Boon Companions

     Did you hear about Joseph Katz and Al Spiegal?  These two guys just celebrated their 100th birthday together.  They have been celebrating together for the past 91 years.  They met in elementary school, and their friendship has continued through childhood, marriage and raising families, careers, and retirement.  The birthday bash occurred in Florida where the best buds live.

http://gma.yahoo.com/blogs/abc-blogs/friends-91-years-celebrate-100th-birthdays-together-184216023--abc-news-topstories.html

     Parent-child relationships and marriage relationships have been studied to death by psychologists.  Friendship has been studied a bit less.  What we do know is this:
     1. Friends boost your happiness.
     2. Friendships help reduce stress.
     3. Pals help you deal with traumas, like illness, divorce, or job loss.
     4. Belonging to a social group gives a sense of purpose.
     5. BFF's will help you live a healthier lifestyle by telling you when it's time to exercise more or drink less.

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/friendships/MH00125

     Another thing we know is that friends don't have to be homo sapiens.  Pets keep us happier and healthier.

http://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2011/08/11/are-people-with-pets-happier-and-healthier.aspx

     Whether your little buddy is a dog, a cat, or a goldfish, eventually the sad day arrives when the pet dies.  My sister's cat died yesterday.  Chloe was a feral cat who came inside to live when she was less than a year old.  She was also pregnant.  Her kittens went to good homes, and Chloe was spayed.  Chloe's common law husband was another feral rescue named Edgar.  While Chloe accepted Edgar as her life partner, her attitude toward him would best be described as lukewarm.  On the other hand, Edgar's love for Chloe knew no bounds.  He worshipped the carpets on which she walked.  The two felines lead an exciting life including moving to Belgium for several years.  Chloe was widowed last year when Edgar passed on.  Now the two of them are in kitty heaven.  I've heard it's a place filled with catnip mice and big bowls of wet cat food.
     Sometimes people will think you are a little crazy if you mourn an animal too much.  Friends, sisters, and fellow animal lovers know otherwise.  This might also be helpful:

http://www.pet-loss.net/

Edgar is on the left.  Chloe is on the right.