Wayfaring Wednesday

Losing a Pet and the Quiet Grief That Follows

One of my two cats died this week. She slipped out, ran off, and was hit by a car. It’s been hard — harder than I expected. She came into our lives just before the COVID shutdown, around the same time my mom passed away. Somehow, she filled a quiet space in the house and in my heart.

For anyone who’s never had a pet, it’s easy to underestimate the bond that forms. But animals have this way of anchoring us — reminding us of daily rhythms, of warmth, and of simple love. When they’re gone, the house feels different. Quieter. A little emptier. It’s a kind of grief that sneaks up on you, because they were woven into your everyday life.

If you’ve ever felt that kind of connection, you understand why people say pets become family. And for some, that’s part of the reason they dream of owning a home — a place where their pets can roam safely, rest by the window, or play in the yard.

Research backs up just how deeply pets enrich our lives. Studies show that pet owners tend to live longer, have lower blood pressure, and recover faster from stress. The American Heart Association even found that dog owners were significantly more likely to survive major heart events — not because of luck, but because of love, movement, and companionship.

Beyond the physical benefits, pets also make us happier. Surveys reveal that people with pets report higher life satisfaction, less loneliness, and greater overall purpose. It turns out, their quiet presence doesn’t just fill our homes — it fills something in us.

As Charles M. Schulz, the creator of Peanuts, once said, “Happiness is a warm puppy.”

So whether you’re mourning a pet, adopting one, or simply enjoying the company of your furry friend, may you find comfort in knowing this truth: they don’t just share our homes — they help us live fuller, happier lives within them.

Facts about how pets can boost longevity, happiness, and general well-being.

✅ Longevity & Physical Health

• According to the American Heart Association, dog owners tend to live longer, especially after major health events such as heart attacks or strokes. The presence of a dog was associated with better survival in those cases. www.heart.org

• A longitudinal study of older adults found that those owning pets had slower decline in physical function (gait speed, cardio-fitness, etc.) over ~7.5 years compared to non-owners. PMC

• Pets appear to lower blood pressure, cholesterol, resting heart rate, and reduce the stress response — all of which support better cardiovascular health. Harvard Health

• For example: one source cites a 21% reduction in risk of death for people with heart disease who owned a dog over a 12-year period. National Council on Aging

😊 Happiness, Mental Health & Social Well-being

• A recent survey found that people with pets are more likely to feel loved, happier, and spend more time outdoors/exercising than those without pets. MSU Denver RED

• Pet interactions help reduce stress/anxiety, ease loneliness, provide structure/purpose, especially for older adults. Senior Friendship Centers

• One study showed owning a pet could increase “life satisfaction” significantly (on a scale 1–7) — suggesting pets contribute meaningfully to how we evaluate our life overall. Psychology Today

Whether you’re a long-time pet owner or thinking about adopting for the first time, home truly feels fuller with a pet in it.

If you’re ready to find a home where your whole family (two-legged and four-legged) can truly belong — I’d be honored to help you get there.

🃏 Not Playing with a Full Deck?
→ Why Some Real Estate Decisions Don’t Make Sense

I say this with love — sometimes people overthink real estate so much, they forget what kind of investment it actually is.

We tend to focus only on right now:
“How high are the rates?”
“Should I wait until next year?”

But real estate isn’t a one-hand game. It’s a long-term investment — just like stocks, bonds, or mutual funds — except this one comes with walls, windows, and a front porch.

Here’s the truth: mortgage rates aren’t forever. They shift. You can refinance. And while rates go up and down, home values have historically gone up year over year.

Now, rates are starting to come down — but here’s the catch: many homeowners still aren’t selling. They’re sitting tight because they don’t want to lose the ultra-low rate they locked in years ago. That creates fewer listings, more competition for buyers, and a different kind of market balance.

Here is a blog I wrote balancing life and mortgage rates: https://wayfaringlancaster.com/2025/10/01/when-love-low-rates-and-life-decisions-collide-in-lancaster/

For investors, this is where things get interesting.
Investment real estate has layers: rental income potential, appreciation, tax benefits, and even leverage through financing. The variables can work in your favor if you play them strategically — but only if you understand how the pieces fit together.

I break down how those factors interact (and how to make smart investment choices) in my latest blog post on my website: Long-Term vs Short-Term Rentals: Which Is Right for You? And here is a page with several blogs to explore: Real Estate Investing.

— Sandra Burkholder
eXp Realty | Elevated Investing

I wanted to share a quick update on the real estate market here in Lancaster County — whether you’re watching trends for your own home, planning a move, or exploring investment opportunities.

📊 Market Highlights:

• Median sale price: ~$359,900 (+5.9% year over year)

• Homes are selling at about 101.8% of list price

• Median days on market: around 14 days

• Inventory: still on the lean side, keeping prices steady

💡 What It Means:
The market remains healthy and balanced — not overheated, but still moving steadily. Homes that are priced well and presented beautifully are finding buyers quickly. For higher-end and investment properties, value is being driven by quality, condition, and location rather than market frenzy.

For investors, steady appreciation and solid rental demand continue to make Lancaster an attractive long-term play — especially for those focused on purposeful, value-add projects.

🏡 My Take:
This season feels calm but confident. With rates beginning to ease, more buyers are coming back into the market — yet there’s still space for thoughtful negotiation and opportunity.

If you’d like a customized look at your neighborhood or a current home value estimate, just reply to this email — I’ll gladly prepare a tailored update for you.

Sandra Burkholder, EXP Realty
Licensed Real Estate Agent since 2000
Serving Lancaster, Chester, Berks, and York County, PA

Connecting you to your dream home and the heart of the community with a professional yet approachable touch.

www.sandraburkholder.com | www.wayfaringlancaster.com
[email protected] | [email protected]

Not intended to solicit any properties already listed for sale with another real estate agent. If your home is already for sale, then please disregard this message.

Get Pre-Approved Before house hunting. I recommend contacting Shelly.