Recently, scientific studies have confirmed what people have thought about pets for a long time - companion animals make people feel good . Animals reduce stress and provide companionship. Further experiments showed decreased physiological arousal in people when in the presence of an animal. For example, facial expressions relax and decreases in muscle tension around the eyes, mouth and brow are recorded. The voice becomes softer, higher in pitch, and is broken into smaller fragments.
People ask their animals questions and allow a pause.
They confide in them. Animals have proven value in facilitating therapy. They have been used successfully in nursing homes, mental health institutions, and centers for the handicapped. Repeated studies have shown people respond better to therapy, have reduced healing time, and even longer life spans because of companion animals. Most companion animal owners believe their pet is a part of their family.