Homeless youth with pets less depressed

[Catherine]

A study was done comparing homeless youth with pets, to homeless youth without pets.
The youth with pets are less depressed and they exhibit less self destructive behaviors such as drugs.


http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/kitchener-...-1.3497338


This is something pet owners know already.  Our pets keep us healthy in mind and body. The meet out needs for love and acceptance and they give us something to care for other than ourselves.

For someone who is homeless the pet is often the only one doing that.

I hope the people who run youth programs and youth shelters pay attention to this. If you want to help homeless youth you need to reach them through their pets.