FAIRHOPE, Ala. — Roger Caras, a well-known animal rights activist, Hollywood executive and naturalist, once said, “Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole.” According to the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association’s survey, the American population owns over 73 million dogs, so it would seem that many agree with Caras.

“The steady increase in pet ownership confirms that a growing number of us are realizing pets truly enhance our lives,” said Bob Vetere, managing director and COO of APPMA. “Pets not only provide unconditional love and affection, research now shows they also provide significant health benefits.”

According to the APPMA survey, nearly all pet owners say companionship, love, company and affection are the number one benefits to owning a pet. Fifty-nine percent say pets are good for their health and the health of their family and help them relax. Forty percent say owning a dog even motivates them to exercise on a regular basis.

When it comes to loving our dogs, Fairhope is no exception. We had a labrador named Willie Bean run for mayor this year. We have a book out called, The Dogs of Fairhope by Terri Somme. We are building a dog park on the corner of Sarge Turner Drive and Volanta Avenue. Many restaurants like Panini Pete’s and Original Ben’s Jr. have pet-friendly courtyards available.

“Pets in Fairhope are pampered by their owners. We have a lot of empty-nesters here that consider their dogs their children,” said Lee Seay, manager of the Pet Haven.

Lynn Anderson, owner of South Paws, a holistic, hands-on pet spa on Bancroft Street agrees, “The average dog in Fairhope is nurtured and loved, they are not just a dog to most people, they are a part of the family,” she said.

Like Tony Baldwin, a manager at Fairhope True Value Hardware, who brings his well-known, basset hound, Snoopy, to work with him regularly, Anderson takes her four animals with her to work at South Paws daily.

“Their company at work is a privilege for me. I take them with me every day because I can,” she laughed.

Taking your pet to work is a growing trend according to the APPMA. Their survey indicated that 73 percent of people who brought their pets to work with them showed that the pets led to a more productive work environment and 96 percent said staff morale increased. Storeowners who take their dogs to work have even reported an increase in sales.

Work isn’t the only place Anderson takes her pets though. Her sweet-spirited standard poodle named Kasper is so pleasant that he regularly visits nursing homes and mental health institutions with Anderson to provide companionship and cheer to the residents. According to Alzheimer’s Association Dementia Care Conference research, “if dementia patients living in a nursing home are visited by a dog, they tend to laugh, smile, and respond more for weeks to come.”

If you are interested in bringing your pet to help cheer patients, you must have your pet certified by your veterinarian and also contact your local nursing home to ask about requirements and visitation schedules.

“Dog people are all-around good people,” gushed dog enthusiast, Alice Royal, owner of a golden retriever named Brandi. “I think a kind heart is one of the requirements for being a dog owner,” she added.

Royal seems to be onto something, as many of the owners of the grooming shops in town all support local canine charities like the Haven, B.A.R.C. and Circle of Friends.

In fact, when volunteers are not available to work the Haven’s Resale Shop, owner of Dog Daze, June Steele, who shares a building with the group, often runs their counter.

“I make my living off of dogs. Helping a great organization like the Haven is the least I can do to give back to these wonderful animals,” she said.

To quote Caras again, “Dogs have given us their absolute all. We are the center of their universe. We are the focus of their love and faith and trust. They serve us in return for scraps. It is without a doubt the best deal man has ever made.”