Pets prolong our lives. A couple studies have suggested that heart attack patients who own pets live longer, and petting an ANIMAL lowers blood pressure, without the side effects of medication.

- Pets make us happy. When you walk down a street with a pet, you may notice more people smile at you or interact with your pet than if you were to walk alone. Or when you get home after a hard day, having your pet greet you with a chirp or a wag of the tail may lighten the stress you've accumulated over the last eight hours. One study has been researching a link between pets and an increase in the level of Oxytocin, which is associated with happiness and trust.

- Pets combat loneliness. There is research that shows pets relieve the stress of loneliness better than people-- nursing home residents reported feeling better after a visit from a pet than even time spent with other humans. Other studies suggest that the unconditional nature of an attentive pet may be even more therapeutic than talking with a friend or spouse.

Not to say your pet should replace your friends, but there's something to be said for a pet's uncanny ability to focus on you and listen in silence.

- Exercise is a win-win situation. We are good for our pets health too-- when we take our dogs or cats or even lizards outside to play or exercise, the experience is both a mental and physical strengthening. Exercise benefits those of us struggling with stress, and you and your pet thrive on the interaction, socialization, and fresh outdoor air.