I don't know what it's like at your house, but around here our cats obliterate roses. So maybe we'll just focus on hearts...

No offense to my human sweetie, but when I think about true love, I always think of my animals first. Their love is so pure; so unconditional. Nothing in the world feels better. And I feel the same way about them. So of course when ERDF had the opportunity to support one of these examples of true love, and it involved fixing a heart to boot, we welcomed the opportunity! We hope you enjoy reading about Annie, a dog that wouldn't otherwise have lived to see one year old.

As I delved into research about pet heart health, I kept coming across references to ways they improve OUR heart health as well.  I’m sure many of you already know that intuitively, but I thought you might be interested in seeing some of the info to back it up.

I hope you'll join me as well in thanking some folks who have shared their hearts with ERDF in order to help keep more pets healthy and with their people! 

So, read this newsletter and then go kiss your kitten or pup!

— JULI

People in our military struggle severely with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. That is why in two years when I retire, I want to train dogs to give to a Wounded Warrior in return for all they have done for us to keep us safe and so we have our freedom. I've seen firsthand the amazing healing the companionship of a dog can bring!

So, we went in search of a German Shepherd puppy. We got Annie from a breeder and we were attracted to her right away because I have always felt German Shepherds were so intelligent and could provide that healing that I was looking for. I can't tell you how excited we were to bring home our new puppy! She was going to help me to see if I had the "right stuff" to be able to train dogs to help our Warriors once I retired. If I do, she was going to help me to train the dogs I'd be turning over to our veterans.

Five days after we got home, we took Annie for her check up with our Vet. One listen to her heartbeat and he looked at me – and I knew something was terribly wrong.

The American Heart Association, after having reviewed studies focusing on blood pressure, heart rate and physical activity, has concluded that there is a significant connection between pet ownership and the prevention of cardiovascular disease.

Do you find yourself walking more because you own a dog? The AHA says that if you own a dog you'll walk more hours/week, have a significantly lower systolic blood pressure, reduce your risk of CVD and lessen your chances of becoming obese.