When I discuss the animals in our lives, I often talk about the many ways the MSPCA/AHES aids pets. But as much as these animals need and deserve our help, it's worthwhile remembering that pets lend enormous advantages to people, too.

Studies show that the human-animal bond promotes a variety of health benefits: Pet owners tend to have lower blood pressure and lower triglyceride and cholesterol levels than nonowners. Seniors with dogs have 21 percent fewer physician contacts. Children exposed to pets in their first year of life sufffer less frequently from allergic rhinitis and asthma. Living with a pet enhances a youngster's cognitive development. The list goes on.

Volunteers in our pet-visitation program are often astonished by the way their animals' visits elicit animated responses from participants struggling with psychological or physical problems. Those who assist AIDS sufferers to care for their pets through the MSPCA's Phinney's Friends know how much comfort a pet can bring. And the use of pet-facilitated therapy in the healing professions is increasing. So, although I was impressed to read about how horses are being used to help children with disabilities ("Hooved Healers," page 6), I wasn't really surprised.

We owe a special debt to horses. Once viewed primarily as working animals, they were often mistreated. One incident of abuse, in which two horses were raced to death, inspired George T. Angell to form the MSPCA in 1868. Although they don't live inside our home, most horses today are kept as companions to people. Still, because of their size and special needs, many horses don't receive the level of care afforded other pets when disease or injury strikes them down.

Joe Silva, director of our Methuen, Massachusetts, facilities, including the MSPCA Nevins Farm, which offers sheltering and adoption services for horses and farm animals, is working to change that. He has developed a rescue operation that works in conjunction with the region's equine veterinarians. With three specially equipped ambulances, MSPCA personnel stand ready 24 hours a day to move downed horses to appropriately equipped clinics. This program has proved so successful that Silva is instructing other humane societies and animal agencies across the country. With your support, we plan to expand this work and build a national education center on equine care and rescue at Nevins Farm.

If you'd like to know more about Nevins Farm or our equine programs, please contact Joe Silva at (978) 687-0056 or e-mail him at jsilva@mspca.org. If horses and other animals help us, isn't it right that we help them?

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By Gus W. Thornton, D.V.M., President