Pets are special and are of great addition in every home. Anyone who has ever loved a pet knows how much joy that relationship can bring, but there is increasing scientific evidence that the unique bond we share with our big or small pets dramatically enriches our lives, our physical health and our emotional well-being. Pets can help to reduce stress, relieve loneliness and depression, prevent heart disease, and lower health-care costs.

Loving and caring for a pet can help anyone fight depression and loneliness, since the bond with a pet helps you maintain a sense of purpose in life. A daily walk with a dog gets you out into the world on a regular basis and encourages exercise, both of which help counteract feelings of depression. Pets can be a great comfort in times of conflict or grief, since they offer unconditional affection. They often seem to know when we are sad, and they are always attentive, nonjudgmental listeners.