Pet ownership can be beneficial in combatting social stress. This is the finding of a new study into the effects of the human companion animal bond. The therapeutic use of pets as companions has gained increasing attention during recent years for a wide variety of patients - people with AIDS or cancer, the elderly, and the mentally ill. More than 20 years ago researchers found that "pet ownership" was a most significant factor in preventing heart disease.

Our pets are our loyal companions so we do not have to feel alone or broken-hearted. In their spontaneous playfulness, they balance our minds and bodies as they urge us to recreate, restore and heal. They connect with our emotions, both our joy and our pain alike. They remain our partners as we journey together with them, exploring and learning our lessons in life.

Animals bring out our nurturing instinct. They make us feel safe and love us unconditionally. We can just be ourselves around our pets. They keep us in touch. As we touch them, they touch us in our most basic rhythms deep within. They remind us of our inner need for playfulness, rest, relaxation and restoration. They are uncluttered by chattering thoughts and are attuned to the healing rhythms of the earth and those same earth rhythms within our bodies.

Recent studies in the effects of cat purring suggest the frequency of their purrs strengthens the cat's own bone density and tolerance for pain. They expend much energy in their purring rhythms, which are between 25 and 50 cycles per second. There may be an amazing potential here, because some studies suggest that broken human bones and arthritic tissue may be healed by these same resonant frequencies. Having a cat purring on the lap may be more soothing than we realize.

Preliminary studies are being considered to investigate whether cat purring may assist in the healing of our bones, increasing bone density for us as we age or for astronauts who lose bone density during their time in space. Our cats may be teaching us new forms of vibrational healing that could be applied to arthritic disease or as a soothing pain reliever.

A study conducted at UCLA found that dog owners required much less medical care for stress-induced aches and pains than non-dog owners. In a study conducted at City Hospital in New York, it was found that heart patients who owned pets were significantly more likely to be alive a year after they were discharged from the hospital than those who didn't own pets. The presence of

Chairman of the Society for Companion Animal Studies (SCAS), Mary Whyam, said: ''For a lot of people, having a pet means that they feel less lonely and therefore less socially isolated. This is particularly true for elderly people living on their own who are less mobile. To them a pet is a great companion, giving them unconditional love and friendship that they would otherwise miss through reduced social contact.''

SCAS is a registered charity dedicated to increasing our knowledge and understanding of the relationship between humans and companion animals, and to improving the quality of life of people and pets by encouraging responsible attitudes.

A further study by Dr. Allen showed the positive effects pets can have on their owners' blood pressure and heart rate. In this study she measured the heart rate, blood pressure and perspiration response (that is the body's stress indicators) among 45 adult women while they performed a standard stress task in the presence of a female friend or a pet.

The results revealed participants demonstrated higher signs of stress and poorer task performance in the presence of the female friend than those with the pet or those who were alone. This could be due to the non-judgmental nature of pets - once again, proving that pets really are good for our health and help us to beat stress!

It is surprising that it does not matter what the pet is to get the therapeutic benefit. It could be a dog, a cat, parakeet, a gold fish or anything else. The only thing that matters is that the animal is of interest to you.

It is important that the pet you select fits your temperament, living space and lifestyle. Otherwise it will be additional source of stress. So, check out a few potential pets and see whether the chemistry is compatible before you decide to adopt one. With the right pet, you can look forward to many years of pleasurable companionship and reduced stress. Enjoy!

Susan Stewart is co-founder and partner of It's My Nature, an Aromatherapy business based in Florence, Oregon. Providing dried herbs, essential oils and many comfort and stress reducing products. Catering to the beginner with small sizes, recipes and an informative monthly newsletter. See It's My Nature's large, informative website at http://itsmynature.net or a free brochure is available by calling 1-888-445-5051.