By Tim Seyfert

When it comes to keeping her spirits up, Mountain View resident Phyllis Olson doesn’t know where she’d be without her dog, Louis.

“He’s helped me through some difficult times,” the 87-year-old said of her Papillon. “He’s always been there for me.”

Like Olson, many senior citizens are discovering the healing power of pets. It’s no secret how much the unconditional love of a pet can tug at the heartstrings, but recent studies suggest that owning a pet may also be beneficial to one’s health.

According to research from the National Institutes of Health, the bonds people form with their pets can improve certain medical conditions, including heart problems and depression.

For the past 11 years, Olson, a pet owner most of her life, has relied on Louis (pronounced Louie) to help her cope with bouts with the blues, especially since the recent hospitalization of her 92-year-old husband.

“Whenever I feel down about something, I always know that Louis loves me,” she said. “He’s always happy to see me and wants to be with me every second. That feels nice.”

Trisha Wamsat, a veterinary technician at Adobe Animal Hospital in Los Altos, said spending even a few minutes a couple of times a week with a furry friend can greatly boost one’s mood.

“I used to work at a convalescent home in Sunnyvale, and it was amazing how easy it was to get (the seniors) excited,” Wamsat said. “There were people who hadn’t spoken a word in weeks, then suddenly turned into giddy kids when a puppy was placed in their lap.”

Along with mood elevation, pet owners are also more likely to survive a heart attack than people who don’t own pets, according to a 1996 study published in the American Journal of Cardiology. The study suggests that the relaxing effect of interacting with pets may lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

Animal experts believe one reason pets have a therapeutic effect on people, both physically and mentally, is that they provide a sense of comfort.

“They’re soft and soothing to stroke, and nonjudgmental,” Wamsat said. “Having a pet gives people a sense of purpose and a routine, something to look forward to, which is especially important with seniors.”

With Louis, Olson undoubtedly keeps very busy.

“He’s like a child. He doesn’t think he’s a dog,” Olson said. “Every day I go throw the ball for him, and whenever I sit down he always wants to sit in my lap, just like a baby.”

“Pets can be very rewarding for most people,” Wamsat said. “They’re great therapy and great medicine.”

Though the benefits of owning a pet are plenty, animal professionals warn that pet ownership may not be for everyone. Wamsat said it’s important to assess the needs of both the individual and the animal before deciding which type of pet to get, as well as whether or not to get one in the first place.