According to the article: 1. Studies show that having pets can help people live longer, and residents at Arbor Terrace at West Cobb benefit from weekly pet therapy sessions where different dogs visit and interact with residents. 2. The activity director says pet therapy can help diminish emotional and physical pain in seniors, and reduce boredom and loneliness, by lowering blood pressure and decreasing anxiety. 3. Pet visits also encourage social interaction among residents as they discuss the pets, and the animals provide unconditional love and a non-judgmental connection that some residents look forward to each week.