Last July, the Purina Senior PetLover Survey reported that of 514 senior Americans, aged 60 and over who have pets, 60 percent said that their pet keeps them mentally alert and their memory sharp. These pet owners visit their doctors less frequently, and almost half reported that they became more physically active; most women were pleased to have lost weight! Many were walking more. Eighty-four percent of those surveyed stated they generally felt happier and their days were brighter after they welcomed an animal into their home.

My friend Murray Frankel has a beautiful, big dog that goes everywhere that Murray goes. He is part Australian shepherd and part Queensland heeler; a very smart dog that opens the door and drives the tractor, Murray brags unabashedly. "His name is Yard Sale; you can guess where I got him eight years ago, when he was a very small puppy!"

When I asked what Murray calls him when he wants the dog to follow, obey or come close, he replied, "I never call him, I just whistle."

I asked my friend what the dog means to him. "He is my fourth son who has enriched my life," Murray said. He is enthusiastic in recommending pets for seniors.

This garrulous, fun-loving 82-year-old resident of Ramona said of animal companions, "They are a great substitute for relatives!"

Murray's only regret is that eight years ago when he picked out Yard Sale, he proceeded to have him neutered. Today, he is so proud of that beautiful dog that he would have preferred to see what kind of offspring he would sire.

When I commented that he must have had to do some serious training, Murray told me it was easy. "When you train a dog, do not scold him; he will forget what that was all about immediately. But if you reward him for the good things he does, he will never forget those benefits.

"He is worth all the great amounts of hair I vacuum out of the car and the house and besides, if I try to go out without him, he blocks me from leaving." It is quite clear that Murray and Yard Sale have a wonderful relationship.

Another friend and neighbor, Bette Platt, has had Kobe, a rescued Greyhound racer, for five years. Like Murray, Bette lives alone and takes her dog wherever she goes. He is gentle and well-behaved; "He's my buddy," says Bette. "When I visit you at home, I will just bring his blanket. He will curl up in it and stay until we leave, and he will not bother us at all."

Bette had to train Kobe because racing dogs spend most of their time in cages and know very little of everyday living. For example, he did not understand how to step on and off a curb. They had to rehearse simple daily habits.

Bette agreed that pets and seniors make a great combination. When, in the past, she volunteered at a nursing home, she observed how excited residents would become when pets were brought in to visit. The most disabled of our elders draws pleasure from stroking or holding a cuddly animal.

I spoke to several representatives of Humane Societies in North County and San Diego. Although each society is a separate entity, they follow a general policy regarding adoption of dogs and cats. In most instances, they charge about $100 to adopt a dog, $150 for a cat and $175 for a puppy. In many cases, there is an additional registration fee. Fees generally include a health examination, neutering, spaying, a micro-chip ID and vaccinations. In Oceanside, Vista and Encinitas, seniors 60 and over get a $50 discount. At the Humane Society in San Diego, the fee is waived for a senior who adopts a dog or cat aged 7 or older. The Fallbrook Animal Shelter usually holds adoptions every other Saturday; the shelter's fee is a standard $75 for cats, dogs or puppies, but it does not include a rabies vaccine.

Research the Internet or your local phone book to find a Humane Society or shelter in your area. Seniors who enjoy the company of a pet will find affection, companionship and a reason to get up in the morning.

Agnes Herman is a freelance writer living at Lake San Marcos. Contact her at (760) 744-6878 or e-mail aggherman@sbcglobal.net.