The human-animal bond is a relationship between a human and an animal that involves love, attention, and trust. Animals can ease loneliness, promote nurturing and socialization, and improve the owner's quality of life.
Companion animals can help humans improve trust, memory, self-esteem and concentration.
Pets help improve our social lives by keeping us active and connected to the community. In Alzheimer's patients, pets stimulate memories and encourage interaction with others. Troubled and withdrawn children, elderly and handicapped become more responsive and happier when around animals. A 1995 study evaluated 400 heart attack survivors one year after being discharged from the hospital and found patients with pets had significantly higher survival rates than patients without pets. In general, pet allergies can be controlled.