by Ann M. Schmidt

Here's a book that will make you feel good aout what you do, whether it's veterinary medicine or animal shelter work.

I first learned of The Healing Power of Pets at last August's Central Veterinary Conference. Its author, Dr. marty Becker, was the keynote speaker. I'd heard of Dr. Becker's dynamic style, and he was in true form at the Kansas City gathering.

Let me preface my kudos by explaining that I am a toughened journalist, not inclined to believe anything I hear without substantiating sources. And I look for research-based evidence, not feel-good anecdotal information.

Additionally, and perhaps contarily, I am an animal lover.

I guess that's why I was so receptive to Dr. Becker's thesis: That research support what we've known intuitively all along - that pets and their umans have a good thing going. The healthy benefits of unconditional love and loyalty, combined with care taking that includes regular moderate exercise, have now ben measured.

But don't take my word for it. Go to a bookstore or library and pick up a copy of Becker's latest, a successor to his Chicken Soup for the Pet Lover's Soul. Look at the 10-page bibliography and four pages of resources. Fortunately for readers, Becker and co-author Danelle Morton did not burden us with footnotes. But the text cites studies and reports enough to let the discerning reader know that this no-brainer theory is supported by sound evidence. There is a physiological connection between petting a furry living creature and reduced blood pressure and stress-inducing hormones.

Our two daughters received instruction in all aspects of horsemanship at a therapeutic riding stable near our home in southern Wisconsin, so I've observed the benefits of animal assisted therapy. Here's what others have written about this book:

"Dr. Marty Becker's knowledge of the healing power that this unique bond holds for millions of people - young and old - may make directions to one's local animal shelter the best substitute for the prescription pad!"

- Martha C. Armonstrong, Vice President for Companion Animals and Equine Protections. The Humane Society of the United States.

"A captivating and heartwarming look at the fascinating role of pets and relationships in health and healing... This is an important contribution to our understanding in this important area and a must-read for both patients and health-care providers."

- Marty Sullivan, M.D., Associate Professor of Medicine; director, Science and Healing, Duke University Medical Center; Center for Integrative Medicine

I urge readers not to skip the preface, because this is where Dr. Becker humanizes himself. One learns how he became interested in the subject during his own bout with an illness that many have experienced.

Between Dr. Becker's knowledgeable and charismatic approach and co-author Danelle Morton's journalistic background the two have created a fascinating read.

What kind of human/animal bond makes this pet owner serve at the beck and call of his faucet-drinking cats? "Seniors take such incredible delight at the things they can do for their pets...[It is] life-enhancing and life-sustaining, as medical and veterinary research increasingly demonstrates in studies of seniors and their pets." - The Healing Power of Pets

J. Meyer photo