Most of my clients enjoy this kind of relationship with their pets. The U.S. Pet Ownership and Demographics Sourcebook by the American Veterinary Medical Association states that 63.2% of pet owners consider their companion animals to be members of their family. Many researchers agree that human-animal interaction has a positive influence on the mental and physical health of both two and four-legged friends. Numerous studies have shown that quality time with pets results in lower bold pressure, calmer breathing, and decreased stress.

How do you feel when you are greeted by a wagging tail or a welcoming purr? There is just something about being around our furry friends that makes us smile instantly and feel so at peace.

One of the recent discoveries about pets in the military veteran population is that they help greatly with PTSD. Soldiers returning home from deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan, for example, have experienced relief from war-related symptoms by interacting with cats and dogs.

Our pets can be more than friends; they can become cherished parts of our family.