Testimonials from people who have pets:
A poem (click to read): Grow Old with Dogs
LOTS of testimonials on this PetPlace link: Can dogs sense when a person needs them?
Guardians of Being (words by Eckhart Tolle, author of The Power of Now and A New Earth and art by Patrick McDonnell, creator of MUTTS) celebrates the reason we love our companion animals. It illuminates for us their divine purpose. While we are lost in our thoughts and busyness of everyday life, they have become our guardians of being. They can bring us into the present moment and reconnect us to the one source of all life. (See more suggestions of related reading material.)
Listen to a song from Wendy Francisco called “GoD and DoG”.
Maida Genser, Founder of Citizens for Pets in Condos, snuggling with her cat Priya, a rescued kitty.
Dog therapists help patients recover
Family finds dog, and can't live without him
See the Playmate of the Year (a dog!)
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Fictional testimonial, which never-the-less shows that this author "understands": [The main character, a rogue cop, was sitting on the porch in the rain with his pet cat, Franco.] "I carried Franco into the house and dried him off with a bathroom towel. He looked up at me with concern in his savvy yellow eyes. They say cats have no expression, but Franco could definitely communicate. We both knew I was in deep shit."
I finally flopped down on the bed and Franco stuck close, lying in the hollow beside me. I'd found him starving in Carol White's apartment after she'd been murdered and had rescued him. Now it seemed, instead of going out and prowling for lady cats, he had my back, or at least my side. Then he nuzzled me and licked my hand. Cat affection..." -- "On the Grind," by Stephen J. Cannell
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Companion animals are more than "pets" - those of us who treasure or relationships with our dogs and cats (and other pets, too), will tell you that our lives are richer and fuller because of the dog or cat or both. I know that the Grumpy Old Lady, AKA Wabby Wibby, is my dear baby. She is 18 ...or near to 18... and I love just sitting with her, listening to her purr, and knowing that she loves me back. It's more than comforting - her affection helps me relax and slow down, on really busy days. (from Divita at Scratchings-and-Sniffings)
I am over 80 yrs of age. Do not have children or relatives in immediate area. Have had a dog since early childhood until moving into a condo. Very much need the companionship of a small pet. (Joyce Abraham, Florida , comment on OUR online petition)
Ever since I can remember I had a dog. They played an important part in my life growing up. Stories are told of my adventures and mishaps going back to when I was a toddler. I was rescued by my mom as I was sharing a meal out of the bowl of my four legged brother. There was a closeness of no truer companion than my ever faithful friend waiting for me as I came home from school. Together we ran and played in the park only to flop down in the cool grass and fall asleep only to share the sound of our beating hearts.
Many of my friends consider me some sort of a dog whisperer for this special relationship has given me much attention by those that marvel how easily I could train a dog to do the most anything. One of those memorable tricks is still talked about running into neighbors not seen in years. It had to do with this 8 lb. mongrel called "Tiny" This was a black and white combination of a Chihuahua and Fox Terrier who's daily shopping was the highlight of the corner bakery. A small pouch was tucked under his collar which would contain my order and the money . He proceeded to make the trip daily and bark at the door till someone paid attention to him.
With the daily practice this routine exercise became perfection in motion. A brown paper bag was twisted on the top was placed in his mouth and he made the home delivery. Imagine the sight of this little creature with a a bag laden with precious cargo proudly keeping his head up scurrying down the street. Tiny became an instant celebrity with pictures appearing in local newspapers celebrating his talents. Tiny lived for eighteen beautiful years.
My fascination and the love of dogs continued with raising my daughter. Her companion Timmy a black toy poodle served her through till she was fourteen where putting him down for failing health brought tears and weeks of sadness around the household. The tradition continued even when my daughter got married as she proudly transported Haley her chocolate Labrador while in service in the Air Force. Haley was there when our grandchildren were born and seen them nearly to teenage when she passed on to doggy heaven. (name not disclosed, Florida, part of a longer comment on OUR online petition)
Pets are proven benefits to overall mental & physical health and well-being... It is our God-given right to seek out the best benefits for our own good health and sanity. Pets make for powerful medicine for not only our bodies, but for our souls! If the government wants to save our citizens from the high costs of healthcare in this country, it should pass laws that aid citizens who seek healthier lifestyles which includes the allowance for having some of Earth's beautiful domestic creatures at our sides! (Erin Mulvaney, Florida , comment on OUR online petition)
As the daughter of an 87 year old who,because of my little 7 pound dog, I have the opportunity to watch her face come alive when she is able to sit on my couch, watching tv, with a companion by her side. Since she lost my dad to cancer, few things give her the joy that spending time with a loyal companion can provide. PLEASE do this for these people who have, at this time in their lives, few joys. It's life preserving and with the proper rules in place, this will be a win win for all. (ELAINE WESTMAN, Florida, comment on OUR online petition)
I am a psychotherapist and there is nothing like a pet to brighten a persons day and bring them joy. (Marla Gale, Florida, comment on OUR online petition)
I live in a building that allows pets. We meet often by the dog area and allow the pets and neighbors to say "hi" which gives us the opportunity to know who we live with. (Lauren Kaufman, Florida on OUR online petition)
As an attorney, practicing in a mostly senior area, I personally know that permitting pets will, without hesitation, add quality and most likely quantity of life to these individuals. I bring my dog to my office every day and clients come in just to pet her and have her give them love and affection. (Wendi Weisman, Florida , comment on OUR online petition)
My Mom is in her 80's and her cat keeps her going. Let the elderly keep their pets for companionship, unconditional love, and a sense of being needed with a responsibility to care for the pet. (Pamela Brachmann, Florida, comment on OUR online petition)
My elderly mother's life has been enhanced becuse she is allowed to have a pet. Discrimination by condos and HOA's by refusing to allow pets must not be allowed to continue. (Nancy LaSorsa, Florida, comment on OUR online petition)
y dogs have lowered my B.P.. With out them I wouldn't get up at 7:00am every morning an get the great exersize I do now get. They have made me a better and kinder person, and others get a good laugh, when I realize I still have my pocket stuffed with bags. Never having children they have taught me what love is. -- (Penny Czarnecki, Florida, comment on OUR online petition)
"Animals can take a deep place in our hearts. They offer us unconditional love.
"The bond between pet and human companion is particularly strong among parents whose children have moved out or in adults who never had children, Goebel said. Their pets become their children, and their deaths can be traumatic.
My dogs have lowered my B.P.. With out them I wouldn't get up at 7:00am every morning an get the great exersize I do now get. They have made me a better and kinder person, and others get a good laugh, when I realize I still have my pocket stuffed with bags. Never having children they have taught me what love is. -- Penny Czarnecki, Florida
I am alone with no friends or family. My dog keeps me from being depressed. -- Gene Brown, Florida
After taking in a stray dog, I realize what a tremendous health benefit a pet can be. My blood pressure has dropped, and I'm getting more exercise than I've had in 5 years. Since a number of seniors move in to condos as they get older, I believe it's critical that they be allowed to keep pets. Allowing pets can save lives!
-- Walter Olsen
After having our last dog for 15 wonderful years, we thought we'd never want another. Now we find life without a canine companion terribly lacking. Nothing fills that place in our hearts like a special dog. Unfortunately, our condo board vehemently opposes animals of ANY kind. I look forward to the day when the law is changed so that responsible people are no longer denied something that many of us consider a need and not just a want. Thanks for everyone's good work. -- Ann Apgar
"And the grieving is as deep, as real, as if they had lost a beloved human family member." -- Mara Goebel, leader of a pet-grief group at Hospice of the Valley, AZ
(Memorial services can help pet owners find closure)
Pet ownership is not for everyone but no one has the right to deny the gifts our furried and feathered friends bring us. My two dogs and two birds were the driving force for my success during my recent radiation and chemotherapy treatments. -- Roger B. Green, Florida
[Pets} just add so much to your life medically in every way. I know where I would be if I did not have my emotional support gem! It still is a struggle, but made easier with her. I would have totally given up and been in bed more hours. The love and companioship they give is infinite. Hugs to you and the four legged medicines that are better than humans , as they are always there for you! -- Renee Kellman, New York City and West Palm Beach, FL
Without my dog my life would be dull and lonely. -- Linda Schonning, Boca Raton, FL
My friends & I feed over 350 stray cats that we have not been able to find room for in local rescues & I know most would make wonderful, loving companions for those people who find they are just existing instead of living! How wonderful it would be to give someone a new fury pal & get a discarded/forgotten animal a home. Just prior to my Mom passing away we got them a dog, thank goodness we did, after 60 years of marriage my Dad had pretty much lost the will to live until his new best friend showed him how much she needed his care & in the process it has given him a reason to get up in the morning. (Deanne Gentile, comment on OUR online petition)
My dog has helped me through my depression anxiety and has become part of my family. I can not imagine getting rid of him! (Ana Rivera, comment on OUR online petition)
I live in a condo in Illinois. We allow 2 cats per unit and one dog under 50 lbs. I'd have to move if my cats were not permitted. They provide companionship and give some older folks a reason to get up in the morning. It's a proven fact that pet owners derive mental and physical health benefits from that companionship.
(June Herdzina, comment on OUR
online petition)
I, for one, will NOT travel w/o my precious yorkies. They are my family. I'd just as soon stay home than to leave them behind. I am not alone. I have MANY friends and family memebers who feel the same way. Can Florida really afford to lose these potential tourists/tenants revenue??
I am a single person how decided not to have children. They are my family. Without them my life would be very empty and sad. My number one joy in life is being with my dogs. Take that away animals in a person's life is taken away unconditional love and happiness. Noboby has a right to take that way from somebody.
My mother is 92 and her main reason for getting out of bed and getting dressed every day is that she has to take care of and feed her cats. I can't imagine her life without them and neither can she.
I AM A RESCUE GROUP AND ADOPT TO SENIORS IN CONDO'S. THESE PEOPLE HAVE CALLED AND WRITTEN US TELLING US OF THE JOYS AND PEACE OF HAVING A SMALL ANIMAL TO LOVE,CHERISH AND LIVE FOR !!! THEIR BLOOD PRESSURE WENT DOWN- THEY FELT BETTER AND MORE ALIVE BECAUSE OF HAVING A PET TO LOVE. (Barbara MALINA, comment on OUR online petition)
I walk down by the beach almost everyday. I see young and old alike, many times by themselves, sometimes with a furry friend. The friend is a friend who helps these pepole make more friends. People stop to pet these furry friends and talk to the human. In some cases this is the only conversation that this person will have with another person until tomorrow, or the next walk. A dog gets a person OUT of their Condo and brings sunshine and light. Without a dog pet these people are inside their condos alone. Alone is not good. A dog gives a person a smile on their face. A body to snuggle up next to and hug. Why other people want to STOP this communication is beyond me. If you don't want a dog, fine, but if you want a dog that is GREAT. Having a dog means you don't live alone. (Sue-Ann Kaufman, comment on OUR online petition)
I have cats, & can't imagine life without them - they're curled up all around my heart!! In fact, the reason I first got cats was because I was so lonely & depressed, I couldn't stop crying. (Kathy S., comment on OUR online petition)
During the last months of my mothers life, her cats were by her side, purring and keeping her company and giving her love. When she passed away, they were there, and my sisters and i adopted them into our home. They were not animals, they are family. It would have been horrible for her to have given her cats away because she lived in a condo. She was a lucky person that she was allowed her hairy family. (Bertha Arnold, comment on OUR online petition)
Being in the business of pet rescue, I have seen how hard it is for an owner to turn in their animal because they are not allowed in condos. I personally would never be able to part with mine and I feel the pain these owners go through. It is mentally unhealthy and should be stopped. Please continue your efforts to help people and their pets. (comment on OUR online petition)
When I was going through depression years ago, there were times when my pets were my ONLY motivation for living. I never lost that feeling of never wanting to abandon my loving yet helpless companions. (comment on OUR online petition)
As a nurse, I see first hand how a visit from a service animal positively affects my patients attitude and well being. We need to get with the program and not restrict people to living isolated from animal companionship just because they are in a condo. (comment on OUR online petition)
My husband's dog is his best friend and they make each other smile. No one should be deprived of that joy. (comment on OUR online petition)
My Dr is thrilled with how my high blood pressure has lowered since I have adopted my two cats not to mention the love they give to me no matter what. I can talk to them about anything. (comment on OUR online petition)
We own a wonderful Greyhound...Born a racing dog now living like a lady in our two bedroom condo. This lady chose us to be in her life and we will be always grateful for having the opportunity to improve her quality of life. With the movement of removing Greyhound racing from the state, there will be more and more available for adoption. This breed is elegant, respectful, loving and the ultimate couch potato plus she is an indoor dog. She is loved by all in our condo community. We have had countless hours of unconditional love from our Beauty and would love to see rules in place that allow more retirees to have pets within their communities. (comment on OUR online petition)
My shelter dog has been an amazingly calm, patient and soothing presence in my life in the long road before and after the dx of a rare illness. I appear healthy, but am not able to care for a traditional house any longer and home/condo life, while trying to cope with illness, can be very lonely. The fact that my dog happens to be larger than some "condo" dogs should not be a factor. Great dogs (friendly, calm, quiet and well mannered-more so than many small breeds) come in ALL sizes and should be recognized and valued to the full extent as any other companion pet. I thank God for her every day.-- (comment on OUR online petition)
As for pets, when the original documents and legislation for condo's and HOA were written there was very little recognition of how pets and their interaction with owners can medically and spiritually aid in the wellbeing of pet owners. Pets today are often trained as therapy dogs to assist those with mobility limitations and seizures. The companionship has been shown in clinical trials to promote good health and decrease depression. None of this information was available when the documents were created. I work for a large healthcare system in Broward County and we have pet therapy dogs in all five of our hospitals. They are a proven effective therapy treatment. Keeping pets out is just another example of shortsighted and narrow-minded individuals refusing to educate themselves and inappropriately holding positions of authority without adequate qualifications or reasoning skills. Also another example of how documents should be easier to update as new data becomes available. -- e-mail from Terri S.
My cats have provided many years of joy and love and companionship. They are a vidal part of my life and help me cope with daily activities as well as reducing the anxiety I feel from the simpliest of life's stressful situations. I don't know what I would do without them. They are my family. -- Diane Moniz, Florida (comment on OUR
online petition)
I suffer from a severe form of depression that has been responsive to a combination of medication and the emotional support given me by my two cats. My condo, however, does not allow pets -- except for birds in cages or fish in aquariums. I essentially have to hide the fact that I have my two "babies" -- who take care of me as much as I take care of them -- in order to have a manageable state of mental health and to be a fully functional, working individual. The emotional nurturing that we give each other has been a tremendous boon to my mental health, however, I live in fear that, if discovered, my cats may be taken away, or I will be forced to sell my home. Simply stated, this is a fear that neither I -- nor anyone else in my situation -- should have to live with. My cats were rescue animals, but truth be told, they have rescued me more than I rescued them. Please change the laws regarding pets in condos. -- Anne-Louise Boomer, Florida (comment on OUR online petition)
I live in a condo. My cat keeps me company. Are only rich families with big houses allowed to have the comfort of a pet? -- Ellen Audelo, Florida (comment on OUR
online petition)
A pet is a great companion for anyone living alone. My kitty waits for me to come home and greets me at the door. He keeps me company while at home. He watches over me when I feel ill. And best of all, he doesn't talk back! What more could one ask of a housemate? -- Catherine Politi, Florida (comment on OUR
online petition)
I am in the Mental Health Counseling field and i have done some research on how pets help improve the psychological and physical health of people. I also know from personal experience the happiness and peacefulness a pet can bring to a person's life. -- Andrea Torres, Florida (comment on OUR online petition)
I work for an HIV/AIDS organization and some of my elderly clients have to suffer in isolation without the love that a pet could bring to them because of these outdated policies. Research shows the extensive benefits of owning pets and these are tripled for the elderly especially those suffering from chronic illness. We must take action to change this. -- Teresa Neira, Florida (comment on OUR online petition)
My father has Alzhemier's, without his dog he would not relate to anything. That dog is by his side 24hrs a day. It gives him a reason to go on. (comment on OUR online petition)
After loosing everything in Hurricane Katrina, I do not feel I began to recover until I was adopted by my cats in May, 2006. I had lost four in the storm. The emotional support and unconditional love they gave me is without price. (comment on OUR online petition)
I am a school teacher for children with emotional disabilities. The stress I endure during my working hours are horrific. If it weren't for my dogs, I would have surely had a heart attack or stroke by now. When I come home stressed they jump on me and lick my face and just lay next to me until I feel my heart rate go down and my breathing becomes regular again. I would rather live in the streets than have to part with my dogs. (comment on OUR online petition)
These little angels are so intelligent and they can tell when something is wrong, and my little guy will not leave my side. It’s as if he senses that we are having problems and he just looks into my eyes and I swear he is smiling at me. . . He is a yorkie- 6-1/2 pounds of energy and love. He sits with me all day while I work and has a little bed in every room so he can relax and sleep or play while I am working or cooking. --- Andrea Redinger, Florida
My Mom is 79 and lives for her cat who stays inside and does not go out. The cat is her sanity and mine may I add. She bothers no one, does not have fleas and its my property. (comment on OUR online petition)
As the population's age increases, so will the needs of the retired and elderly for emotional companionship. The joy my 6 lb. indoor housetrained, non-barking dog has given me has replaced the therapy I was going to for the lonliness I suffered at being separated from my married children who have a life of their own. Changes are desperately needed to the condo rules because that's where the growing senior population will be living. (comment on OUR online petition)
[My brother] just suffered a horrible depression episode, where he had to be hospitalized for a week and a half. When he came home, seeing Jade [his dog] lit up his face. Jade is his best friend. (comment on OUR online petition)
My mother just spent 7 weeks in the hospital after surgery to remove her toes, and allowing her dog, Pebbles, to come by for regular visits was a big part of keeping her spirits up so she could recover. ---Stuart Goldman, Texas (comment on OUR online petition)
After the death of our daughter, a beautiful dog named Riley came into our lives. As we face a move to Florida in the coming months, I have to give Riley up due to a no pet policy in the condo we will be moving into, which has been owned by my mother in law for 8 years. Riley has helped us through and continues to support us emotionally, such a difficult recovery. He's been there for us, and now I am powerless to be there for him because of this policy. I wish we didn't have to move there...it is an unfortunate necessity. What a shame. It's 3 months away, this move and even now I cannot hold back the tears.-- Kendra Evola, Michigan (comment on OUR online petition)
I have fibromyalgia and I know that a pet lowers my blood pressure and keeps me from getting so depressed. This petition is a good thing.-- Kathie Fidler, Florida (comment on OUR online petition)
As an advocate for people with cancer, I know how important a pet can be, especially to those who are ill, recovering or elderly.-- Ann Fonfa, Florida (comment on OUR online petition)
I currently suffer from severy nerve damage which often causes such excrutiation pain in my foor that it robs me of sleep for 48 hours at a time. I have consulted doctors, including an endocrinologist & a neurologist, tried medications, meditation & yoga, medical acupuncture with no relief. There is seemingly nothing to lessen the pain so that I can at least get some rest. The only remedy I currently have are 2 purring cats who can intuitively sense my distress and come lay on my lap or beside me in bed to help me relax so that I might doze off, if only for a short period until the pain subsides so that I can try to live a normal life.-- Nancy Deckard, Florida (comment on OUR online petition)
People need pets; Pets need people - especially those in shelters looking for a home. I have adopted two dogs and they bring more smiles and happiness to me than one could imagine... -- Niki Greenberg, Florida (comment on OUR online petition)
As a nurse, I know how important and therapeutic it can be for the elderly to have pets as anyone else. I see no reason why condos should be any different than regular housing. Pets give people a reason to live. Can't we do the same for them?-- Karen Hemingway, Florida (comment on OUR online petition)
Everyday I look forward to seeing my cats and my dog when I get home from work. It is very rewarding to know that I am able to give them a safe and happy home. Can't imagine living without them. I would never buy or live in a place that tells me I cannot have that joy in my life. And for an association to change to pet restricted after you purchase, that should be illegal. Humans need to be responisble and realize these animals need homes too. Shelters and euthanizations is not the answer.-- Kelley Slater, Florida (comment on OUR online petition)
My dogs are the emotional backbone to my family. By having these two pets, my husband and I are happier, healthier and more vital then ever. Discouraging pets from housing is simply discouraging a healthy lifestyle. Pets prolong life - the statistics cannot be discredited. Responsible pet ownership is the key to a successful pet/condo relationship. If we as owners take responsibility and train our pets to be well behaved members of our community, they should under no circumstances be denied access to our homes.-- Hilary Rakover, Florida (comment on OUR online petition)
My two kitty cats have had a big impact on my life. They helped me get through a couple of tough emotional situations. I call them my little stress relievers. I love them so much.--Patricia Kirschner, Florida (comment on OUR online petition)
I am a former manager-specialist in senior citizen/disabled housing for the Los Angles City Housing Authority. I can testify that pet ownership results in longer, happier, and more active lives for senior citizens. That's we why have always allowed pets in our buidlings - most always without incident. (comment on OUR online petition)
I was couldn't walk for 3 years. My beloved Sami stayed in bed with me the entire time and only left to eat and go poddy. my family would try to get him to come out but he would sneek back to me every time.-- Kris Hendrix, Florida (comment on OUR online petition)
My little guy is almost 10 years old and we are so attached to each other. I don’t think that there is a medication in the world that would take his place, as these attorneys think they have all the answers.
I am handicapped and my dogs with their love and companionship have helped me recover when I was feeling my worst. -- Clorinda Leon, Florida (comment on OUR online petition)
As a therapist and an animal owner, I have seen the profound benefits of animal ownership on mental health. This is especially imperative for persons experiencing significant change and loss (often the elderly population), as animal companionship can offset the feelings of depression and give a person a sense of daily purpose. (comment on OUR online petition)
I never had a dog until a year and a half ago and I can't imagine my life without him. I can see how a pet can bring so much companionship and happiness to a person, especially to elderly people or those who live alone. It can help to stimulate an elderly person mentally and physically be getting them out of the house to walk the dog and keeping them active to take care of the dog. If they are not allowed in condos then a person who really needs a pet can become depressed which can then lead to more serious health issues. It is a shame that so many condos do not allow pets, it is really hurting those who need them the most. (comment on OUR online petition)
I currently live in a single family house and I have two cats. I have had them since 1995, when my previous cat died three months before her 20th birthday. My husband abandoned me in 1997 and I was devastated. If not for my two loving cats, there were some mornings I am sure I would not have even been able to get out of bed. Don't these condo commandos read all the reports about how having a pet can keep seniors from becoming depressed, lower blood pressure, etc. I can almost understand banning dogs because a lot of owners are totally ignorant and don't clean up after them. But, an indoor cat? What's the problem? I hope this petition does get the law changed. --Linda Collins, Florida (comment on OUR online petition)
My father and mother live in a condo that does allow pets. They made a decision to adopt a dog two years ago and it was such a great choice. My mother walks her, which has been great for her health, plus she has met so many friends through the condo that other wise she might not have met. My father, who is handicapped, absolutely adores her and she has definitely helped his health in so many ways. I am so glad their condo allows pets because it benifits them alot, it would be so nice if all condos allowed them. --Linda Halverson, Florida (comment on OUR online petition)
My cats bring a tremendous amount of love & comfort to me & my family. No one should be deprived of that love & compainship. Especially in a community where rules can be set forth & enforced. --Gary Lasky, Florida (comment on OUR online petition)
My cats bring a tremendous amount of love & comfort to me & my family. No one should be deprived of that love & compainship. Especially in a community where rules can be set forth & enforced. (comment on OUR online petition)
My cat is my whole world whenever ever I come home from work she is always there to make the problems of my day melt away with the little chirp sound that she makes that melts my heart. My stress level comes way down. I don't know what I would do if I didn't have my cat to brighten my days. (comment on OUR online petition)