Meet five foothill residents who are living proof that pets can be the best medicine.

By Patty Fuller One made his living performing root canals. Another is a past Mother Lode Roundup queen who’s now a grandmother and small business owner. There’s also a probation officer, hair stylist, retired banker and Vietnam veteran. It’s an eclectic mix. But beyond the fact that all are 50 and older, these Central Sierra
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Heart disease has changed Carol Katz’s life forever. Now she wants to help other patients through a new support group called Mending Hearts.

When life threw me an emotional punch, trips to the barn were sure cures. Still are. Horses, I’ve learned, can be damned good therapists.

Retiree Patti Taylor-Welch is living her dream, with the help of dozens of volunteers devoted to helping children and adults with special needs.

Historically accurate and often-complicated restoration work, engineering, public relations, helping film crews, coordinating school programs, computer data entry, meal preparation, fundraising and, yes, sometimes cleaning bathrooms. Those services and more are provided by an impressively dedicated group of volunteers – most of whom are seniors – at Railtown 1897 State Historic Park in Jamestown. Thanks
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It’s not just about the axis of rotation or angle of entry for these avid bowlers. Wild shots and gutter balls? No problem, For the Senior Merrymakers, friendship is the kingpin.

Sissy Mutzner is 80? The Sonora native can hardly believe it herself. Another surprise was her stunning sweep at the 2009 National Senior Games at Stanford. A fluke, she insists. As she dives headfirst into her ninth decade, she sums up her fitness philosophy in five words: “Get up and do something.”

Gil Gilluly, 90, admits he’s “the biggest SOB in Pinecrest.” That’s not an insult, but testament to decades spent sharing the joys of summer – fishing and sailing on the popular high-country lake – with hundreds of youngsters and their parents.

One wall in Albert and Eleanor Uvelli’s home is dedicated to his World War II service, during which he received five Bronze Star medals while overseas with the Coast Guard. She has large scrapbooks dedicated to her own fascinating legacy: She is the great-great granddaughter of George Donner, leader of the historic yet tragic Donner
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