMMUNITY

Our Web feature, Pet Project, is for people who love their dogs, cats and other animals so much they want to show them off to everyone. At Pet Project, you can submit a photo of your pet, read the latest news about pets, learn about new books on pets or join a discussion group with other pet owners in the community. Go online to http://the.honoluluadvertiser.com/section/petproject.