A new study looked at four million people and 70 years’ worth of research and found you’re 24% less likely to die young if you own a dog. I own two dogs, does this mean I will live extra long or do they cancel each other out because more than one is added stress?! The study doesn’t say BUT for my fell dog owners, it reduces your risk of dying from heart disease by 31%.  If you were to have a heart attack or stroke, you will recover faster. At the end of the day, it’s all about companionship.