All that time you spend walking your dog or cleaning up for him or her after you find a mess on your carpet is quite healthy. A new report from scientists published in the journal of the American Heart Association yesterday reveals a link between dog ownership and longevity and it’s a positive one.  Researchers looked at data compiled over a 69 year period starting in 1950 and found that people who own dogs in general live longer than those who don’t. They also determined that dog owners were less likely to die from heart disease than those who don’t live with a dog.  You see your pooch is doing much more than just providing you with companionship.  I think that’s good reason to give yours an extra treat today. That’s the way I see it.