By Blake Miller, For The Mountain Times There’s something special about the bond between pets and older adults. Research has shown that owning a cat or dog can actually benefit seniors’ health in many ways. First and foremost, pets encourage routine. Whether it’s walking a dog or feeding a cat at the same time each day, structure can be grounding. Routine helps reduce feelings of loneliness and gives a sense of purpose, something to look forward to every day. Beyond routine, pets keep people active.