It's time to take some facts for a walk.

 

Here are three data points that have nothing whatsoever to do with each other.  Nothing at all.  1. The Humane Society estimates that approximately 2MM unwanted dogs were euthanized in 2009.  2.  The American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery reports that approximately 9MM facelifts were performed in 2009.  3.  The American Academy of Neurology has just published a study that concludes that walking 6 to 9 miles a week may help preserve brain size and prevent cognitive deterioration later in life. 

 

See?  Totally unrelated.  Unless you consider that the fastest growing segment of the population is people over 65 years of age...and the cost for providing long-term care for seniors is going to increase proportionately...and healthcare programs already constitute the largest percentage of the federal budget...

 

So here's a way to connect the dots, and the opportunities.  Seniors need a way to stay healthy.  And shelter dogs literally need a reason for being.  It's a match made in health care heaven.  Not only does dog-walking provide a great fitness program, dogs provide love and companionship, which research shows improves long-term quality of life.  In addition to helping seniors' mental health, dogs help to decrease stress and loneliness, and may even reduce their owners' cholesterol levels.  All of which makes folks healthy and happy, so they feel and look great.  Think of it as a cost-effective health-lift, instead of a $10K facelift.

 

We're thinking it has all the makings of a grass-roots stimulus program.  Instead of unnecessary spending on luxury goods (facelifts), redirect those funds toward idle resources (dogs) and improve our aging infrastructure (senior health).  And all it needs is a catchy name.  So we thought up a few:  The Rover Recycling Program.  Bucks for Barkers.  Put a Leash on the Deficit.  Save Some Face, Walk Some Place.

Whatever you call it, it's a great new trick.  And one that would make all the old dogs live longer and feel better, whether they have four legs, or just two.

 

You can read previous installments of the quick Sliver in our online archive. Just go here: http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs015/1103023679528/archive/1103033975377.html