I know that the human-animal bonding happens at Lake Tahoe as well as around the nation and globe. Also, as a lover of animal films, from Marley &Me to Hachi: A Dog’s Tale, I savor the connection to both dogs and cats on the little screen, big screen and in real life.

Sure, as an author I’m known for my popular Healing Powers series touting superfoods and how they can improve our health and well-being. But I also know about the extraordinary healing powers of cats and dogs. Here, take a look at some ways the animal attraction is timeless.

Soulmates with Paws Can Heal

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People on the South Shore—locals and tourists—love dogs and cats. And pet people everywhere will tell you companion animals are affectionate, smart, and loyal—and give unconditional love during the best and worst of times. Here’s the lowdown on how caring for a pet can be one of the best things you do for yourself—and your health.

• They Help Us Relax. Researchers say dogs can help reduce anxiety and stress by providing “the relaxation response”—in other words, a physiological state of deep rest.
• Fighting Heart Disease. Canines and felines can help us slow down. In doing so, blood pressure is reduced, which in turn, lowers one’s risk of heart attack or stroke.
• Boosting Immune System. Devoted dogs and cats can have a positive effect on the immune system by lowering stress hormone levels and raising antibodies that fight off disease.
• Conquering Loneliness. Not only do dogs keep us calm and healthy, but dog also-human relationships seem to lessen the health-damaging effect of being alone.
• Staying Active and Happy. Dog walking is also great physical activity for you and your best friend; getting regular exercise helps provide feel-good endorphins.
• Opening up Communication. Having a four-legged friend around when people visit makes socializing much easier and helps create a friendly atmosphere.
• Extending Longevity. People who live a long and happy life know about feeling needed—and how a canine and feline companion keeps them going.

Can Pets Leave Paw Prints on Your Soul?

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A constant relationship with a beloved pooch and/or feline is fulfilling and good for your heart and soul, too. Read on—and discover amazing ways to enhance the bond with pets throughout our lives.

Human-Animal Bond Paw Print 1: Tune into your natural attraction to God’s creatures, big and small. Animals help comfort your mind, body, and spirit.

Human-Animal Bond Paw Print 2: Take time to get to know pets and which type of critter is best suited to be a friend for life. The connection will be stronger if you and an animal are a good fit.

Human-Animal Bond Paw Print 3: Discover ways to strengthening a bond on different levels with your companion animal—and it will be a two-way street.

Human-Animal Bond Paw Print 4: Embrace the idea that cats and dogs as well as other animals can sense danger including quake and fire warnings to people with bad intentions and warn you to stay clear of harm’s way.

Human-Animal Bond Paw Print 5: Get in touch with the amazing ways animals can accomplish feats, from using their homing instinct to making a connection with you in time of need without expecting anything in return.

Human-Animal Bond Paw Print 6: Stay in touch with your inner spirit and understand that angels come in all forms—both human and animal—to guide and comfort those in physical and psychological need during life’s ups and downs.

Human-Animal Bond Paw Print 7: Take notice that animal lovers are universal—extraordinary and ordinary people (of all ages). Animals do not care about fame and fortune—it’s about mutual love and respect.

Human-Animal Bond Paw Print 8: Do realize that animals—furry to feathery—can and do get along and coexist in harmony with a little help from their human friends.

CAL OREY, M.A., is a bestselling author-novelist specializing in topics such as adventure, history, romance, and science. She holds a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in English (Creative Writing) from San Francisco State University. Her books include the Healing Powers series, and the Soulmates with Paws trilogy. Currently, the author is working on the Rescue Me! trilogy. The Whiteout Effect (July 2024). She is a South Lake Tahoe local. Her website is http://www.calorey.com.