George Perkins, 75, walks his black Labrador, Annie, once a day on a trail near his home in the Tahoe Keys. Sometimes, he walks her twice a day.

"I enjoy it, yes. I just like walking period," Perkins said. "I think it's a good health benefit myself. I've lost 15 pounds since I've got the dog."

A study released last month published in the British Medical Journal by various psychologists, doctors and a veterinary surgeon detailed the health benefits and drawbacks of owning pets.

Among the benefits are a lower dependence on doctor services and possible medical cost savings, reduced risk of asthma in children exposed to pet allergens during their first year of life, decreased risk of cardiovascular disease and better physical and psychological well-being.

The study also described pets as "social catalysts," prompting interaction between people. Such interaction can be seen in Tahoe frequently, such as on Meyers Grade, in Desolation Wilderness or at the beach.

"Social contact has been long recognized as beneficial in that it alleviates feelings of loneliness and social isolation," the study read.

Perkins said Annie has been a great companion when his wife leaves for Chico for cancer treatment.

"It's given me a lot of companionship and it would be pretty lonely without my dog," he said.

The value of companionship was not lost in the study.

"Although support from pets should not be regarded as a replacement for help from people, the fact that pets are not human confers certain advantages: The relationships are less subject to provider burnout or to fluctuations, and they do not impose a strain or cause concern about continuing stability," the study stated. "Relationships with pets seem to be of value in the early stages of bereavement and after treatment for breast cancer."

Barton Memorial Hospital Charge Nurse Valerie Reeves said she heard petting cats or dogs or other pets lowers blood pressure.

Ruthe Justice walks her black Shitzu named Pierre every morning.

"It wakes you up and then you're ready for the day," she said.

While the benefits of owning a pet are quick to list, the drawbacks stemmed from the relationships formed between a person and a pet.

"The emotional bond between owner and pet can be as intense as that in many human relationships and may confer similar psychological benefits," the study read. "Death of a pet can cause grief similar to that in human bereavement, whereas threat of loss of a pet may be met with blunt refusal and non-compliance with advice on health."