You may have heard on TV or read in the newspaper lately that most animal shelters are at capacity, and that there are just not enough loving homes to ease the burden. It is heartbreaking.

But did you know that seniors and pets are a great combination? It’s true. Much research has been conducted and the results show that having pets definitely increases the quality of life and emotional health of seniors. In fact, just petting an animal can reduce the loneliness of a senior whose family lives far away, while the unconditional love and commitment that companion animals give to their owners can be like therapy.

Pets can bring new meaning and purpose to the life of an older person, as well as fostering a sense of well-being. And providing a loving home to a companion animal also helps elderly people to remain active and stay healthy, said Stephanie Monk, veterinarian at Lucerne Veterinary Clinic.

“In the past several years studies have confirmed what we have believed all along, that pets are not only a joy, but can positively affect our health,” she said. “Lowered heart rate, blood pressure, depression and anxiety, not to mention the fact that having a companion around to talk to makes us feel good.”

She’s right and, I confess, I melt when one of my cats meows at me or blinks at me – a sign of love, I’m told. All the tensions of the world can be drowned out by the purr of a contented cat. It makes everything seem right. And waking up with a paw in the face is a good way to start the day, most of the time.

Not long ago, I spoke with an older woman who said she had a new lease on life because of her kitten. She and her husband couldn’t believe how wonderful it was to have the little girl around, and how she filled their home with life.

Trust me on this, having recently rescued two little boys, kittens may not be the best choice for a senior, but in the above case it worked out beautifully.

And not to forget dogs – think about breed and age when choosing one. Talk to the staff at the shelter about your needs and lifestyle. If you are unsteady on your feet or unable to walk any distance, you won’t want a large dog that has lots of energy.

Now, while it’s medically documented that companion animals help people live longer and healthier lives, it’s important to make arrangements for the animal should you become incapacitated and no longer able to care for it. Inform relatives and friends of your wishes regarding the animal.

Also, when you are considering a pet for an elderly loved one, make sure the senior is of the same mind and really wants a pet. While a surprise party may be fun, a surprise pet is not. It is unfair both to the senior and to the animal.

So, if you are looking for a new little friend or you’d like to help out with a wish list donation, give your local shelter a call. Many are overrun with homeless animals, and would love to have your support. Let’s face it – a house without at least couple of cats is just, well, a house. Adopt a pet and make your house a home.

Carol Higgins Taylor is director of communications at Eastern Area Agency on Aging. E-mail Higgins Taylor at chtaylor@eaaa.org. For information on EAAA, call 941-2865, toll-free (800) 432-7812, e-mail info@eaaa.org or log on EAAA.org. TTY 992-0150.