Some of the advantages of having a pet are obvious. They provide companionship. They love unconditionally. No matter what we say, they never argue.

Some studies assert that people who have dogs and or cats are more active reducing blood pressure and cholesterol and playing with a pet allays anxiety and depression. That children with pets are more likely to share, cooperate and volunteer. According to Healthy Living, “On the whole, people with pets live longer and recover from events such as heart attacks and strokes more quickly, especially if they live alone.”

Bissell Pet Foundation’s biggest event ever kicked off their Empty Shelter Event July 11th. It is the longest ever and will last until the 31st. There are 32,000 deserving dogs and cats needing a home. Pell City’s Animal Shelter has many stray or lost dogs and cats.

On the “What’s Happening in Ashville” Facebook page, there are videos of pets who are so loving and well behaved. Yet they are code red, meaning days away from being put to euthanized.

They need homes. People who will love them and who they can love back tenfold. He who saves the life of one of these animals will improve the quality of his or her own. It might even last longer.