There’s no denying it. Study after study shows that people who have pets live longer lives. Having pets complements what our community is trying to do with the AARP/Blue Zones Vitality Project — adding years to our lives and life to our years. Walking the dog is great exercise, and petting Fifi the cat on your lap can lower your blood pressure.

So many times we hear people say what great lengths they go to when looking for a pet, shopping pet stores and looking far and wide for breeders.

We urge people who are looking for that special canine or feline addition to the family to shop local first — at the animal shelter or Humane Society.

Some of the pets there have been wonderful companions, but became the victims of family tragedy, unlucky circumstances or irresponsible owners. They deserve a second chance.

There are cats like Lynx, a friendly and talkative Siamese, or Fluffy, who is quite dignified. There’s Bones, the coonhound, who loves to track, and Rocky, the English pointer who came in very thin and hardly able to walk.

Even if you have your heart set on a particular breed, the Humane Society of Freeborn County’s Web site can help put you in touch with rescued animals of a specific breed.

The local shelter is currently full. The Humane Society is looking not only for forever homes for these animals, but also for foster homes for those who have been caged for longer periods. If you’re not sure pet ownership is right for you, we urge you to try to foster an animal first. When a permanent home can’t be found right away, foster homes keep pets happy and socialized.

So before you run off to that metro area pet store, check out what pets are here and in need of homes. Pets in foster care can be found at Petfinder.com.

The shelter hours are from 1 to 5 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays and noon to 5 p.m. Fridays.

The shelter is at the end of the road at Frank Hall Park.