A pitch for pets in local businesses

I would like to add to Sholeh Patrick’s excellent column, “Research: Do pets really make us healthier” in the Local section Thursday, Oct. 10.

Yes, we should be careful with studies, including research and science, all affected by the criteria used.

The controversial dog vs. cat pet health issue, benefits and the focus on dog owners are likely to live long-grrrr. Both pets give owners companionship. Dogs are more in your face, demanding and require walking exercise resulting in health benefits for both the dog and human (urban differs from rural), cost twice as much to feed and care for as a typical cat (pet hybrids, exotics and Big Cats/wild cats requirements differ), and have a shorter lifespan.

Domestic cats are more aloof, undemanding, sleep on average 18 hours per day (kitten and senior differ) and are often quite “independent individuals,” yet comfortable companions. Both bring much joy, companionship and responsibility to us humans, especially when we are disabled, sick or elderly. Cats more so than dogs relative to ease of care and cost.

To have a successful inter-species companion and bonding, you have to be committed, respectful, trusting, feel privileged and appreciate. Pets pay you back tenfold psychologically. All research I have seen supports animals are therapeutic, which in turn aids health. I have been there, experienced it, observed it, believe it and benefited enormously.

Cats come in as most popular pets! Worldwide there are 88.3 million cats and 74.8 million dogs (although there are 142 million fresh water fish in tanks). Depending on research (American Pet Products, Gallup, American Heart Association, colleges, etc.): In the USA, there are pets in 68%-73% of households, 36.5–44% own dogs (1.6/house), and 29–30.4% own cats (2.1/house)?, statistics I find interesting.

My pet peeve? With their popularity, pets remain prohibited in coffee shops, pubs and restaurants. An inconvenience for many pet owners. Sure there is the risk of contamination, but unlikely if managed and with reasonable criteria and responsible pet owners, non-aggressive and friendly pets and indoor sections should be allowed, especially in inclement weather and northern climates.

Let the majority rule — yes, discrimination against the 1 percenters. It’s economics, and the majority love and admire well-behaved animals even when not owners themselves. In-pet friendly homes, the animals are in the kitchen, on the table, etc. Leave sections separated for the non-pet owners, intolerants and anti-animal individuals. In some communities food inspectors turn a blind eye, which is not the way to do it. Change rules and manage it legally.

In the wild, our nation’s only Big Cat, Cougar, is a formidable predator and essential to our ecosystem, keeping nature in check of diseases among other things. A dog is inferior in the wild (a hunter’s observation) and only a scavenger, except when in packs. In packs, dogs (wolves especially) are a formidable force.

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James H. Mundy IV, Big Cat Specialist and Domestic Cat Rescuer (One-time St. Bernard owner and up to 9 indoor/outdoor rescue cats).