Most often, continued grief is caused by loneliness, which is a common occurrence when you lose your spouse. We've been used to living with and caring for someone, now that part of our life is over.

It doesn't need to be. A pet can be a great companion and comfort when living alone. Just be sure you are getting the right pet for yourself. A large dog is not appropriate for apartment living, for you or the dog. If living in your own home, but don´t have a fenced yard, you would be better off with a cat rather than a dog.

If you have breathing problems, don't consider birds for a pet, they are often considered a cause of this problem. Consider an older animal. A mature animal is likely to be calmer, which may be a good fit for a senior. Check out your local Humane Society, animal shelter or Purebred Rescue group for wonderful, loving and more mature companions.

There’s no question that pet adoption can be good for some seniors. The benefits are well-documented:

• Lower blood pressure
• Reduced cardiovascular disease
• Reduced feelings of stress
• Lower cholesterol levels
• improved overall health means fewer doctor appointments
• Increased sense of responsibility and alertness
• Reduced sense of loneliness
• Increased activity during the day
• Increased fun!

Though pets can't replace human relationships for seniors, they can certainly augment them, and they can fill an older person's life with years of constant, unconditional love.