K9 Karma is all about celebrating the relationship between humans and their pets. Here are a few reasons why pets make us feel so good:

• Pets Help to Lower Blood Pressure. A study at the State University of New York at Buffalo found that people with hypertension who adopted a cat or dog had lower blood pressure readings in stressful situations than did those who did not own a pet. (Dr. Karen Allen, State University of New York at Buffalo )

• Pets Help to Reduce Stress. Walking with a pet helps to soothe nerves and offers instant relaxation. Studies conducted worldwide have shown that the impact of a stressful situation is lesser on pet owners, especially males, than on those who do not own a pet. (Josephine M. Wills, Waltham Centre for Pet Nutrition, United Kingdom )

• Pets Help to Prevent Heart Disease. Because pets provide people with faithful companionship, research shows they may also provide their owners with greater psychological stability, and thus a measure of protection from heart disease. (National Institutes of Health, Technology Assessment Workshop: Health Benefits of Pets, 1987)

• Pets Help to Lower Health Care Costs. People with pets actually make fewer doctor visits, especially for nonserious medical conditions. (National Institutes of Health, Technology Assessment Workshop: Health Benefits of Pets, 1987)

• Pets Help to Fight Depression. Pets help fight depression and loneliness, promoting an interest in life. When seniors face adversity or trauma, affection from pets takes on great meaning. Their bonding behavior can foster a sense of security. ("Between Pets and People: The Importance of Animal Companionship," by Alan Beck and Aaron Katcher)