The old saying, "a dog is man’s best friend," might really be true.  But not just a dog -- pets in general often apply to this.  Through the comfort they provide us, our pets can actually help to reduce stress, keep us healthier and even increase our self-esteem.  Relationships between pets and their owners are special.  Pets provide us with companionship, social interaction and an emotional relationship.  

There are several benefits to having a pet.  They increase your mood, control blood pressure better than drugs, encourage you to get out and exercise, prevent loneliness and provide unconditional love.  These are all ways that a pet can help with healing stress.  One of the most surprising ways that pets relive stress is also one of the simplest things.  Petting your pet has been shown to reduce the heart rate, blood pressure and arteriosclerotic process.  

Pet Sitters International promotes the annual “Take Your Dog to Work Day”.  It has been said that having dogs in the work place increases employee morale and encourages employees to willingly work longer hours.  Having your dog in the office provides a momentary distraction from the work tasks at hand and makes working long hours much more bearable.  

Best friends are said to be someone that is always there for you and willingly.  A best friend is said to be the person that provides you the emotional support you need in times that you are down.  But what if you could have a best friend that could do so much more than that?  Have you thought about who your best friend really is lately?