What is a true friend? We usually look for someone who is loyal, warm and genuine. But because humans have complex feelings, these things seem hard to find. However, the animals who we take into our lives offer us these traits and more importantly they offer us healing.

According to an article IDS News, a recent study has shown how powerful the unconditional love from our pets. There are health benefits of living with a pet. The study funded by the National Institutes of Health followed people that had a heart attack. After a year, people living with their pets showed signs of being healthy again versus people who don't have pets.

Pet ownership can contribute to reduced cholesterol level, high blood pressure and of course to ease the feeling of being lonely. Some pets can also offer a lot of opportunities to exercise and social interactions. Like some athletic dogs can make people go outside to do many outdoor activities such as running, hiking etc. While for some can connect with people in the parks and make new friendship. Taking care of a pet in times of depression or anxiety can give people a sense of purpose. Pets depend on their owner for their basic and emotional needs, because of this, people in turn feel needed and wanted. Pets can cater to the darker emotions that people feel because they are beside their owners most of the time.

Pets have a very important role in almost every person's life. They love their owners no matter how the situation. Good or bad, high or low they will always be there to provide comfort during the lowest times. They don't mind your appearance but by character and how they are being cared for and treated by their owners. Pets are unaffected by prejudice and politics but they teach people something about compassion and human condition.