Pet ownership can bring immense joy into a person-s life, whether the owner is a child or an adult. Pets can be anything to their owners including camping buddies, playmates, guides, and workers. Not only are pets loyal companions but they can actually improve their owner-s health! Recent studies have revealed that owning a pet may enhance heart health, encourage weight loss, and lessen the chance of depression and other psychological disorders, such as anxiety. Stress is a big factor in many people-s lives, and people are always looking for new ways to cut back their stress levels. Pet ownership can decrease stress levels by more than fifty percent. Children who own pets are more extroverted and understand responsibility, and elderly people who have pets are less likely to suffer from depression caused by empty nest syndrome and other depressive disorders. Playing with a pet or simply petting or watching it reduces blood pressure and promotes calmness within the owner. Owning a pet lowers bad cholesterol and triglyceride levels considerably and reduces the owner-s risk for heart problems, such as heart attacks and strokes. Most pet owners benefit while recovering from illnesses and surgeries because pets provide companionship and increase morale, which promotes healing. Pets support weight loss because they need exercise as much as their owners do. When owners take their pets out for walks, jogs, etc. they are getting much needed exercise for themselves as well. Next time you look at your furry, slithery, feathered, or slimy best friend, think about all the wonderful health benefits you are receiving from having them in your life, not to mention all the attention and love they bestow upon you every time you walk in the door. So, remind your pet that you know they love you with some yummy treats.