Harvard researchers tracked nearly 8,000 males, with an average age of 65. Those men who enjoyed chocolate and candy lived almost a year longer than those who did not. Those who ate one to three candy bars per month had a 36 percent lower risk of death (compared to people who ate no candy), while those who ate three or more candy bars per week had a 16 percent lower risk.

Why? The researchers say they don’t know for sure, but that it might have something to do with antioxidants. Chocolate contains same antioxidant chemicals as wine (phenols). In chocolate bar, phenols help preserve fat. In our bodies, phenol can help prevent atherosclerosis.

Like anything, chocolate is best enjoyed in moderation. Just one ounce of solid chocolate packs about 150 calories and can be as much as 50 percent fat. So, for your next chocolate fix, consider reduced fat alternatives, such as chocolate covered foods or chocolate syrup.

3.Choose right venue to suit your dog’s personality.

A convalescent home, children’s playground at a shelter, a prison, and a psychiatric ward all require slightly different tolerances from dog. One dog may be sad at lack of contact in a convalescent home, while another might be over-stimulated by a group of active children.

4.Start with good obedience training.

Check with your vet or in yellow pages for training opportunities in your community.

5.Condition your dog to stimulating new environments, building her trust and confidence in you. (If you’re taking her there, it’s okay.)

6. Read some books on subject. There’s a list here: http://www.dog-play.com/books.html .

7.Join an organization that can help you learn and also direct you to opportunities.

The Bright & Beautiful Therapy Dogs, Inc., http://www.pet-therapist.com , Therapy Dogs International, Inc., http://www.tdi-dog.org , and Delta Society, http://deltasociety.org .

8.Obtain a Canine Good Citizenship Certificate, awarded under guidelines by American Kennel Club ( AKC).

It involves basic good behavior, following some commands, being able to stay alone briefly, not whine or bark, good grooming, and other things. You can read about it here: http://www.akc.org/love/cgc/program.cfm .

9. Once your dog has earned Canine Good Citizenship Certificate, you can register him or her in Canine Good Citizen Hall of Fame: http://home.earthlink.net/~dianebassett/dogtraining/CGC_hall_of_fame.html .

10.Don’t be afraid to set this up on an informal basis, from simply going to visit a home-bound neighbor, to calling volunteer director at local children’s shelter and asking if you can come by.

A good volunteer director is adept at working in various volunteer opportunities, and also always looking for enriching, fun and/or educational activities for clients.

Your visitation may be highly structured or not, involve one-on-one or group, you may visit residents’ rooms or meet in meeting room, and yours may be only animal there or one of many.

You can see various possibilities this can provide for a meaningful family or individual experience. There are both intellectual and emotional learning opportunities. With right animal companion, you’re on your way and someone’s going to be very happy to see you!